Oscar Lirio Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

He is wonderful! He his quite experienced having performed this surgery over 1000 times. He has a wonderful bedside manner and takes the time to explain in lay mans terms.the only downfall is I have to travel 50miles to my appts.

Paula at his office is fantastic! Talk about on the ball.

he has been there for since i have started even thinkin abaut havin this done and has done this surgery on three others of my family and there are doing so well and i trust him totaly and i want to thank him so much for everything he has done for me and hope everything goes as well as the reast of my family
thanks
melissa

Dec 31, 2002
I have changed my surgen I saw Dr. Lirio at a seminar he gave on Gastric Bypass surgery and was very impressed with his commitment to his patients and to his field. He has been doing this surgery for years in various forms and has to date had no deaths. I was very impressed with his compassion for obese people and not only their immediate wellness and health after surgery but also their quality of life years after surgery. When I had my first consultation with him he was very professional and asked me all those questions about diets I've been on and examined my stomach. His staff is very friendly and helpful and every Doctor should have a Paula in their office she's been with Dr. Lirio for so many years she's an intriget part of the process. Although I'm sure they are extremly busy they are always ready to answer questions or address problems. They also have a support group meeting on the first Monday of every month and both Dr. Lirio and Paula come to those to answer questions and to listen to patients both old and new. I'm very glad I, pardon the pune, "went wtih my gut" instinct that Dr. Lirio needed to be my Doctor.



I'M SCHEDULED FOR MY FIRST APPOINTMENT WITH DR. SINGH ON FEB.08,2001 I WILL UPDATE THIS INFO AFTER THAT.

Well I meet Dr. Singh and was very impressed with him, he took all the time I needed even though Im sure he was running behind I had so many questions and he answered them all! He was relaxed and very personable and (easy on the eyes if you get my meaning) I was very comfotable with him and able to make jokes and be some what silly (that happens when Im nervous) I actually asked him what type of music he listened to during surgery and could I make a suggestion!! and he actually said why not, as long as its not country, boo hoo I love todays country music oh well we'll see. He was very caring about some of the issues that we address and made several suggestions of things I need to have done prior to surgery! I feel very confident in him and hope after jumping thru some hoops I'll be able to set a date.

I had my first appointment/consultation with Dr. Lirio on 2/7/2001 after making the initial call for information in early December 2000 and attending an informational seminar on 1/15/2001.

So far my impressions of Dr. Lirio are very positive. Given the daunting "to do" checklist of tests and screenings that must be done beforehand, he is very thorough. He also stressed that the surgery is just a tool and that proper eating and exercise are very important parts of this process. He is kind and compassionate, but at the same time very no-nonsense and straightforward. I have complete faith in him.

The only less-than-positive aspect I have run across so far is that I have to wait until September or October of 2001 for the actual surgery. I guess that gives me time to get my head together first, but it seems like a lifetime away.

The office staff seems very busy, but also very efficient and competent. I like the fact that they take care of making all the appointments and requests for pre-certification. They are always willing to answer any questions that come up.

My first impression was that he was a kind man! He spent 2 hours sitting by my Mothers bed side after her surgery!My impression never changed I think he is great!!! A true life saver!
the office staff is the best!!! The thing I lease like about him is....
Making me do the medifast lol
Do what he tells you to he is just trying to make it best for you!!!
My Mother still sees him after 9 years have gone by from her surgery and he is great with her.
He has gone over every aspect
I think he is a A++++++++ Doctor

