St. Joseph's Hospital and Health Center Hospital

I went for the educational session the is required before meeting the surgeon On Dec 22, 2009. I had to leave our house at 2 am to arive there to the meeing at 8:30 am. The meeting was not much that I had not learned form Dr. Graber's on line site. I then met Dr Graber's staff and each of the staff had a specific part of the intreview to do with me.I then after getting weighed and all went in to see Dr.Graber. He was fast talking and funny. He made me very compfortable. He re asked all the questions that all his staff had asked. He was totally Awesome.Hernaddressed the pre-care diet and prep tests that needed to be done prior to surgery.He emphasize aftercare to be of great importance.He adressed the risks of surgery to be the same as in any other surgery. His staff presented me with an information book that outlines everything that I need to know about the tests, surgery and after care. THe doctor said that I would need to follow everything that he told me to do and take all meds as perscribed not to just quit th em when I was feeling better. He addressed all my allergies and explained what he could do to avoid giving me those meds. He was wonderful. He spoke to my husband and explained to hin that I would need all the support from him. THe doctor allowed me to ask any questions that I had and he answered them all.This Doctor seems co nfident and friendly. I have heard such positive things about him from my refering doctor and patients that I have met throught the Obesity help group. Dr Graber has scheduled me to have the surgery for Feb 11th 2009. I will only need 3 days of liquid diet prior to surgery.


Had Panniculectomy (fleur de Lys) done Sept 25th 2013
The pain in non existent. Just pulling where the retention stiches are placed as they are creating the new stretch marks in my skin. The doctor has told me that once they are released the sensation will disappear and the marks will fade to nothing. All in all I am on a fairly normal day. I tire easily but sitting at the table to eat and sitting at the computer working is fine for no more than 2 hours at a time. Then I need to get up and walk a while. I am allowed to go to walk outdoors . Which I love since it if fall. like I said since I tire easily I take a short walk twice a day for about 20 minutes each time. I have lowered my food intake since I am not getting as much exercise as I would normally. I am not allowed to go in the car since I had a couple of stapled areas that were removed open. All that was done was steri strips for a few weeks in those areas and voila good as new. I need to sleep on my back with my shoulders at 45 degree angle and pillows under my knees. I had 3 drains in but 2 have been removed. the one left is at the top of my thigh. I have home care coming every 3 days to remove every 2nd staple. so far they have removed 201 staples. There are 57 left to do. The thing that I do not like is that I am not allowed to take a bath or shower. I have difficulty scabbing over so they do not want me to wet the area. So I sponge bath 3 times a day to feel fresh. A small price to pay .LOL I will have something to look forward to . I had 25-30 lbs of skin and fat removed. I feel so much lighter. Now I am told that once the swelling is gone It could be another 8-10 lbs. that will be over a period of 6-9 months. All in all I currently have lost 10 inches at my hips. YEA!

I met Dr. Graber yesterday. He was very professional as I had heard that he is.
He is straight forward and to the point. He tells it like it is and gives all the facts.
His office staff is there to help in any way.

Doc Graber was a bit rough seeming at first. I was very nervous and didn't quite understand his humour. He came around quickly (assuming he picked up on my uneasiness) and became great. He was really dedicated to his work and knew so much. he answered all of my questions to my satisfaction and I was very happy with him. rnrnI loved the staff in Utica! Everyone was nice and acted like they truly cared about me and my journey.rnrnFuture patients should know that he knows his stuff, and does a great job! He loves what he does and it is so clear. rnrnThey STRESS aftercare. Infact, They wouldn't let me leave the hospital in Utica until I passed his \"test\" where he asks certain questions to ensure you're ready to go!rnrnThey have a very structured aftercare program. Post-op visits at 3 weeks, 3 months, and then yearly. They also do check ups and are there for you anytime you have a question!rnrnThey were very frank about the risks associated with the surgery. They wanted to make sure I knew what I was getting into. rnrnI would rate Dr. Graber 10/10!rnrnI think surgical competence is CRUCIAL, but for me, bedside manner was also critical - he was going to cut me open! I needed to trust him. I did!

I loved Dr.Graber from the moment I met him,he seems so positive and the kicker was the bow tie that he wears-I love itrnrnMy impression of Dr.Graber and staff just got better over time,everyone is so friendly and they always tell you to ask any questions that you want.rnrnThe care before during and after surgery has been great they really take care of you and make you feel comfortable.rnrnThe green sheet we have to follw for our diet for 7 weeks post op sucks because you get bored really easy and I couldn't find a protein that didn't make me wanna gag but I understand why it has to be followed and really its only 7 weeks.rnrnEverything leading up to the surgery was explained in full detail with pictures and the bariatric bible that we should read and that I have read like 10 times.They go over all the risks of the surgery and the aftercare.rnrnSurgical competence, bedside manner, were both great.rnrnAn overall ranking of my experience with Dr.Graber,staff and faxton St.Luke hospital would be a 10 out of 10 and would highly reccomend the drive to utica for anyone.Also the statistics of this surgeon were very comforting.

I was extremely happy with Dr. Graber and his office. The only advice I can give anyone about him is that his sense of humour is a aquired taste.

My first impression had to stem from the bow tie. I knew then, that he was the kind of doctor that wanted to make you smile and over time, I knew that I was absolutely right. The office staff was nothing less than excellent. The emphasis on aftercare was extremely important and the program looks very structured. The risks of surgery were addressed several times, so I knew what I was getting into all along the way. I would rate him to be perfect. Five of five. Absolutely! Both surgical competence and bedside manner were excellent. Very happy patient here!

My first impression of him was that he was funny but direct! rnrnThe staff is great, very friendly and helpful...rnrn

my first consult is June 9 09rnrnMet with Dr Graber,rnI love him.rnvery informative and reassuring !!!!

I've had my first meeting with Dr Graber and his staff, they are wonderful. Everyone was so friendly and kind, and very knowledgable. I'm looking forward to seeing them all again when i go for my surgery.

Let's just say he is one of a kind, and I am lucky he was my surgeon. Dr Graber has a dry sense of humor, He says it how it is, which is hard to come by these days! His staff is amazing, very friendly and informative. When I returned home I was content knowing that I had a doctor that truly cared for his patients from a medical prospective. The fact that we his patients could contact take him or Dr Fitzer with any questions at anytime, was another factor in why I chose him and his team. He is confident in his work and that's what I wanted! Hahaha the thing I least liked about Dr Graber was his ties? There isn't on thing I didn't like! As far as after care goes, Dr Fitzer would not let me leave the hospital till I passed his test!! After care is important to them as much as the surgery is! The risk of the surgery where explained to me straight out, here makes you aware, and you need to be aware. This was a risky journey as well as scary! However again I am very thankful I had the opportunity to have him as my Surgeon as well as his team standing right behind him and me. rnrnI give him 100 percent (\",)rn