Institute for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Bariatric Center

On May 11, 2011 I had Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy with Dr. Antanavicius, better known as Dr. G. I cannot put into words how grateful and blessed I feel to have had him as my surgeon. My surgery went perfectly, I had virtually no pain after words and at almost 1 month out I have zero complaints. I attribute all this success to Dr. G and his amazing staff.
I live about 2 hours away from Dr. G's office and his staff made sure that my appointments were arranged for my convience, I truly appreciated that. All the staff from the front desk, to his nurse, to Donna the NP were awesome....I cannot possibly tell you how nice they all are!!! I recall being in the hospital and his PA telling me "No matter where you are we'll get you to us if there is a problem. You are our patient for life." That statement made me feel fantastic :)
Dr. G himself is truly a great guy. He immediately made me feel comfortable, he explains everything very well and has a confidence that makes you feel in "safe hands"! I couldn't have chosen a better surgeon and urge anyone in the Philadelphia area to check out Dr. G and the Institute for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
They also have a fantastic self pay option that makes getting WLS for those of us who's insurance will not cover possible!! Thank you Dr. G!!

Dr. G was wonderful. When I had had my first pre-op visit, I was trying to decide between VSG and Roux N Y and he explained everything very well.

I was only in the hospital for 36 hours. A month out, I feel great and have almost no scars.

My first impression of Dr. Antanavicius was that he is confident without being boastful -- he has a calming presence. He was the presenting surgeon during my initial information seminar meeting at IMBS and I was thrilled when the office staff paired me with him. "Dr. G" takes his time to answer questions and address concerns, which I appreciate. He even went the extra mile for me with my insurance company to make a special request via peer-to-peer review.

All the office staff is pleasant and competent. They operate effectively and efficiently and I'm very pleased that follow-up care is stressed and encouraged. The education provided pre-op is excellent! Patients are required to attend a support group meeting and a nutrition class before surgery (among other requirements and tests), detailed educational booklets for each surgery type are given to patients and there's even a test 2 weeks before surgery to make sure patients understand all the information that's been presented. I found IMBS to be very thorough with its requirement to get various tests and clearances from specialists to minimize the risk of complications.

I feel very fortunate to have had my RNY performed by Dr. Antanavicius and honestly have nothing but positive things to say.

I was given the opportunity to meet with several surgeons before deciding on Dr. G. His direct and positive attitude, coupled with his vast experience and interest in allowing me to be part of the overall decision clinched it for me! He's a wonderful man, with the skill and precision of a fine mechanic/engineer, all of the qualities that a great surgeon should have! No ego's at Abington, only the desire to help and care for this dreadful disease. Once you are a patient, you are always his patient, that was made clear to me by "G" and all of the staff and other Doc's at Abington. I am down 90+ lbs in 6 months and have never felt better, my life has changed significantly and Dr G's office is always there for help and support, regardless of the question or situation. He explained everything to me as clearly as one would or should expect, and offered me several different options. The after care support groups are excellent, although I wish that they would include or offer an excersise management program as I believe this to be a huge componet of aftercare, although I am knowledgable on what I need to do, I still think it's important to offer. The hospital was OK, I felt that the nursing staff at Abington was short staffed, and many times I had to wait for extended periods of time for pain med's and care, so I would probably give them a 3.5 out of 5 for care, but overall they were fine. The Nurse Practioner's at Abington are AWESOME! They are some of the best caregivers that I have ever had the pleasure of working with, and they get it done, period! If you want a great experince with a fine group of people, quality care and support, stop looking and go to Abington, Dr. G is your man, and if you can't get him, Dr. Bonnani, the centers Director is fantastic and down to earth. Good luck and God Bless!

I've been dealing with Dr G. for about 2 years before i finally decided to get my Ds surgery. I've dealt with other doctors, but Dr G was def, very informative and he made me fully understand what was in store for me once this surgery was done. He always answered all of my questions in full never left me with a doubt. When i finally got the surgery done on 02/03/11 he was there every step of the way. Thank you Dr G. for this life changing procedure. If i had to do it again i would not change a thing...

I highly recommend Dr. Antanavicius and the entire Abington group. Everybody is knowledgeable and friendly. I had researched the DS thoroughly and had many questions for the nurses and for Dr. G. I loved Dr. G. He was fabulous and has a great bed side manner. His staff is extremely supportive and they have their own experiences and are a great support venue.

My surgery was one year ago - I chose Dr. G on purpose being convinced that he was my right choice- and I was right - surgery went well and I recovered much faster than expected with no complications. A lot has to do with the skill and the unique technical savvy of Dr. G with the Da Vinci robot. Sadly I could not meet Dr. G at my 1 year visit because he was called to an emergency but I hope to meet him in 6 months and thank him in person for my new life and new found health: all my comorbidities are gone and I lost over 100 pounds Thank you Dr. G!
Mariana B.

I have found Dr G to have a very good bedside manner - pre and post op. Regardless of what he has to say it always comes out in a warm and kindhearted way and he doesn't rush you. I love love love Dr G!!!!!!!!!! He did a great job with my surgery almost a week ago and everything has been going well so far. I'm very glad I chose him!!!!! I can't really think of anything negative to say about him.

Yesterday was my first visit with Dr. G. and already I liked him more than I did Dr. Bonanni. I never felt like he was rushing me, he thoroughly reviewed my chart with me, spoke to me as though I was an intelligent human being, and happily answered all of my questions.

He was very open about the seriousness of the surgery I am looking to have, emphasizing the important of aftercare to be both successful and healthy. I left feeling as though I were in good hands.

It's been three months since my gastric bypass surgery and nine months since first meeting Dr. Antanavicius and his wonderful staff at Abington Memorial Hospital's Institute for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in Warminster, PA. They've all been wonderful, warm, knowledgeable, helpful, professional and skilled -- everything you'd want while undertaking such a new and life-changing decision as this one.

Ultimately, weight loss is such a personal journey but they have helped ease my fears, educate me on my options and the new way of eating and living my life. By the time my surgery date arrived I was confident in my decision to proceed and fully aware of the challenges ahead of me.

The past 12 weeks have flown by and I'm amazed at how easily I've transistioned from one phase of bariatric meals to the next. And, because I followed their guidelines and advice, I'm happy with the results and have had very little side effects post-surgery. BTW: I'm down 66 lbs. since starting this process (46 lbs. since surgery date). I feel more like my true self and I'm healthier and more energetic than I have been in years. My biggest problem now: my clothes are all much too large and I'm not yet ready to invest in "all new" because I'm not finished dropping weight. Tell me that's not a welcome problem to start of a new year?!?!

I'd give Dr. Antanavicius and the entire staff top rating throughout every step of this journey.

Office staff great,NP's and Pa's terrific.Dr.G honest,doesnt sugarcoat truth,excellent surgeon,needs to warm up just a bit,but a very good Doctor overall,would give a hearty recommendation .