Dominick Gadaleta Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

I just met with Dr. Gadaleta for my first visit regarding LAP RNY February 18th 2002. I went into the visit having read what others had to say about him on this sight and would agree with the general consensus that he is very straight forward, extremely knowledgeable in the bariartic field and very matter of fact. I noticed some entries stating that his bedside manner is lacking but, I believe this is a serious surgery and his manner reflects that. His assistant Yvonne was very friendly and informative. I was impressed with the amount of RNY's he has performed over 350 however,I am requesting the LAP RNY and he has performed less than 50 of those. He went over all of the risks involved in both the open and the LAP and agreed I would be a good candidate for the LAP. I will complete all of my pre-surgical testing by February 16th and hope to schedule a surgery date for April. I don't foresee any problems with my insurance approval for the surgery but, a few of the DR's I have to see Pre-OP do not accept insurance so I will have some out of pocket expense. I have every confidence in Dr. Gadaleta and his staff and can not wait to begin a new healthy life with their assistance!

Hmmm, Dr. G. Well it took about a month to get an appointment, but it was worth it. He has an excellent staff. He is quiet but very honest and caring. This is a re-op for me. Had it done in 1983 with terrible complications. He did very thorough tests on me, even a few more than he usually has patients do because I was a re-op. He has support groups when you are post op and he has informative meetings for the pre-ops. I can't say enough good things about him, his partners, and the administrative staff. Truly and caring physician.

My surgeon is wonderful. I met him first because he did this surgery on my mom in Jan 2000. She was 365lbs and is now down to 170. He is and always has been very caring and understanding. he is always there for me anytime I need to talk to him or ask him a question. And he put me at ease from the very beginning right up to the moments before I went under!!

I was very happy with Dr. Gadaleta. He seems to truly care. His staff is quite busy, takes them a while to get back to you, but your questions will be answered. When I had the surgery his office accepted Oxford insurance, but they no longer do (as of October '01).

I liked Dr. Gadaleta. I am a little concerned that he has only performed about 15-20 Lap Band surgeries, although he has done 350 or more RNY's. His assistant was helpful. I have many questions and am waiting to hear from him by phone. I have started pre/op testing, but have not as yet asked for a surgical date. I am disappointed that they did not have a Lap Band referral list of their patients as they only were able to give me a list of people to call who had RNY's. Not very helpful to me. I don't know if they have a support group for Lap Band patients.

JOE COOL IS WHAT I CALL HIM. NEVER HAVE I HAD A DOCTOR THAT WAS AS LAID BACK AS HE. HE ANSWERED ALL OF MY QUESTIONS PRE OP AND TOLD ME THAT SURGERY IS NOT FOR EVERYONE SO AFTER ASKING ME A FEW QUESTIONS I WAS GLAD TO KNOW I WAS ACCEPTED AS A PRIME CANDIDATE!!HIS OFFICE STAFF IS GREAT YVONNE IS VERY NICE AND SUPPORTIVE OF US I JUST HATED HER CAUSE SHE PROBABLY ONLY WEIGHS 100 POUNDS SOAKING WET!!YOURE IN GOOD HANDS WITH JOE AND YVONNE. PART OF THE PROCESS IS COMMITING TO THE SUPORT MEETINGS ONCE A MONTH WHERE YOU MEET OTHERS WHO HAVE WALKED THE WALK AND ARE VERY HAPPY TO ANSWER ALL OF YOUR QUESTIONS.DURING YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE RISKS WERE DISCUSSED OF COURSE YOURE ALL EXCITED AND FEEL THAT NONE OF THEM WOULD APPLY TO YOU BUT PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT THEY ARE AND HOW SOME OF THEM COULD BE AVOIDED [I DIDNT AND OH BOY DID I CATCH HELL}SERIOUSLY THO DR. G IS AS I SAID COOL WITH ALL CAPITALS AND HE IS NOT LACKING IN COMPETENCE OR BEDSIDE MANNER.

I called the office and was given an appointment the following month. When I first arrived at their office, I spoke with the Dr.'s bariatric co-ordinator, Yvonne. She was very thorough in her explaination of the different procedures. Then it was time to see the Doc. He spoke with me in his office. He had as many questions for me as I had for him. He never once rushed me or even looked at his watch. He was honest in saying because of my particular circumstances he would reserve the decision on doing my surgery until all the results had been submitted from the various doctors I had to see. But he was hopeful that things would be positive. He is very calm, quiet and reserved and he doesn't really smile, but he was also extremely caring, empathetic, honest and forthright. After this lengthy conversation, he did a physical exam. I was given a complete packet of material, with the list of procedures to follow and all the contact phone numbers I would need. I am now on my way, almost done with all the visits.

Dr. Gadaletta and Dr.Gellman did my surgery,they are both wonderful and supportive.The office staff mainly Yvonne is terrific,everything was handled and explained fully to me at all times.I wholeheartedly reccomend them to anyone considering any type of weight loss surgery,they are so thourough and have a team of girls that have the inside track on getting insurance approval right away and on the first try.I got through my entire process in less than a month and that includes my surgery.The aftercare that I have recieved has been great ,I can call for anything and the excitement that the staff shows when you reach a goal is great.The post op meetings are very helpful also.I have to say that I went into this surgery very well informed and aware of all of the risks involved and what I needed to do to ensure my healing being speedy.I would have to rate both doctors as great in every area.

I originally found Dr. Gadaleta on the Bariatic Surgery Website. There was a long list and he was the only one who accepted my insurance and since I didn't know anyone who has had this procedure before I thought what the heck I'll meet him. Turns out my PCP is familiar with his practice.

My first impression of Dr. G. was a serious one. I found him to be very serious and straight to the point. He didn't candy coat anything and he wasn't trying to sell me a bag a goods. He even said to me that I may be able to digest Cheesecake, but not Ice Cream. He knows that you are going to try it. Old habits dye hard. The body has changed but now the mind needs to catch up and he recognizes that. I found him to be very competent, and I investigated him thoroughly.

I first met with is Bariatric Coordinator Yvonne, and she was able to answer most of my questions. She was very competent and helpful. I can call her whenever I need and she always has time to answer my questions.

The nutritionist (Emily) I met with was also in his office. She also took her time with me and explained everything in detail. Although that was a couple of months ago and I know I will need to call her again before the surgery.

Besides the nutrtional consult a pre-op support group meeting is also required for you to attend before your surgery. It is very informative and is run by post-op patients. One thing that was said is that after yoru surgery Dr. G. lightens up. They also have post-op support groups and when I met with Emily she told me she was thinking of starting nutrtional support group for the different stages, which I think would be great, since you are eating in a completely different way.

I was surprised at all the prep work that was need before the surgery could proceed, but I forged ahead. It took me 6 weeks to complete everything and that was seeing 2 sometimes 3 doctors a week, but it was worth every minute.

I look forward to the surgery although I am nervous, and I look forward to a new life of health and even greater happiness.

Dr.Gadaleta and his staff, particularly Yvonne, have been very supportive. I went to Dr. Gadaleta three times before I actually made the decision to have the surgery. He was thorough and he made me feel very comfortable. He was clear and he answered all of my questions. He seems to really care about his patients. He has put me through an extremely rigorous battery of tests, and all of my doctors speak very highly of him. He has support groups for before and after surgery, and through Yvonne I have been able to keep tabs on the entire process.