St. Joseph's Hospital and Health Center Hospital

My surgeon wasn't able to perform my surgery. Since he works cooperatively with his associate, Dr. Matthew Fitzer performed the surgery in his stead.rnrnI found this out just an hour or so before the surgery so I was feeling anxious about the change since I knew nothing about Dr. Fitzer. The nurses were very good at filling in the blanks and the surgery was successful and easy.rnrnOnce I was released from the hospital, I never met with Dr. Fitzer again. All of my appointments and dealingsare with Dr. Graber and I have to say that I find him to be very professional, accurate in his diagnostics and supportive to the Nth degree.rnrnHis office staff is the best. They are very involved in the delivery of information and the follow up process as well. All my questions were addressed. I would recommend this team to anyone looking for a competent, professional and supportive surgeon and staff.

I met with Dr. Graber yesterday for the first time. I felt very assured by himself and his staff that they care for their patients and want only the best for them post op. rnDr.Graber has a great manner about him and is very honest about his practice, he told me about his stats personally since the year 2001. For now I don't have alot more than that to say since it was only my first visit.

I can't say enough good things about Dr. Graber, Dr. Fitzer and their entire staff. Many of the staff have had bariatric surgery so they are a wealth of information and are very supportive. I did A LOT of research before choosing a surgeon and it doesn't get any better than these guys!! They have an awesome track record, are always available to answer questions and were very attentive during my hospital stay.

When I entered Dr. Graber's office I was very happy with the girls behind the counter. I then spent a 1/2 hour with the nurse who went over everything with me and my husband. She was in no hurry to get out of the room and was very tentative. I then seen the doctor who examined me. He was also in no hurry to leave the room. He was very nice, and very concerned. He also tried to talk my husband into the proceedure.....LOL. He has discussed the risks of surgery and was VERY honest about his mortality rate. He has done over 900 surgerys and has lost one patient due to infection. I rate him number 1 in the Central New York area. rn

Dr. Graber is a pro's pro. I was very sure of him to start and very confident before surgery due to his demeanor. He reminded me of the way I coach, business and attention to detail come first!rnNow, after surgery I am even 100% more amazed at this guy. He is so upbeat, positive and even has some dry humor in there as well. He was always checking on me, as was his nurse assistant. I never had time to think or worry about anything, they were always there. Also, the time he commits at the hospital was amazing, walking halls I saw him many times at all hours and never not happy to see you or be there. rnI would recommend this guy to anyone who lives close enough to Utica to use him and his resources, they are 2ND to none.rnI am 5 days post-op and feeling great and excited to see the days, months fly by.rnThanks Dr. Graber for being such a special, caring doctor!!!

Dr. Graber was an excellent surgeon who provided comprehensive information prior to surgery and answered all of my questions. I was particularly impressed with his follow-up in the hospital. He and his staff made frequent rounds to check my status. It was comforting to know that they were so diligent in monitoring my recovery during the early post-op hours.rnrnAlthough he requires consults with the nutritionist, physical therapist and psychiatrist prior to surgery, there is not a lot of emphasis on a structured aftercare program. He requires patients to attend monthly support groups for four months. Post-op nutrition counseling is not automatically built into the program.

Dr. Graber and his entire staff including the staff from St. Lukes medical center were phenomenal. Dr Graber himself called me the afternon before my surgery to review any allergies and to see if I had any questions or concerns.He was in to see me shortly after I awoke and then twice more before I left the hospital , he emphasized following my bariatric diet and I will see him in three weeks to see how much I have lost. I rate him amazing. he was available at all hours and was walking the floor at the hospital ,he talks to you like you are a friend I will recommend him to anyone looking.

I liked Dr Graber, he was very informative and took time to answer both mine and my husbands questions. He is a very fast talker and I did have periods where i got lost and had to catch up. But he did make sure that all my concerns were addressed. The office staff was great, they took time to make sure i got the answers to my questions and that i understood what my responsiblities are. This was my first visit so I am not sure how much more info will follow, he gave me a few papers on post opp diet but not much info on what to expect post opp. He was very clear on the risks of surgery, he addressed that he had lost one patient due to complications back in 2003 and made certain that i understood to call if i had any symptoms of pain, fever, or questions. He also told me that he is up to 780ish surgeries. I am very pleased with him and his staff and hope that I feel the same way in the coming months.

12/27/05
Met with Dr. Graber and Lisa, the RN today. Excellent visit. Everyone was very helpful, made sure I was educated and informed and was very encouraging.

3/17/05
It seems strange to have only met the doctor who changed my life a few times. Every time I met with Dr. Graber he was professional, brisk, to the point, and calm. If you are looking for warm fuzzies and a sweet bedside manner, you are looking in the wrong place. If you want professional, knowledgable, and capable Dr. Graber is your guy. I highly recommend him.

I called for my first appt. on 1.18.06 and won't get in until 3.27.06. Long wait. Well it pays off to call for cancelation dates! I called on 2.6.06 and got moved up to 2.13.06. This is a huge jump. I went for my first consiltation and I am so impressed with not just Dr. Graber but his staff as well!! His nurse Lisa was wonderfull, she took her time in anwsering questions and getting to know my situation. Dr. Graber was open and honest about the risk. He has preformed over 600 RNY's and has had one death. He also stressed the importance of after care and your comittment to follow the "new" way of life! He has a dry sence of humor, I find that great. He knows his stuff and explains it until you have an understanding too. The one thing I absoultly LOVED about him is that he doesn't make you feel like you are worth any less beacause of your size. A negitive is that you are just a number, but I would much rather be a number than have a surgeon who doesn't have experience!!! So in that regaureds I vote that surgical competence is what matters most!