Advanced Surgeons Bariatric Center

My surgeon works in a practice with three other general surgeons; I had the chance to meet them all during my various consultations at the office. Drs. Yatco, Cerebona, and Kaul were all very sensitive and understanding while still (reassuringly) displaying a surgeon's characteristic confidence. All three have distinguished resumes and a extensive bariatric surgery experience. Dr. Cerebona is the director of obesity surgery for Westchester Medical Center and Dr. Kaul heads up the robotic surgery program at NY Medical College. I did not meet Dr. Kaul, my surgeon, until after my surgery when he came to see me in recovery. He was very kind and laid back, taking the time to explain everything that went on. I know he spoke at length with my family and even went up to them in the cafeteria to kindly chat with them later in the day. I have full confidence in any of the surgeons in this practice and give them my enthusiastic endorsement.

One caveat: one must be very patient during the months and weeks prior to surgery. The office staff is overwhelmed and callbacks and mailings can at times be unreliable early in the process. This can be discouraging and anxiety producing for the uninitiated. With patience, an understanding of how swamped they are, and a realistic idea of the timeframe involved this can be avoided; it is worth it to wait! Once you are cleared for surgery things move very quickly. This is only my impression of my experience and may not reflect the experiences of others - perhaps my case was an abberation.

Overall, my experience was overwhelmingly positive and I highly reccomend any surgeon in this practice. They don't get much better than Drs. Yatco, Cerebona, and Kaul.

2/27/04

I saw Dr. Yatco. He is a partner with Dr. Cerabona and Dr. Kaul. Their practice is Obesity Surgery Associates out of Valhalla.

He was very nice and knowledgeable. He spent time answering all of my questions and he was very positive.

His nurse is great and very understanding. She puts you at ease.

I'll keep you updated as time goes on.

I saw this surgeon and one of his associates at their seminar on Monday 2/23/04. They were very informative and willing to answer everyones questions. I got a very good first impression of them and can't wait to meet with them in the office to dicuss the surgery further.

I first met Dr. Cerabona at a seminar about WLS. My first impression is that he was a no nonsense, non sugar coating type of personality. This is exactly what I was looking for. About 2 months later on January 7th, 2004, I had my consultation with Dr. Cerabona, my initial feelings about him were validated when I met with him one on one. During my consultation, Dr. Cerabona was VERY informative, VERY proffessional and nice as can be. And yes, he was very upfront and honest, he did not sugar coat anything, and there were no doubts in my mind that I wanted Dr. Cerabona as my surgeon. My surgery is scheduled for late Feb. early March of 2004, I will get my exact date later this week. Dr. Cerabona's office has been very helpful so far.

I had met Dr. Kaul when I was rushed to the emergency room for my gall bladder. He was the nicest doctor I have met. Very caring. In the process of getting gastric bypass, I was very upset at the office because it took me over a year to get my surgery. My pre-ops almost expired. But Dr. Kaul, his colleagues, and staff were all great! I would definetely recommend his office!

Dr. Cerebona is Awesome in his care of his patients. His office might be a hassel but he isn't. The only incident I had was with him being injured and my surgery date being postponed. We got through that and on the surgery day(12/09/2002) I went into WMC for my life changing experience.
after surgery I was asked by the ICU nursing staff(excellent by the way) if I needed any pain meds. I never once took any pain meds after surgery in the hospital or at home (they sent me home with a script for vicadin Just in case). All I ever felt was glad it was over and I was on my way. The only time I look back now is through the picture I take (face pic on my web cam) each month to cronicle my ascent from the Hell I was in.
Dr. Cerebona is very careing and I thank him each day in my prayers. My frien Karen C just had the surgery and went home today stating the same things I am here...discomfort but no pain ..she had more pain in her legs from the clotting treatment than from the surgery.
Dr Cerebona is more than recomended from me ....
Bill LeMieux

Dr.Kauhl did laproscopic surgery on me, my surgery took 7 hours because of complications with scar tissue from previous surgeries. He was encouraged by other Dr.'s assisting to do a full open surgery, but he peristed. As a result, I healed faster and had minimal pain.
His office staff is very professional and caring.

There is not a thing I do not like about him or his staff. They have been encouraging and supportive.

The risks of surgery were clearly defined beforehan

Overall rating, A plus.

I thought Dr. Cerabona was very pleasant, easy to talk to, and he addressed any of the concerns I had. The office is very busy.

Doctor Cerabona, his associates, and office staff were great. They were straight forward and to the point with everything I asked. They also made it clear that they were not fooling around, and if you gained any weight between your office visits that they would not do the surgery, as it shows that you were not willing to put the effort in and try. I would highly recommend him and his colleages, as the surgery went so smooth I didn't need the pain medicines in the recovery room after 2.5 hours and was able to get up and on my feet the following day.

He is very nice, carismatic probably describes him. He seems very qualified. On Thursday when I went for my last visit pre-op, he told me he will be lecturing next Fruiday and I will be operated on by his partners who are also excellent. I have some nervousness about this but they have very good reputations and I believe I will be fine. His staff is terrific and the only bad part is how long it takes to get an appt. HGe address all the risks, but luickily I don't have most of the related problems of other obese patients. Most of my issues are joint related. I had my knees replaced a year and a half ago. So far, my experience with the surgeon is very good, but I;ll know more post surgery.