Larry Gellman Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

I had met Dr. Gellman a few months ago. I was referred to him by my Gastroenterologist. Dr. Gellman was very warm and kind on my consultation appointment. He explained the different procedures to me and we discussed which one would work best for me ( open RNY).We went over the risks of the different procedures & he explained to me about all of the testing I would need to have in order to have this surgery done. We also discussed the fact that I knew that his brother is Rabbi Gellman from the God Squad TV show on Cablevision. He found it very amusing that I found this out on the internet. For anyone trying to find a surgeon Dr. Gellman seems to have an excellent reputation and he did come highly recommended. I am nervous about the the surgery as I'm sure everyone is but I know that I will be in great hands. His staff seems pretty nice too. Yvonne is extremely well versed in Bariatric surgery and answered all of my questions even before I met with the doctor. Carol is wonderful and was a big help in getting me my date. I am looking forward to the end result. Will keep you updated as we get closer.

Dr Gellman was a pleasure to meet i had met with other surgeons before i made my choice .
i like the fact that he was interested in what i had already learned. I also liked that his office had pictures of his family . That made me feel good knowing he was a family man as well as a great surgeon!!!
Office staff i felt was a little snobish but carole is awesome any question you need she is a big help love her
my surgery was may 22nd and dr gellman was
great . he did however have a very bad cold so i was seen by associates after my surgery . the next day he stopped by and i could see he was not well he would not touch or talk to me long because he was ill and didnt want me to get it ...
i saw him a week later and 17lbs thinner and that should answer the questions of a wonderful man.
thankyou irene conte morgan

Had my consult on 1/10/03 --- unfortunately Dr Gellman was called to the hospital for an emergency. He did take 15 minutes or so to go over my concerns because I had travelled a great distance to see him. I was informed up front that surgery dates were booking into Sept (I now have an Oct 1 date :). I came away with the feeling that this practice REALLY has thier act together. I received comprehensive info and details about the procedures and potential benefits and pitfalls. Yvonne is AWESOME... she knows EVERYTHING and is a great source of info. I am EXTREMLY pleased with my choice. I attended the group support meeting and it was also a really good source of info.
Overall I was disappointed in the 9 month wait but I understand why (thanks al roker).I am very happy with my choice. I think the doc and yvonne are wonderful and ready willing and able to help

I First met Dr. Gellman in May. My first impression, relief, he was wonderful patient and listened to every fear and question I had. In the exam Dr. Gadaleta came in the room too, I was a little nervous I loved both Dr. Gellman & Dr. Gadaleta My second visit was 1/27/03 and again I was examined by Dr. Gellman & Dr. Gadaleta also came in (I think he likes me....) Just kidding I have a huge Incisional hernia which they were discussing about repairing at the same time. They made me feel so comfortable. I left there feeling confident that I not only made the right decision in getting the surgery but choosing Dr. Gellman as my surgeon. The staff is wonderful ALWAYS. Yvonne is an angel and her help very much appreciated. Their office explains every aspect of the surgery many times, If you read over all of the information you are given you should have no questions. My advice before you attend the pre surgery meeting that you are required to attend READ all of the information you have received. This is not a joke and you are wasting alot of time asking very silly questions that are really not necessary.

After thinking about surgery for almost a year I decided to take the next step. After lots of research and phone calls to my insurance carrier....I came up with two surgeons and made consultation appointments.
I met Dr. Gellman in July of 2002, at my initial consultation. I researched and referenced him. It was all good. But the meeting was going to be the clincher.
While waiting in the reception area I found his staff to be friendly yet professional.
Dr. Gellman is a warm and caring professional. Going into this I was very nervous, but minutes after sitting at his desk I felt comfortable.
As if I was the most important person in that office. Every detail was explained to my satisfaction.
I left his office with a a good feeling and "to do" list. It kept me busy for the better part of the summer. Scopes, scans, evaluations, consultations. I knew from his pre surg requirements ("to do" list) he was looking out for my best interest.
So you might be wondering about the other surgeon, well I cancelled that appt. No need to waste time. Dr. Gellman had my confidence.

