Shawn Garber Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS, FASMBS

I met with Dr. Garber on 5/30/03. He was very professional and very courteous. He thoroughly explained the procedure and what to expect. I had a number of questions prior to my appointment, however, I did not need to ask them because he covered my concerns as he explained the procedure to me. He asked me if I had any questions and did not rush me at all. I had gone to his support meeting the previous evening and was impressed that after a day of surgery he would avail himself at 7:00 p.m. to his post-op patients and those of us gathering information regarding the surgery. In my opinion he shows a great deal of caring and interest in his patients. At the support meeting he said that he feels wonderful after the meeting by hearing how wonderful the lives of his patients have changed as a result of WLS. I feel that Dr. Garber is a doctor truly dedicated to his field and his patients. I have not as yet had the surgery and will update this site at that time.

Dr Garber is a nice man, he answered all my questions, and told me what would happen and how I would feel.<p>


His office staff was a little to be desired. Jenn was very nice. Lisa was not. She was very rude and was always very nasty.<p>

Nothing about him just his office staff.
He cares about his patients and calls you after you have surgery.<p>

I have only seen him once since I had my surgery. His office is so far from my home, that If I have a problem I go to my regular
Doctor.


Everything about Dr Garber was very professional. He has a great bedside manner.

My first impression of Dr. Garber was that he was extremely busy. He did however take the time to fully explain the different procedures and answer any questions that came up. His staff is great and Desiree is wonderful. I had done my research prior to my consultation so I did not have many questions but he was more than willing to answer any that came up and always answered my emails in a timely manner, which I greatly appreciated. Due to some unrelated medical problems I did not qualify for the RNY so I ended up having the lap band. Dr. Garber usually persuades his patients to go for the RNY so he did not seem very enthusiastic when it came to my surgery. I trusted his surgical competance and he did a great job. Overall I have had a positive experience and would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

I have been thinking, researching, more thinking, even more researching about this surgery for some time -- since around this time last year. I finally called Dr. Garber’s office in January 2003 and made an appointment. The earliest appointment I could get because of his schedule was May 2003. Wow, what a wait but I’ve waited this long. For some reason, I just picked up the phone on April 1st and called Dr. Garber’s office – hoping that there be a cancellation. His staff said “Could you make it here on Friday, April 4th at 2?” I didn’t hesitate, didn’t think of what was going on at work or at home and said YES.

I’ve read the posts on this message board, and yes you do have quite a wait to be seen by Dr. Garber. However, his staff was most helpful, advised what was required to get approval from my insurance company, and provided materials regarding the procedure to read. I struck up conversations with others that were waiting and was astounded by patients who had already had the procedure and the wonderful progress that they made.

Finally I was called in and I must say that I was very nervous. Dr. Garber was very patient and reassuring. He urged me to relax and take my time and told me it's okay. I began to calm down. I prepared a list of questions and Dr. Garber went through each and every question. He explained the procedure, risks involved with the surgery and informed me what was expected of me and emphasized that this is a life commitment. I do honestly believe that should I continue at the present state that I am in, I will only subtract years from my life. I know tomorrow is never promised and Our Maker holds the cards on each of us, but if there is something that can be done to help add a few years, than this is it. So my thinking is most positive and I feel that this tool can only benefit and help me in achieving what I know is within me.

I left Dr. Garber’s office feeling very hopeful – scared but hopeful. I have since begun the process of seeing all of the doctors that are on the list that he provided and hopefully will be able to have the surgery after all of the results and approvals are in. I look forward to my next consult with Dr. Garber. Although he had a waiting room full of people and he runs a very busy practice, my time with him was not rushed – I felt that I was the only patient he was seeing that day.

I started this year with my corny saying “2003 IS ALL ABOUT ME” so I’m trying very hard to not let obstacles deter me from what I know deep down is the right choice for my life. So, Let’s Rock & Roll!

First impression of Dr. Garber was that he is a very busy doctor. His staff is very helpful and kind. I have looked up info on Dr. Garber and what I read was all good, that's why I chose him, after I met him I also felt comfortable and so I chose him as my surgeon. He is very sweet and has a sense of humor. He explained everything to me regarding the surgery, he let me know all the risks that come with the surgery. He answers all his e-mails which is a plus for me cause I have had questions that I had not asked with the first visit, things that came up after my visit and he answered them quickly. Overall I rate him on a high level, I like him and have not found or expierenced anything negative regarding him or his staff.

First consultation is scheduled for December 13th. Have heard only good things about him. Went to Support Group meeting in October; was surprised to see so many people. Glad to hear both the good and bad sides of WLS.

Had my second consultation with Dr. Garber on April 25th. Answered all of my questions, reviewed the results of the "millins" of tests and consultations I went through, and then declared that I was an excellent candidate for lap RNY.

Dr. Garber was so understanding and sensitive, I immediately felt at ease with him. I have tremendous confidence in him. He responds to any and all questions via email very quickly and the office staff is very nice and helpful.

When first meeting Dr. Garber I could tell he was very profesional and educated. He made me feel comfortable for having reservations and was able to answer any and all question I threw at him. Over time I realized how caring and dedicated he was to us (his patients). His staff seems to be new and it is hard to get in touch with them A.S.A.P. Dr. Garber is very busy and only has office hours one day a week so it is difficult to get an appointment and if you are lucky enough to get one, you wait in the waiting room for a generous amount of time. Dr. Garber holds support groups once a month and stresses exercise after the surgery. I am currently seeing him once a month for a check up and weigh-in with him. Dr. Garber is very straight forward with the health risks because he wants you to fully aware and prepared for consequences. Overall, I feel Dr. Garber is the best!!! If you have a problem he calls you right back, as a surgeon he was extremely competent and bedside he was there if needed!

Dr. Garber was so nice and he answered all of my questions without rushing me. He will have his staff call me with a date soon.

I fell he is very confident and very up front with what to expect. He has an excellent reputation