Stefanie Vaimakis Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS, FASMBS

My first impression of her was that she genuinely cared about me, and really wanted to help me start a new life for myself through this WLS. My impression of her changed in a good way, I got closer to her, and felt that she wasn't just a surgeon but a friend. Her office staff was amazing, and still is! Christine Robinson is the woman who I spoke to, and she is a truly amazing woman. She makes you feel so comfortable, and she is another person that I look at more as a friend and a mentor. I did not have one thing that I disliked about my surgeon. Future patients should know that this surgeon and her staff will treat you with the most unbelievable care, and me being younger than most, I am 19, they almost felt like mothers. Aftercare is not optional, it is mandatory as far as Dr. Vaimakis is concerned. It is the only way you will have the sucess you want. The programs offered are very good, and there is always a support group. The risks of surgery were made very clear to me, as well as percentage rates and statistics. I can not place a number rating on Dr Vaimakis, I can only say that I had seen another surgeon besides her, and I wouldn't have wanted anyone else to perform this surgery other than her. Her surgical competence and her bedside manner are outstanding, when I woke up the next day from surgery, Dr. Vaimakis AND Mrs. Christine Robinson were both there to check up on me and congratulate me. The only downfall was the insurance company. Also, I think that some of the tests I took were a little unnecessary due to the fact that I am 19, but I can understand how someone older might have needed to be tested in those areas.

When I first met Dr.Vaimakis, I though she was so young. Thought she was just a candy striper/aid. Not the doctor!rnBut I had a sense of well being with her, so I stuck with her. I feel that everything else will fall into place and I sense a caring nature in all the office and Dr. V.rnAs far as the office staff, I have only had contact with Christine Robinson, who has been just great in dealing with Aetna. She got me approved and I had very little hassel from them. So Far I have not experienced any negative issues as I have not had the surgery yet. rnFebruary 15, 2008rnWell, I have had the surgery and it's been over a yr. Ihave not really worked my band as I should. I have had some fills, but they are not enough. I will need to find a new dr here in Florida.rnAs far as Dr V. I have to say she was great and very compassionate. The negative side is that I was not informed that she was not in the network of dr's for my surgery(Aetna). They only paid $3000.00 of the surgery, so now I am stuck with an amount that I will be lucky to see paid off. I am very dissappointed in this. I should have been made aware she was out of network. Th at is my only negative statement.rn

My first impression of Dr.Vaimakis was she was very thorough and understanding. My impression has not changed, the office staff was friendly and will go out of their way to be very helpful.I dont dislike anything about her at this point. She is easy to talk to and she will answer your questions over and over if need be. You will have a comfortable feeling when you meet her. Dr. Vaimakis believes aftercare is very important, like group meetings,calling her if need be,and keeping your physicians informed. She explained all the risk factors for this surgery as well as alternative weight loss surgeries.At this point of my experience I wouold give her a 8 out of 10 because i haven't had the surgery yet.I believe both are very improtant to a person before and after surgery. You diffently want the most qualified as well as someone you feel comfortable with answering all you questions and making you feel relaxed.

She really is so kind and totally understanding. I really can't explain how happy I am with Dr. Vaimakis and her team. They all take the time to get to know you and understand how hard this road can be for many of us. I really do feel blessed to have met Dr. Vaimakis and \"The Ladies.\"rnWith much love & deep appreciation,rnUGLY BETTY;)

My first impression was very postitive. rnMy impression continues to change for the better. Her staff is wonderful and helpful. Her easy way of explaining things, no lecture no attitude just really wanting to see me succeed. I have nothing negative to say at all.rnFuture patients will have that very soothing feeling and lose a lot of fear about the procedure. Great emphasis on after care. Yes she tells you how to do your after care fully. She addressed all risks and if they don't phase you like me, you'll know your ready. I give my surgeon a rating of excellent. rnBoth are great.

Dr. Stefanie, is wonderful! Besides being an amazing surgeon, she is down to earth, and takes the time to explain everything involved in this procedure. Not your typical surgeon by any means (Thats a good thing)!!rnrnHer office staff are just as wonderful. Christine is great, and really bends over backwards to make this process as easy on the patient as humanly possible.rnrnThe aftercare programs are comprehensive and for life. rnrnOverall up to this point, i would recommend Dr. Vaimakis to anyone seeking bariatric!

I love Dr. Vaimakis. She was so sweet and easy to talk to. She did a great job. I can't thank her enough.

I am two years post op. I had my gastric bypass, gallbladder, and hernia operation through Dr. Vaimakis. She is awesome!!! She is so thorough with her pre op testing and exams that are required for surgery. You can call with any questions you might have or if you have a concern she will put you at ease. She truly cares about her patients. I can not thank her enough for giving me a life free of obesity. -Debra

My first impression was that Dr. Stefanie Vaimakis, MD goes the extra mile with regard to procedure and patient care.rnrnThis was reconfirmed through the surgery process, and continued aftercare. The office staff is extremely professional and caring. rnrnI am extremely pleased with the results of the surgery, and the skill with which the surgery was performed. My biggest fear was that I wouldn't be able to have a lap surgery, but all went went. In fact, I went back to work one week after the surgery. rnrnOverall, and without any hesitation, I completely recommend Dr. Stefanie Vaimakis to anyone in the NY Metro area considering Gastric Bypass. She has not only saved my life, but completely changed it. Thank you.rnrn

First impression= so young!rnChanged= very knowledgeable, confident, patient.rnOffice staff friendly and VERY courteous!rnAftercare program is as needed - no questions.rnSurgical competence is better but when dealing with any surgery you need a physician who can address all your needs including a good bedside manner.rnrnGreat experience overall!