Valeriu Andrei Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

I had an appointment with Dr Andrei in Feb. and until recently had not made my choice between him and Dr Brolin. Dr Andrei was very kind and understanding..compassionate. He answered all my questions and gave me a brief into to him, his staff and his practice at RWJMCH. He told me he was having an associate join him in the practice..not as a surgeon but as a bariatric physician who would be in the office to help with any pre or post op problems. This way you are dealing with a physician and not one of the 'girls' in other practices. Even though I had approval for both Dr B (in network) and Dr A (out of network and cost to me of $3000) I chose Dr A for his experience and after going to several monthly support group meeting for both MD's and meeting all the staff of each office I felt that this was the right choice. The surgery is set for July 29th at RWJMC. Here's hoping!!!

My 1st impression of Dr. Andrei is that he is a kind and caring man. He took a great deal of time answering my questions. He and his office staff were very pleasant and quite easy to deal with. During the consultation, aftercare was greatly emphasized and it appears to be structured. There is a monthly support group for all pre and post-ops. He explained surgery risks slowly and carefully. I will update this as my surgery date is scheduled.

My first impression of Dr Andrei was that he was a knowledable and very expreianced surgeon. He did not rush me through my appointment,was compassionate and to the point.
It has been eight months since the start of my wt loss journey. My impression has not changed about him.
The office staff is very caring and pleasent and always answered my questions. However, they do not always call back when they say, you must keep up on them (I think due to the amount of patients they have)
The least thing I liked about my surgeon was his lack of avaiability to answer my questions. The way my 2 prior cancellations were delt with. Telling me that I would be reschuled with in a certain amount of time and then falling through with it.
Dr Andrei has a wonderful support group we meet once a month for meeting, the members hold functions also. And we plan outings together.
He has a schedule for aftercare that insures that his patients are getting the best possible care.
On a scale of 1-10 I would rate him a 9,the hospital he uses a 5, his office staff 5.
Both Dr. Andrei's competence,bedside manner are great,he really does care.

Dr Andrei saw me a month early.
I was there with my girlfriend and when he heard I was coming next month he asked if I wanted him to see me then.
I didn't have my ins info or anthing.......
he took the time to call his office and get my information for me.........
He and his collegue spent over an hour with me.
I am very impressed with both Dr Andrei and his staff.
He said he will try to get me a surgery date for January.......at the latest Febuary.
I am finally on my way!
I just have to get clearence from cardiologist which is on Dec 12th.

Overall Dr Andrei and all of his staff....rate A+

I had researched local surgeons and decided if I was having this surgery, he was the person I wanted to do it. I liked Dr. A. when I met him, he has a no nonsense approach, good bedside manner, I had complete faith in his skills performing my surgery.

My surgery was with Dr. Brolin's associate Dr. V. Andrei. He is a wonderful surgeon and has the best bedside manner anyone could want for. He was the only doctor out of all the ones that I had called to get info that called me back himself! This meant a lot to me so I decided to make a office visit. He explained everything very well to me and in language that I could understand. Johanna his secretary is great and is so very helpful, even the nurse Gloria is great! She came to see me in the hospital also, so did doc andrei and doc brolin! Going into this operation is very scarey, but I felt so assured with my surgeon that I knew I had the best and was in good hands! When I went into the operating room and at that time you are very scared because the room has such a cold feeling and everything is going on around you....doc andrei walked in and asked how I was and I told him nervous and he told me to relax and everything would be ok and he smiled, and he then held my hand and rubbed it, not like a shake but like how a friend would reassure you and then I knew I would be fine and when I came out of surgery I was! I rate doc andrei and doc brolin as A+++++++++++ in everyway.... aftercare, explaing risks, bedside, competence, staff, and even first impression all are an A++++. Also it helps that doc andrei isn't bad on the eyes, my roomate in the hospital kept on telling doc andrei what a cutey he is! I had this surgery at St. Peter's Hospital in New Brunswick and I even have to say the hospital and nursing staff were excellent. One morning the nurses and about 5 of us weight loss patients all had what we called a catalog party at the nurses station with the nurses and just had a terrific time! I am not the type of person that usually gives praises, and definately not to this extent, but I do give credit where credit is do and it is definately due here because this doctor saved my life!!

Dr Andrei is kind, patient and extremely patient focused. He takes the necessary time to explain the procedure and the after affects.


The office staff emulates Dr Andrei's behavior.


It could be a long wait for a consult, but well worth it.
He stressed it, but I believe now he is stressing it even more.
Yes to some extent.



Excellent

Both great

I initially made my appointment after speaking to my father who knew of a few people who had the surgery. I called to schedule my appointment in March and luckily Dr. Andrei had added on another day and I was able to get in the day after Easter. If not, I would not have had my initial consult until October '01. The staff, Joanna, was very kind and helpful and answered all of my questions prior to even being seen. I arrived at the office and was seen by the Nutritionist, Lisa, who was also very helpful & knowledgeable. My first impression of Dr. Andrei was that he really knew what he was talking about and took the time to go over everything with me. He wanted to make sure that I relly had an understanding of the procedure. He also spoke with my father, who is a surgeon, about any quesitons that I had forgot to ask. I am really excited about having the surgery and feel very at ease knowing that he will be performing the surgery. The only negative thing that I can say is the wait in the office, I was there waiting to be seen for almost 3 hours.

I have yet to have the surgery, but it is scheduled for 12-28-01. The first time I met Dr.Andrei I was struck by his attention to his patient. He listens to your questions and gives you an honest answer. He has never had a fatality performing laproscopic WLS.However, he does not sugar-coat the fact that this is still surgery. Dr. Andrei stikes me as an extremely competent bariatric
surgeon as well as having an excellent bedside manner. I would recommend Dr. Andrei to anyone looking to have a laproscopic RNY.

This is just my opinion. I understand that Dr.'s have emergencies that may prevent them from getting to their office hours on time.
The only negetive thing that I would say is that when you go to Dr. Brolin and Dr. Andrei's office, bring a good book. Both times I went to their office they were running 45 minutes to an hour behind schedule. I have an anal obsession about tardiness, it really annoys the *@#! out of me...LOL. I know that sometimes lateness can't be helped. Working shift work has turned me into an appointment ogre. LOL.
This may or may not be your experience if you decide to see Dr. Andrei or Dr. Brolin.
I guess the office being so packed with appointments is A GOOD THING. At least I know that I am going to an in - demand ,skilled surgeon.

Best of luck to all,
Donna

Dr. Andrei is a GREAT Doctor taking much needed time with you, I had my consult and Immediatley felt at ease. Joanna in the office along with Mary are the "BEST". Waiting on my surgery date, Ins was approved!!!