"I've thought about WLS for several years now, did the research, had insurance that would cover, then insurance that would not, finally insurance that (reluctantly) did. What made me finally do it (besides the knowledge that I must take care of me)? When Lancaster General Bariatrics opened in Lancaster, PA.....as soon as I saw the notice in the newspaper, I made the calls and set the appointment.rnFrom my very first visit with Dr. Brader, I felt comfortable and encouraged. He explained the options, respected the fact that I already have been doing my research, and put my mind at ease. When he (and the staff at LGB) outlined the program they offer, I felt that if I could possibly make WLS work, it would be with this group. While new to my area, the team is not new to the surgery, and I signed on.rnWhat I liked about Dr. Brader was that he listened to me, was quite upfront and realistic about what to expect, and made me feel that while he may be the surgeon, the person who plays the biggest role in WLS success or failure is the patient, not the doctor. rnI just got through my surgery 6 days ago, and I felt really confident, knowing Dr. Brader was there every step of the way. I've had surgeries before where you see the doc in the days before, maybe a hello before anesthesia, and then at your post-op visit. But he was physically there and present, involved in just about every step, including the lovely and dreaded barium swallow. That sure helped ease my fears!rnWhen I first went to LGB I didn't know what to think; everyone was pleasant, but I think the need for this kind of practice in Lancaster, PA probably overwhelmed their resources at first. Surely the response must have been tremendous, and sometimes it's tough being one of the \"early\" patients with a new practice. Yet with each visit, each person I met with made me feel like, \"OK, you came back, so you must be serious,\" and I felt more and more welcome, relaxed and began to believe in myself and my ability to conquer a 40 year history of obesity.rnLGB emphasizes aftercare to an almost fanatic level, but that's fine with me. Getting in on the \"ground floor\" in a practice like this makes me feel like I really AM part of the family, and they really do want to see me and continue to see me right up until my 5 year post-op visit. They also set up a support group program that is open to anyone interested in WLS, not just their patents, and made every effort to accommodate the crowd that descended upon them in that first meeting in April 08. rnIn terms of aftercare, I want to comment that it begins even before surgery.....Kristin and Wendy (the nutritionist and nurse manager) as well as Greg (physiatrist) were insistent that the time to begin your post-surgery life is on that first day you set foot in their office. 3-6 months until surgery? No problem - plenty of time to start building good habits now, start reading labels, start educating ourselves, start exercising, and stop putting the focus on food. There was never the temptation to graze my way to surgery day, have one last supper every night or anything like that; my personal responsibility began the day I decided to have the surgery. As a result of this support and encouragement, I lost 27 pounds in 3 months by changing habits and finally getting into an exercise program. rnThe materials provided to me have been an invaluable support as well. I'm only in the full liquid phase post surgery, of course, but I know just what I can and can't have and why I cannot have it.....it's all there in writing. Each level is like moving from sophomore to junior to senior in high school, with everything laid out in print. And should I have a question, there's someone there ready to provide some answers.rnAs to how the risks were addressed, I must admit that like many people, I didn't want to hear about risks. But yes, it was outlined carefully and I knew the impact of this decision going into it. rnLast on your list is which is better, surgical competence, beside manner or both? So far I don't think I've found anything negative to say about Dr. Brader or LGB, but I want you to take me seriously as this is NOT a paid testimonial or just a recently post-op patient still enjoying the benefits of mind-numbing painkillers (none at all since morphine pump removed in the hospital on day one). So, I would say that Dr. Brader's competence is a 51 and his bedside manner 49 - he's a very nice person to work with, but after numerous other laproscopic surgeries and considerable \"discomfort\" afterward, this was the easiest one yet. I was up and shopping 3 days post op and went to a family reunion several hours away on the 4th day, feeling fantastic. Must say something about my surgeon's skills!"