IT WAS A BUSY SUMMERTIME DOING ALL "THE TO DO LIST" Scopes, scans,all kinds of work-ups!!

On 11.22.02 I had another office visit with Dr. Gellman. Once again I felt comfortable and secure with my choice of surgeons. I did not have many questions, seems like he addressed them at my consultation visit. My Mom was along and did have some questions and concerns. Dr. Gellman was respectful and caring. He gave us his time and full attention. This man is a blessing! Next update will be post op!!!
12.20.02 I am post op! Dr. Gellman and his team are simply the BEST!!!
01/04/03 At this point I am just over 2 weeks post op. Dr. Gellman and his associates were terrific during my surgery and recovery. I would recommend North Shore Surgical Specialist in a heartbeat! Yvonne is the Bariatric Coordinator and she is so helpful. My angel wihtout wings!! Oh and I lost 22.5lbs so far!!

I had changed my surgeon from Dr. Shawn Garber to Dr Larry Gellman, because Dr. Garber cancelled my appointment because of personal family business. Now,I'm not that intolerant of personal situations, but I've noticed over the months waiting to see Dr. Garber that he cancels appointments and also surgery dates a number of times, and switches hospitals alot. I met him at his support group and he seemed very nice. My decision was not based on his ability or skills. It was because I need to know my schedule and stick to it. I than researched Dr. Gellman who is part of Dr. Gadaleta's group. I was able to get a appointment right way because he had a cancellation the next day. (Talk about being at the right place at the right time) I had most of my tests and Doctor appointments done for Dr. Garber's visit, so I was pretty well set. Although Dr. Gellmans office like to use a certain nutritionist, which I had already been seen by one(why spend an extra $125.if you did it already). and one of the three recommended Psych. Doc's. With all the tests I had and all the tubes going in and out of every part of my body, the worst was this. I saw Diane Pagano for Psych. I told her I know why I'm obese and told her I was an emotional eater, happy, sad, glad, blue. She made me feel like I was being set up to fail. A lot of Psycho-Babble. What ever you do DON'T TELL THEM YOU EAT FOR EMOTIONAL REASON'S, I mean what morbidly obese person doesn't have emotional issues. But I'm pass that now and my date was originally May 8th 2003. I told them I would take any closer date even if it eas Christmas of New Years eve. They had a cancellation for Dec. 19th 2002! WOW, YIPEE, YAHOO!. So my new life will start the beginning of the New Year. Now I'm just naturally nervous. The most important thing is to go into this with the awareness of the pros and cons, the ability and concern of your surgeon, and the team around him.I have the upmost faith and regard for Dr. Gellman and his staff. He operates out of one hospital North Shore University Hospital Manhasset,NY. The hospital has a special section (2 MONTI) that is just for bariatric surgery, x-tra large gowns, beds, equipment, and a hopital staff of compassionate health car givers. I'll let you know how it plays out.

The office staff was initially not the greatest, but once I had the initial group meeting, they all warmed up. maybe I was just really nervous. The coordinator, Yvonne is really great and makes herself available.

After the initial group meeting with her, I finally met with Dr. Gellman. He was very personabale and I was not the least bit uncomfortable. He answered all of my questions and made sure to tell the risks and benefits of both the bypass and the LapBand, even though I knew I want the LapBand. He was straightforward, and honest. He told the risks as candidly as he could, but did not let me forget the potential benefits of the surgery. he answered the phone during the meeting, which is a little unprofessional, but I met with him for 1/2 hour and he wasn't rushing me at all.

He was a 10! His surgical competence and his bedside manner are both great! I am so excited to be planning a surgery with him!!!!

The aftercare program is structured. There are support groups and lists of people you can call. From what I have heard, the office is also really great at getting back to you in a timely fashion.

My first impression of Dr Gellman was relief.. I was so tired of being intimidated by doctors looking at me like I was some object that was out of control. I sually start my visits by apologizing that they haveto treat me. Dr Gellman was so pleasant I felt very comfortable with him he took his time and was willing to answer any question I had for him.

Very attentive in all phases of the surgery.