Jordan Garrison Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

Just to be clear before I write this full review, this is not a reflection of Dr.Garrison, he is a fabulous surgeon who does everything by the book and he is very thorough. This is a review of his staff and the after care I have received thus far. I am about 8 months post gastric bypass surgery and have lost about 80 lbs. I am happy with the results however I have had some complications that I am seeing my primary care doctor about currently because I am very disturbed by the behavior of Dr.Garrisons staff. First and foremost, I missed an appointment this past month for a 6 month check in. They do not contact you to remind you about appointments, you are expected to remember even if you have booked months in advance. I was left a message from Dr.Garrisons wife, who works in the office, that I had missed "a couple of appointments" (when that is the only one i have missed to date) and they wanted to "check on my health" because it had been a while. Being concerned that I had completely forgotten about the appointment, I called in to inform them that I had just started a new job and was going out of town the next day so I could not reschedule until I got back because of my schedule difficulties. Also, I have had difficulties with NYS unemployment since getting the surgery that I had requested a Letter be faxed to nys unployment confirming that I was verified to go back to work the week after surgery, which Dr. Garrisons wife basically refused to accommodate all because of an accidental missed appointment. She also had the audacity to ask me if thats all I thought she had to do all day. I was contacted by the Garrison center that they hadn't received payment from my insurance for the surgeons fees, which I immediately got on top of making sure that my insurance paid Dr.Garrison (which they did eventually, the reason they hadnt is because Garrisons office was submitting the paperwork incorrectly) but it seems when you need something from them it immediately becomes a problem. I had had enough so I called today to have my medical records from the office sent to me because I don't plan on going back, and was informed by his wife that she "may or not get around to sending them out." The problem that I have is that they came off so concerned that I was throwing up every meal and that one of my very good friends was diagnosed with ovarian cancer while I was breaking down crying in his office. However, evaluating the situation has led me to believe that Dr.Garrisons wife's goal is to get your money. And apparently it is my fault she is stressed and every document I request is an issue to give to me. Based on my experience I won't be going back like I said unless by some miracle I receive an apology from Dr.Garrison's wife, which in the foreseeable future is not happening. I just hope the staff can shape up to improve future patients experiences because the way I see it is that your surgeons performance is just as important as the staff that will be taking care of you afterwards!

I had my VSG on 12/5/12 with Dr. Garrison. The staff is EXTREMELY friendly and helpful with everything. Dr. Garrison is a fantastic person and doctor. He's a caring, confident, and his sense of humor is great. He is very down to earth, but explains everything you need to know in great detail and makes you feel comfortable about everything.

The process was fast from the day I had my initial evaluation, to a seminar of his, up until my surgery- literally in less than 2 months time. I had done my 'homework' in the time frame he requested and everything was smooth sailing along the way.

He also did my gall bladder surgery which of course I was comfortable already with him so that ride was easy as well.

Dr. Garrison did my gastric sleeve on 9/12/2012 - he and his staff are WONDERFUL!!! He is sweet, caring, attentive and fun. He went out to talk to my husband after surgery - I could not have asked for a better surgeon to help me with this life changing episode.

At the very first seminar, I thought he was a comical, yet professional and very, very inspiring with the stories and comparisons he shared with us.

My impression did not change, except for the fact that I realized how honestly busy and popular he was.

The times I have been at his office, which is conveniently located in the St. Claire's Hospital where my surgery was conducted, he had two receptionists; his lovely wife, and another women (I forget her name right now) but she was always smiling and very friendly.

The only thing I did not like was the fact that everything pre-op seemed a bit rushed, due to his popularity. It really didn't bother me considering I had done my home work (plus extra credit!) regarding the surgery and knew everything he was talking about.

I 150% recommend him to any patient who is looking for a great surgeon, with a awesome sense of humor, who is just as interested as you in your weight loss journey and goals.

Honestly, he did not speak with me for long, however, he had directed the nurses to guide me through it for after I left the hospital. I have not yet attended my post-op appointment.

The dietician in the bariatric unit had talked to me about the eating rules for the first 6 days. Then, Dr. Garrison and the nurses emphasized over and over to WALK WALK WALK after surgery for faster healing. I think they were right; I'm feeling great!

