Shawn Garber Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS, FASMBS

My first impression of Dr Garber is he seems very sincere in helping patients with their weight problems. The staff was also very nice and helpful. At times they are extremely busy, but I think that is any Dr's office these days. Dr Wisotosky, the counselor helped me find some peace in making this major decision. Donna the PA was very sweet and informative. She has a very calming way about her. As far as after care, I agreed to follow up with the nutritionist for diet guidance and was informed about support groups. The risks were explained and emphasized at both meetings as well as with almost all the doctors who I tested with. I do not believe you can rate a Dr by a couple visits, the true test will be in the long term reults that I achieve with the band. Surgical competence is by far more important to me than a good bed side manner.

I found him to be very patient and understanding. My feeling stayed the same. His staff was very helpful.

I had done alot of research and I decided to use Dr Garber as my surgeon. Dr Garber is a compassionate person, I originally went to him for RNY, but I have a blood platelet disorder called Grey Platelet Syndrome. My platelets do not aggregate properly. Even tho my Hemotologist gave me clearance, Dr G was not comfortable doing RNY, but said that he would do Lap Band. I have to admit I was very upset. I considered going to a local Dr where my Hemotologist was, but my heart told me that this man was very honest with me. This man put my health before anything else. He did not say no, I dont want to take a chance on you,he said,I have an alternative.
I told myself if I have a problem regarding my WLS, I would put it in God's hands and go with the flow. You wait awhile in the beginning office visits and in the beginning,some of the staff seemed aloof, but as I go each month they all have smiles and are helpful. He was honest and forthcoming with all issues..and I also liked that right before I was "knocked out" he asked what kind of music I liked and found a Rock station!! Is he Cool or what!!!
I love him, he's the best and deserves the very excellent reputation he has.

He seemed a competent, knowledgeable individual. He isn't interested in small talk and he's not the warmest man. But he is extremely efficient. It isn't that he's rude or nasty, just a bit preoccupied. I never once questioned his capability. His staff is wonderful. Again very knowledgeable and kind. I would recommend him a thousand times over. I had my surgery three years ago. And in the past 9 months my best friend and my mother have had Gastric Bypass with Dr. Garber. There program has expanded and streamlined vastly since I went. He goes through everything you need. He does gloss over the risks a bit, but it is all in the literature he gives you. But the battery of tests he requires for your mind and body ensure you are ready and capable of handling the stress of the whole surgery process.
Dr. Garber is great!.

He is fabulous. Great bedside manner and appearantly very surgically competent. Yes it is true what they say, i waited about 2 hours to see him but i can understand why. He spent an enormous amount of time with me answering about 3 pages of questions. His staff seems very attentive to my needs. They were polite. Told me they would handle the insurance part and not to worry. He also runs two aftercare programs - one at st francis and another at mercy.
6/10/04 Saw Dr. Garber for the second consult. I'm medically cleared and pending a surgery date at mercy hospital. His staff is wonderful. Very pleasant, never short or rude. Donna his PA is a sweetheart. Again Dr. Garber spent alot of time with me answering concerns I have about anti-inflamitories I take for TMJ and knee problems. The different surgeries - duodenal switch vs the bypass. He is very patient. I feel confident I am in very good and skilled hands.

Dr Garber was very knowledgeable and great at what he does. The Dr is extremely busy but his great staff is always available to provide any information you need. Dr Garber is a wonderful surgeon who surrounds himself with a fabulous staff.
Since the Dr is very busy I sometimes felt a bit rushed but it was really not a problem because his staff more than makes up for it. Dr Garber does have all patients sign a contract agreeing to monthly check ups and does have support groups set up.
The Dr was very candid regarding the surgery he advised me of all the risks and answered all my questions.
I would give the Dr an 8 out of 10 because I really did not feel a personal connection to him but his staff gets a perfect 10! The Dr's surgical competence is incredible, I would venture to say he is the best. Although the Dr is rushed in office he was the only Dr to speak to loved ones personally after the surgery. All the other Dr's call to tell family that the procedure went Ok but Dr Garber actually goes to see them. That is something my family really appreciated.

Scare Nervous.

He explain every thing in detail without leaving anything out became very relaxed.
good and helpfull

nothing he has an excilent bed side maner

not to be afraid he's an excilent surgon and trust him when he tells you things
very much thats why you singed a contract with him for life.
yes a very good one

in detail

on a scale of 1-10 i rate Dr. S Garber a 10

both are very good

So far I am very pleased with Dr. Garber. He appears to be very compassionate. When I asked my retiring PCP about this surgery he told me to pay close attention to the operation (how his office was run). The operation speaks volumes he said. Well Dr Garber's is a very busy operation. To be completely honest, his office has really carried the load for me during this entire process. I appreciate that. Donna the PA has been especially helpful and patient. Kudos. A good family friend told me earlier this year that he had done bucketloads of research on Bariatric surgeons in the LI, NY area and Dr. Garber was the best. So far I'd say he was right on target.
<br>
With that said, I miss my old PCP and the time and attention he gave me. As pleased as I am with Dr. Garber, he's running a business. Sometimes his office is very, very, busy and so is he. Of course this is true of most doctors' offices now-a-days.

Great

it got better

great

nothing

I would not go to any other MD

100%

yes

yes

a 10

both great

My surgeon was Dr. Shawn Garber. I am very impressed with him, particularly, his confidence. Although I did get freaked out before my surgery, I always knew that I was in very capable hands.

His staff is wonderful and very accommodating. I feel completely taken care of when I am at his office. The only thing I would say is to be patient when waiting as there seems to always be a long wait for him.

One of the reasons I feel great about using Dr. Garber is because, he was very thorough before, during and after surgery. The fact that I can reach him personally at anytime of day, really made a huge difference for both my husband and I. His emphasis on before and after care was phenomenal! I feel as though every step of this commitment was thoroughly explained to me.

If you are in the NY or NJ area, RUN don’t walk to use Dr. Garber for this life altering surgery. He is simply the best of the best!