Englewood Hospital and Medical Center (COE) Hospital

My Lap Band surgery date was on November 12, 2008 and was a total success. I can't thank Dr. Vaimakis and her staff enough for their support and encouragement as I was going thru a life changing process. My original weight was 471 lbs in May 2008. They really showed me how sincere they were about your health and well being as this was a very difficult process to endure from my point of view. Their caring of their patients is amazing and I 've never seen such caring. I would absolutely recommend anyone that is severely overweight and alot of medical issues due to their weight should consult with Dr. Vaimakis and her staff...Lely, Sandra and especially Stella who really helped me out over the last 6 months not only coordinating my doctors clearances but her genuine support of me really meant alot. Anytime I needed something they were very happy to help me out in any way possible and that's something I will never forget. rnGod bless Dr. Vaimakis and her staff as I feel great only 1 week later. I'm happy to say my new weight is around 400 and I feel great!!!rnrnFrom William Davisrn

I would like to take this opportunity to share with everyone my life changing experience. This would not have been at all possible without the talented, skilled, compasionate professional Dr. Stepanie Vaimakis. I have struggled with my weight all my life and upon nearing 50 I decided I needed to do something. I am a wife and a mother of 3 teenagers and if I want to be around for them I knew I would have to intervene on my own behalf. Upon recommendation of many people I turned to the bariatric surgeon Dr. Stefanie Vaimakis for her help and guidance. First impressions are lasting and I knew from that moment I was in good hands. Dr. V. is such a genuinely kind, warmhearted person who listens and acts on everything you have to say. She is never looking to pass judgement upon unhealthy lifestyles but to recommend and encourage you as you go through the long process of preparing for lap band surgery. Kudos to Dr. V's efficient staff-- Stella, Lely, and Sandra. They are there to help you on your journey to health and wellness. They assist you and take you step by step from your first visit through subsequent post-operative follow up visits.rn Loosing weight as everyone well knows is an extremely difficult wether it's 10 pounds or 100 pounds. I personally owe my new life of health to Dr. Vaimakis. She has made the impossible happen for me. She has given me the physical and emotional tools needed to successfully loose weight. I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to recommend Dr. Stepanie Vaimakis for anyone who is struggling with loosing weight and is contemplating weight loss surgery. Thanks you from the bottom of my heart for everything that you have done for me. Dr. V. you are the best!

Wonderful!! Simply a great doctor. She is so caring and her staff is very helpful. For me, getting over the fear and shame of being overweight was the hardest part... Dr. Vaimkis really cares for her patients, listens to YOU and helps you on your journey. The only thing I can say is go visit her practice... DON'T BE AFRAID... she really can help you to help yourself. God Bless Dr. Vaimakis.

I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Vaimakis. She has a stellar reputation among her colleagues and and her patients. She is not only a highly qualified surgeon who is well-reputed for her medical expertise, but she is kind, relatable, and generous with her time. In my opinion, her manner is what makes her an excellent doctor. rnI chose her as my Lap Band surgeon because of her ability to accurately and thoroughly present the necessary information to first, decide whether or not to have have surgery, and second, which one to chose. She served and a guide and was not coercive in any way. rnIn addition to her pursuit of quality medical care for all her patients, pre and post surgery, she is genuinely concerned with their welfare and is dedicated to helping improve their lives. rn

My husband's cardiologist was bugging him for years to do this surgery and when he finally did I was very scared about the whole thing. I did a ton of research on the surgery and the doctor....so much that I decided that he would not do the surgery alone! My first impressions of Dr. Vaimakis was that she understood what I was going through - the endless dieting, trying everything to only gain in back plus a few more. She really seemed to know what my problems were and I usually never believe skinny people when they say \" I know what you're going thorugh\", but she really did! The physicals and tests that I received prior to the surgery made me feel great also, I felt that the doctor was extra careful to ensure that I was in tip top health to undergo surgery. Everything was explained to me, surgery, before care, after care, nutrition, etc. and the office staff was wonderful when it came to my insurance. They did everything for me. Before during and after surgery has been nothing but positive. Dr. Vaimakis is not only a fantastic doctor but a caring person and she doesn't realize how she has changed my life. I have been on a diet for my entire life, always struggling with my weight. From the time I was in junior high school, although looking back now, it wasn't as much a weight problem as I thought....however,when your friends are wearing size 5 and you are a 14 - you feel fat. I just grew and grew from there, then marriage and two children..I was immense. Looking back at photos of myself I realize I had what I call reverse anorexia - I didn't realize how fat I was. I recommend this surgery to everyone. It is a very healthy alternative for those who just can't keep it off. It teaches you to eat small portions, to not eat late at night, to not eat fried and high fat foods. It is making me thin. So far I have lost 90 pounds and am thinner that I can ever remember being since college. My husband has lost about the same, we eat right and exercise and have a new lease on life. We both look 10 years younger too! Dr. Vaimakis and the lap band has truly changed my life and I recommend it for anyone who is struggling to lose weight. Life is short - and its more fun when you are thin. I truly don't have a negative comment. I did have a reaction to the anesthesia afterwards which I had before, but didn't realize what it was from until the second time I had anesthesia. I had an unusual amount of gas build up inside my stomach which was uncomfortable for about a week.

