"Please note: My original surgeon was Dr. Molave Adaniel (West Islip, NY)- no longer is practicing. As of January 2007 Dr. Spencer Holover (partner of Dr. Shawn Garber of the New York Bariatric Group) became my after-care doctor due to a change in my insurance, and if I have a revision their partner Dr. Angstadt would become my dr. =-=-=-=-= I didn't meet Dr. Adaniel until my second appointment, but when I did, I found him to be quiet, but very pleasant. Since his PA had done a very, very thorough job of giving me information and answering my questions at my first appointment, we really didn't talk much! But I know that other people have discussed lots of things with him and found him to be very helpful and caring. Since he has an accent and speaks fairly softly, and I have a little problem hearing, I did have a little trouble hearing him. When asked, he did not seem to mind repeating himself so I could hear him. His office staff was very helpful and pleasant. One was actually very inspirational, as she had lap RNY done by him. In less than 2 years she went from being a 3-pill-a day diabetic, 4-pill-a day hypertensive, incontinent, wheelchair bound (10 years), 330-lb person to someone who didn't need medications, had no problem with incontinence, 130-lb woman who no longer needs a wheelchair and walks well! I think that says something good for him, too! They provide a folder with information on obesity, WLS patient selection criteria, different types of WLS (although he only performs laparoscopic RNY - unless he has to turn it into an open RNY), diet for just before and for after surgery, prescriptions for the various tests you need, a checklist which includes some suggested providers for the various consultations and tests you need done, a list of things you will need for the hospital and afterwards, and other things. Very thorough! The PA really did a wonderful job of explaining everything and she was very patient about answering questions. She tells you about the risks of surgery and advises that you learn as much as possible before actually having the surgery. She also stresses that you should get as much support before, during, and after the surgery as possible. She thinks my being part of OH is a big plus! One thing I would change would be that I would have liked to have met with him at least for a short time during my first visit. Another thing I would like would be the inclusion of other in-office support personnel such as a psychologist and nutritionist."
"My care during the first 2/3s of my stay was excellent. Unfortunately, once I was transferred to a regular room, I was practically forgotten. Everyone was nice in that area, but it wasn't good that they didn't remember to give me the call button, barely came to check on me, never made sure I got up and walked, and didn't even ask me if I needed any pain medication. So different than when I was in their Critical Care Unit!!! There didn't seem to be any reason for it, either, since there were lots of empty beds in the unit (even the other bed in my room was unoccupied). I felt like the forgotten woman."