I had to complete this online program called "Clarity MD" which, in detail, discussed the risks, the benefits, the entire procedure, etc. In addition to that, he went over a lot of papers and told me a lot of additional information regarding everything I needed to know about the entire surgical process.

I honestly have never loved a doctor before, but Dr. Garrison is a life saver. At this point, I've only lost 15 lbs and I already am in love with him for saving my future.

I have only had one minor surgery besides this, and I hate waking up from surgery because the nurses are always so damn loud! But none the less, my surgeons crew was fantastic. Very clear and specific. Also, the nurses, except one who I had a little fit with, were extremely kind and immediate to my assistance. A little tip, have someone in the room at all times; nurses come faster that way :)

I can't say enough about him...Dr. Garrison is just a wonderful doctor!

I first saw Dr Garrison at a seminar and decided he was the one I wanted to do my surgery.
After my first office visit with him, I was more convinced than ever that I'd made the right choice. He took the time to address everything I could expect to happen, and gave me printed info to take home, as well. He asked often if I had any questions and took the time to address all of them thoroughly. He explained very well that the surgery is just the beginning of the process and stressed the need to continue with regular checkups and support group.
I just can't praise Dr Garrison enough, he is absolutely wonderful.

met dr bertha and mary meola on 12/13/00 they answered all questions and told me about the risks, they gave me a list of drs to see before the surgery, found out dr bertha and dr abkin have done 75 of these operations
Met Dr Garrison 12/09 to plan a revision after gaining 90 lbs back very impressed had band over bypass surgery 4/21/10

Dr. Garrison is absolutly amazing i would recommend him to anyone and everyone looking for a great surgical team. Not only is he great but his whole staff is kind, professional, and above all caring and go out of their way to make you feel welcome. Dr. Garrison makes you feel comfortable from the moment you meet him. He definetly goes out of the way to make sure everything goes well. He always makes you feel like your his only patient and not wasting his time no matter how many questions you have.

First Impression: rnI was breaking speed limits on the Garden State Parkway to attend Dr. Garrison's new patient seminar on 11/18. FORTY, 40 yes FORTY minutes late.....child care issues, hubby returning from an out of town trip and LIFE in general gave me an anxiety attack. I walked into the room at 7:40 and a very professional and handsome Dr. Garrison said, \"You are right on time.\" PHEW!rnrnImpression change over time?rnMy first appt is 11/30 so I have only met him once BUT what I can say is that as he spoke during his seminar I could actually say HE GOT ME WITHOUT KNOWING ME.rnrnOvertime I realized that Dr. Garrison is a joker but definitely knows when to get serious. Sort of like me...rnrnHis staff:rnI met two members of his staff at the seminar: his wife Mrs. Garrison and Leslie who handles the insurance companies. I am confident that he has the right team in place.rnrnLike least?rnHis office is not as up to date as other surgeons I have visited (scales, decor, no tvs--hey, you asked) rnrnWhat should future patients know about him?rnDo your research. You will like what you find.rnrnAftercare? Structured After care program? Overall rating? Surgical competence or bedside manner-which is better. Surgical competence was spectacular but he also had an awesome warning bedside manner.

I think the most positive thing I could say about Dr. Garrison is that he listens. I had the band before and it was unsuccessful. I knew it but convincing a doctor of that is something completely different especially when their egos get in the way. Finally, I meet Dr. Garrison who listened to the concerns about my band and trusted that I knew what I was talking about. He did an xray swollow test on me and confirmed I was right - I had no restriction with my band. He recommended we remove it and go with the bypass. I couldn't agree more. It had been a long battle and I was so happy that I finally had someone who actually listened to me. He has an excellent bedside manner and his staff and his chosen hospital (St. Clare's Hospital in Dover) was wonderful. My band removal surgery went well and now Dr. Garrison informed me he was able to get my insurance provider (Aetna) to agree to approve the bypass surgery without having to jump through all the hoop to get pre-qualified again! I cannot be more pleased. So, now I have a surgery date (May 27, 2009) and I am looking forward to Take II. I feel confident that Dr. Garrison will do great and I know he is there to support me every step of the way.