Stefanie Vaimakis Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS, FASMBS

I have to say this whole experience has been enlightening and amazing! This was not a decision I came to lightly. In fact, it took me over a year to make the decision to go ahead with the surgery. When I first learned about it, I was completely against it. No surgery for me, thank you! However, I have 2 close friends who work in the field, and I slowly became immersed in the world of bariatric weight loss. As I learned more about the procedure, I began to understand why people would chose it, and it seemed like a great tool to help... but I still thought, not for me. I began to meet more patients, and see that they were living perfectly normal and healthy lives. My thirst for knowledge always gets the better of me, and I learned even MORE about the procedure and after-care. Last fall I finally came to terms with the reasons I was anti-surgery, and took the first step by meeting w/ the surgeons and staff at North Jersey Laparoscopic Associates (NJLA). (Side note... this decision came at THE perfect time. I happened to have my yearly physical beginning of that same week, and for the first time in my life, my cholesterol and triglycerides, were not only high, but alarmingly so!)

My first interactions w/ Dr. Vaimakis were at more casual settings, but I could immediately feel the kindness, love and care radiating from her. When she smiles, you feel its sincerity and warmth. Walking into her office that day for my first consult was no different. I also met w/ Maria, one of the Insurance Specialists, and Stella, one of the Surgical Coordinators. Maria took the time to explain several different options I had, and how the office would be willing to work w/ my insurance. Stella also took the time to explain, in detail, what I would expect in the days leading up to the surgery, as well as post-op, and scheduled a tentative date.

My particular process had a few hiccups and hurdles to overcome, but between everyone working in the office, I didn't have to worry about a thing. The Executive Director, Thomas, was super supportive and extra caring. Sharon and John (Patient Relations) were a breath of fresh air every time I called, always helpful. Sandra (Insurance Specialist) was a miracle worker and actually got my insurance to cover certain expenses! Stella was there every step of the way guiding me along, from the first intake, through the pre-admission testing, to the surgery... she was even there for me when I had post-op questions. And Dr. Vaimakis, along w/ Dr. Silvestri, answered any questions I had and eased any concerns I had about surgery (being a virgin to the Operating Room myself, you can imagine I had a few). When I went into the OR this past Monday, I felt completely confident that I was in good hands.

NJLA is different than any other bariatric practice, because they really place the patients and their needs above all else. I've been to seminars for other practices and have friends who have had bariatric surgery with other practices. I am speaking to you from knowledge. Most practices see you, have you schedule all your pre-admission testing, figure out your insurance, and once you have the surgery (any surgery, whether Lap-Band, Bypass or Sleeve), they give you some instructions and send you on your way. Good luck! :)

At NJLA, they are committed to seeing you succeed and provide ALL the tools necessary for you to do so. Sure, the surgery is a huge step, but the AFTER-CARE, is MOST important! Bariatric surgery is not magical... it is not a miracle cure to weight-loss. It is merely a tool to help you lose weight and become a healthier person, with a much longer lifespan. But how can one be successful without the knowledge and help along the way? NJLA has a nutritionist to help you adjust to your new dietary needs; a psychologist to help you adjust to your new lifestyle change; a fitness instructor to help guide you into a more active lifestyle AND the doctors are available for adjustments several times each week, in various offices (for your convenience), even including some Sundays each month. It's not about the numbers at NJLA, it's about the patients. I've experienced it first-hand, and you can ask any other patient of theirs. In fact, several of their patients are people who had bariatric surgery somewhere else, but were neglected by their surgeons afterwards. You are not just a "patient" to the staff at NJLA... you are FAMILY.

I am so happy I went through with this and am excited as I embark on this new journey in my life. Like I said, this was not a decision I came to lightly, but I am certain it was the right decision for me. :)

I probably won't be posting on here that often, as I have my own blog site that I post on almost daily. Here's the link, if you're interested: Banded for Life. I would love to have you follow me along my journey! And I am looking forward to being there for your journey as well! :)

Good luck everyone! And have a wonderful day! :)

She is very knowledgeable. She and her staff make you feel as a part of their office family. They help you take the steps to a dramatic lifestyle change seem like a walk in the park. I would recommend Dr.Vaimakis to anyone that was planning to have Lap Band/ Bariatric surgery.

Dr.V.... She is great! It is such a pleasure coming to her office. Everyone is extremetly helpful, supportive and nice.
I am thrilled with my weight loss and my new life.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

She is very nice, a good doctor! She knows what she is doing and I feel save with her. I really like when I was ready for the surgery and I told her that I was so nervous and she said " Do not worry I will take care of you".

I have been nothing but happy with North Jersey Bariatrics. Dr. Silvestri did my surgery, and he was there to answer all my questions. He even saw me one day, without an appointment. And when I had some post-surgical concerns, he made sure I was taken care. (He even called to check on me after he was out of the office.)
The whole office has a feeling of lightness, pun intended, and nurturing. The staff is always smiling, and you can tell they really care about each person as an individual. I never felt the stress of dealing with my insurance, because they did such a good job being my advocate.
My favorite thing about the practice is the tools and support they offer. Nutritionists, fitness instructors, support groups and my favorite, the patient mentor.
It has, and continues to be a wonderful experience, that I reccomend to people everyday.

I don't assume, I am 100% sure that Dr. Vaimakis put her heart and soul behind every surgery. She makes sure that every patient becomes a very special one.

I must say that so far my experience has been really great. Sharon's first hand knowledge with the procedure + post operative experience made me feel comfortable with making my decision to use this as a tool to become a healthier person...

I have no words to express how grateful I am to have the opportunity to have had my Lap Band surgery done with Dr.V. The attention given by Dr. V and her wonderful staff is incredible and outstanding. I have spoken to many of my friends, family and patients about her wonderful care towards her patients.
I have no regrets "Many good wishes & a lot of success to Dr. V and her staff".

Dr. Vaimakis is professional, thorough, listens to you, you don't feel rushed during visit.

stefanie,is as far as i am concerned.the kindest,caring,human being that could walk on water.her skillS our the best by far. you look in her eyes,and her soul speaks Her husband is a devoted man, a kind reliable human being as well,SORRY TO SAY SHE HAD HER SHARE OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE TAKEN UNFAIR USE OF HER. DIFICULT TIMES OR NOT.THIS HAS NEVER IMPAIRED OR COMPERMISED HER JUDGEMENT. I AM PROUD TO SAY SHE IS MY DOCTOR.SHE SAW ME CHRISTMAS EVE,EVEN THOUGH SHE HAS THREE YOUNG SONS..IF YOU WANT TO SEE ANOTHER QUALIFIED DOCTOR,GO AHEADYOUR LOSS ON A SCALE OF ONE TO TEN, SHES A MILLION TO ONE THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART IT APPEARS IN ORDER TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY,I MUST HAVE SOMETHING NEGATIVE TO SAY.ON FEW OCCATIONS HER MAGIZINES ARE BORING.YET SHE HAS A DAMN GOOD CUP OF COFFEE