"I have known Dr. Andrei now for three years. I was very angry about having a lap band. I was rude and obnoxious to him even when he called me personally to introduce himself. I even went to the extreme of trying to convince the psychologist that I was too crazy for this procedure. I was completely blown away when he was also in the OR when I had an endoscopy, because he wanted to see the test results himself. I came to the realization that Dr. Andrei is a very responsible person and surgeon. I can ask him questions without feeling foolish. I have graduated to looking forward to my visits. I have had no medical complications from the procedure. I went from five insulin shots daily to one shot of Victoza and Glucophage. His staff is extraordinary, not only do they know you by name, but they walk you through all the pre-op tests. they are all very supportive. You do not have to search for doctors! My surgery was easier than having a baby!!! Ten days after surgery, I began my first day of school with no problems and 30 pounds lighter!"
"I really enjoyed meeting with Minnie. Because she has had successful bariatric surgery, she has answers for you. That fact alone makes her invaluable to the team. She understands the gas, the burping and the hiccuping. She really calmed my fears and misconceptions. I felt very confident after meeting with her."
"I have gone to several different dietitians over the years. I have played with their plastic food, listening to their spiel and never returned. I have never met such an up-beat person as Pam. She knows who you are (not by looking at a list!)It's like sitting and having a conversation with a friend. She smiles, laughs, instructs and above all, she tells you what you CAN do, not what you CAN'T do. She has no problem explaining something again (and again. She has endless patience. "
"I was thrilled to have a gown that fit me.
I was thrilled to have a wheelchair that fit me.
The entrance to the surgery center is in the back of the building. There is no sign in the front of the building indicating where the entrance is. Trying to find the entrance at 6:00 AM, nervous and worried in dim light is nuts. We also wasted 15-20 minutes trying to get into the building. There was no intercom. There was no one at the reception desk, so we cooled our heals for another 15-20 minutes. We were actually walking around, opening doors and calling "Hello!?" It was a little spooky. Once I met with a nurse, things improved 100% and before I knew it, I was in the OR."
"My first impression of Dr. Andrei was colored by the fact that I was angry and felt that by reaching out for help I was a failure. I didn't want to believe what he was telling me about lap band surgery. I was generally obnoxious. My impression changed gradually. He called me personally to introduce himself. I was dumfounded. My impression really changed when I went for the endoscopy. I was scared out of my mind and Dr. Andrei was in the OR with Dr. Mogan. Dr. Andrei held my hand until I fell asleep. I slowly began to realize that I needed help and I could get it with a group of professionals who really cared about the individual. The staff and the aftercare have been wonderful. (We also fought \"the good fight\" with BCBS and won.) It's good to know that I can call with any question and someone will get back to me. Dr. Andrei was very forward about the risks of surgery (I was being really obnoxious). I would have never agreed to this surgery except that all my physicians spoke very highly of Dr. Andrei and respect him greatly. I am greatful for his help and knowledge."