Most recent experiences added to the bottom<P>
<b>1/21/02</b><br>
I liked Dr. Lirio from the minute he walked into the room. We had a group seminar. 7 of us and some spouses. Dr. Lirio's explanation of everything was very thorough and allowed us to ask questions freely. He was honest about everything.... nothing 'sugar coated'.
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He gave us so much detail about pre-op, the surgery, and aftercare. Details of risks and possible complications.
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I feel comfortable having him to my surgery.
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His office staff is great. They run things to a T. It shows they have been doing this successfully for a long time. Paula is great and she even makes all of your appointments for you to see the other pre-op specialists. She deals with your insurance and gets approval for the surgery. I am only responsible to get needed referrals from my PCP.
<P>Paula called me 2 days later with a date and insurance approval. YEAH Paula!!
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My only complaint would be that I had to wait 10 months for my initial consulation and will have to wait another 6 months for my surgery. But now I have something to look forward to.
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In August 2001, I quickly got an appointment with Dr. Sighn of Albany Medical center. I hated the location....... I had to use a parking garage and walk a million miles and over a walkway to get to the hospital. Once in the hospital I had to walk to the other end. Signs were misleading and I got lost twice and hospital staff didn't even know how to direct me. I finally made it to a packed waiting room....... they were running 2 1/2 hours behind..... Well, that would have saved me from taking off work. Finally my turn. I waited in the exam room and the first thing that Dr. Sighn did when he walked in was look at his watch. OH GREAT. Make a bad situation worse. He handed me paperwork on the surgery, looked at my scars from a previous lap cholesectomy. He told me to loss 30 pounds and come back. See ya. I guess I will wait for Dr. Lirio!<P>
<b>1/21/02</b><br>
I also had to visit with a psycologist and and an endocrinologist today. Dr. Lirio requires this and more specialists in the future to make sure you are mentally and physically able to go though with WLS.<P>
<b>1/22/02</b><br>
The psych and endocrine Drs have approved me for WLS. Yeah!<p>
<b>2/27/02</b><br>
I had an appointment with the pulmonary function lab at Ellis Hospital. The tests were for arterial blood oxygen and some lung capacity tests. Apparently some people can get a collapsed lung after surgery and these tests give them the best knowledge in treating me if I incur any breathing problems during my WLS.<P>
I also visited with a Pulmonist, Dr. Gorla, later that day. He had all my test results. We reviewed each and gave me a exam. He spent a lot of time with me and answered so my questions. I felt very very comfortable with him and he set my mind at ease with some concerns I had about using my cpap at the hospital. He told me that he and Dr. Lirio discuss each patient indivudally and Dr. Lirio is aware of each patients conditions. For example, I use the nasal pillow with my CPAP. I asked how can I use my cpap if I have an NG tube in. Dr. Gorla said that Dr. Lirio will be fully aware of this and if at all possible the NG tube will be removed befor I wake up. If not, the hospital will supply me with a mask until the NG tube is removed. <p>
<b>2/28/02</b><br> Pulmonist has cleared me for WLS. Yeah!<P>
<b>3/4/02</b><br>
Received a letter from Dr. Lirio's office that I am scheduled for my next set of appointments in May.<P>
On May 6th I will have an ultrasound of my pancreas and liver (gall bladder is out). Chest x-ray and and upper GI series. And a visit with Dr. Lirio again and to get my Medifast... Yes, Dr. Lirio does require a pre-surgery diet to promote water loss and to minimize the risk of being under anesthesia.
<br> The on May 9th I am scheduled for a YUCK Barium Enema with contrast Colon x-ray. I hate all these tests but Dr. Lirio does not want to take any chances about complications occuring and I can certainly agree with that. He wants no surprizes and neither do I.<P>

I have now been scheduled for May 2nd 2002 for surgery. My first impression of Dr Lirio was that of very professional and sincere. After meeting with him for the second time I dectected a very warm pleasant person who sincerly cares about his patients.
His office staff allows patients to feel very comfortable pleasant and conduct themselves professionally. His secretary Paula, lol works very hard, she makes all your appointments for you, makes life easier for us wouldn't you agree. All issues on risks of surgery are addressed.
Dr Lirio does not spend much time in small talk he gets to the point of business.
Dr Lirio's practice of emphasizing after care and risks of surgery is by conducting a two to three hour seminar, and lecture, with an open floor for questions addressed to the doctor and associates. So far I would give Dr Lirio a rating of 8 since I have not yet had the surgery but I'm sure by completion he'd warrant a 10.
In terms of surgical competence, and bed side manner I belive both to be of great importance.

Dr Lirio is a wonderful, caring surgeon. He takes the time to explain everything and if you ever have a question he encourages you to call him anytime. Paula, Dr Lirio's receptionist is also wonderful. She is so helpful......................................................................................................
Dr Lirio also did my hernia repair/panniculectomy. I must say he did a wonderful job. I couldn't imagine a plastic surgeon doing any better.

I met Dr. Lirio at a seminar in Dec. 2000. My primary physician highly recommended him. I was impressed with how thorough he was in going over the surgery, and what to expect before and after, and in taking time to answer so many questions.

In the beginning I had my reservation's about him. His office isn't set up for Obese people the chairs not all but most have arms that make it very had to sit in. The aisle and the examing room's all are to small. But when he schedules you for surgery he know's everything there is to know about you inside and out before he put's you on the table. Which for me probaly saved my life. Half way into the surgery my breathing decreased to near fatal level's but he was ready for it, his pre-surgery test's seem extreme, but now I know why. The nurse's call him Little Ceasar, but they all respect him and he is truely a patient's Dr.Because I live so far away from his office I only go to him every few week's I have my family Dr. do blood pressure and blood work and have it sent to him. He then call's if he see's any problem's. For instant's my Sugar level is down, probably because I'm not eating enough. Another thing don't do what he say's and he will jump all over you. At first my impression of him was cold but since then, I realize he is very good at what he doe's and would reccomend him to anyone.