I met Dr Vaimakis for the first time at her seminar back in april 08. She is the nicest person you can meet. I came to her office with a 2 page list and she answered all my questions and concerns. I felt so comfortable with her and her staff, that I did not think twice of not having her as my surgeon. I had the surgery in june 08, and everything she explained that would happen, happened. there were no surprises. When I called her office, the staff was great. They would call me back with answers from my insurance benefits (Sandra) to hospital questions (Stella) to making appts (Lilly) and billing questions (Thomas). My whole experience was and is great and would recommend her at a heart beat.

This is just a very caring and loving hospital. I've been here for other surgeries and it's always been top notch care.

My first impression of Dr. Vaimakis was positive. I was a little nervous but she made me feel comfortable quickly. Dr. Vaimakis gave me a wealth of information and I felt so knowledgeable when leaving her office. She was quite competent about the procedure and gave me access to additional internet information. She would also patiently wait for me to arrive to my appointment when I would get lost and show up late. The office staff was excellent. I called so much with questions about my insurance and direction Sandra ( the insurance expert knew my voice every time I called. I called so much I was afraid I was bothering her, but she stay professional and friendly. Sandra was so knowledgeable it was amazing to see how quickly she worked. She always had time for me. Stella the nutritionist was just as helpful she explained everything for me and kept me update with everything that was going on. Stella even spent time comparing protein shakes with me. Loly the receptionist was friendly and kind thoughtout all 100 (LOL) of my calls. The hosiptal stay was encouraging, I was encouraged to walk and I did, it became so painful at times I began crying. However, as soon as the nurses saw me they walked me back to my room gave me some pain medication and all was better in my world. However, the hosiptal read one of my tests wrong. When I informed Stella she called the hosiptal and had them review the test and everything was cleared-up. I also opt for the bloodless surgery which was great. I was called several times during the day to make sure everything would go smooth for the surgery. My surgery was July 17, 2008 and I was so excited. Dr. V came in and I knew I was in good hands. The day of discharge Sandra and Dr. V came to see me. They made sure I was healthy enough to leave and gave me a few more pointers. The Dr. V staff was just great. Everyone knew the procedures to follow which made me feel more comfortable. If you want a doctor and staff who are knowledgable about their jobs you found the right doctor. They will submit the right paper work timely and get things rolling as long as you do your part and keep your appointments.

THREE YEARS AND EIGHT MONTHS AGO I MEET DR VAIMAKIS, MY WIFE IS A ER NURSE AND THE DOCTOR CAME HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. I WAS 385 LBS. AND A POLICE OFFICER FOR 14 YEARS, I FOUND IT VERY DIFFICULT TO FUNCTION IN MY JOB, IT WAS TIME TO CHANGE THINGS. I HAD THE LAP-BAND AND WITHIN A YEAR I WAS 100 LBS. SMALLER, I AM NOW 256 LBS. LAST YEAR I WAS PROMOTED AND AM NOW THE DEPT TRAINING OFFICER, AND I LOOK GOOD IN A UNIFORM NOW. I AM NOT GOING TO START TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS TO THE LEFT, ONE THING I CAN TELL YOU THE DOC IS FAMILY TO ME NOW, AND I WILL DO ANYTHING FOR HER IF SHE NEEDED IT. I HAVE TWO OTHER DOCTORS THAT KEEP ME ON THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW, BUT rnSTEFANIE(I CAN CALL HER THAT BECAUSE IM OLDER) CHANGED MY LIFE AND ENABLED ME TO MOVE AHEAD IN MY CAREER IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THERE ARE NOrnWORDS TO EXPRESS MY FEELING FOR DR.rnSTEFANIE VAIMAKIS A TRUE PROFESSIONAL IN HER FIELD AND A FRIEND, AND I DONT HAVE MANY FRIENDS. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND ANYONE WHO IS DOWN IN THE DUMPS ABOUT THIER WEIGHT TO GIVE HER A CALL. AND THATS A WRAP

I am 3 months post op., and lost a total of 30 lbs. and counting. \"Slow is good\" says Dr. Vaimakis. I trust her. I have two very good friends who also had surgery with Dr. Vaimakis and their weight loss is unbelievable. They said this is the best Doctor in NJ and if I was truly interested in losing the weight that I have tried to lose my whole entire life with honestly no results, than this doctor is the answer to my prayers. I can honestly say I have never been so happy and healthier in my life. Dr. Vaimakis is very thorough in explaining all procedures and process of the surgery. The office staff is extremely professional and caring. This was the best life changing decision I made. No Regrets!!!