Alex Gandsas Bariatric Surgeon MD, MBA, FACS

What was your first impression of him/her?
My first impression was that he was a very hands-on, caring, and involved provider. He took time to ask my personal (but not nosey) questions about myself outside of the weight issues.


How did your impression change over time?
It was just solidfied every time I went to see him.

How would you describe his/her office staff?
Words cannot describe his office staff. They're all friendly and welcoming. They are helpful across the board. They are as involved with each and every patient and treat them all respectfully and as individuals.

What did you like least about him/her?
Well, I could say the fact that he was adamant about a weightloss goal before the surgery but I understand why. The current results (as far as a "textbook surgery") were worth the wait....looking back.
I'd say the biggest complaint would have to be the waiting time in the office. Only once in over 5 visits was I seen in a timely manner. Usually wait times were over 2 hrs whether it be a morning or afternoon appointment.

What should future patients know about him/her?
Look out for the Dr. Gandsas robot to talk to you during your post-op stay. Its futuristic and surreal but cool as all get up!

How much does he/she emphasize aftercare?
I'll let you know for sure after my 1 week post-op appointment but it seems pretty regimented and not out of the norm with medical standards.

Does he/she have a structured aftercare program?
From what I've surmised (see above)

How did he/she address the risks of surgery?
Outside of straight talk in his office and on the hospital website, he gives you a 21 page document for yourself and your family to read and acknowledge before surgery. Its a little disconcerting to see it all in one place and it gave me nightmares but then again, you know the risks without question.

How would you rate him/her overall?
Since its around the Olympics, I'll rate it so far as a 9.8. LOL!


Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or are both great?
I'd have to say both are great. I've had to make 2 post-op emergency calls and both were answered within 5 minutes of the page.


Sorry, I know this isn't suppose to be overwhelmingly incredible and gushing but I can't think of too much negative to say!

My first impression of Dr. Gandsas was that he was quiet but he got better over time, especially when I saw him at his seminars. His office staff is very helpful and they were always available to answer all my questions and constant emails. I like everything about Dr. Gandsas and his whole staff. Future patients should know that Dr. Gandsas wants to make sure you are ready for this and he wants to make sure this is the right thing for you. Do all your testing - start it even before you meet with your surgeon - if you qualify for WLS. I started in 9/05 and had my surgery in 1/06. The time flew by and now I am 3 weeks post-op. Went back to work after 1 week. I went thru Sinai because of their structured aftercare program. They just don't do your surgery and send you off on your merry way. They emphasis the vitamins, new way of eating, blood work and follow up appts. The Dr. Gave me a big old packet describing all the risks and complications. He also has a monthly seminar that talked about all the risks and complications - so I knew everything. I give Dr. Gandsas and his whole staff a big A++++. Surigal competence and bedside manner are both great.

I started this process back in May of 2005, being unknowing about what i was about to get into, i started attending the monday night pre op classes. as time went on i met Dr. Gandsas. he was a ver pleasant and comfortable person to be around he did not make me feel like i was just another $ in his pocket. he took the time to get to know me and be up front with me. when i first went it may have been miss communication on all our parts, i was under the impression i was being screen for Lap Band surgery but after several meetings the decison for Lap\
gastric surgery was reached. Almost immeditately his office started working with me to get a date for surgery. they even accomodate my company holiday part and christmas for me which was a biggie. When my husband met the staff they made him feel comfortable as well and anwsered all of his questions. Before surgery i saw DR Gandsas and his staff many times making me feel safe in his care. People kept asking me was i scared ..........i just told them anticipating ! After my surgery i saw or felt his presence in my after care on quite a regular basis. when i went home, some one from his office called me everyday to find out how i was doing. on my 1 week checkup everyone was extremely nice to me and encouraged me. i even ask the doctor when could a return to normal sexual activitiy he told me "your husband will just have to wait about 3 more weeks " and laugh .
the program is quite structured and you will not be even seen by the doctor until each stage is completed. the staff helps you walk through each major or minor hurtle you may have. The staff always keeps you inform of all risks and sucesses with the surgery.

In my opinion i would recomend Dr. Gandsas and staff to any one considering having this surgery. the service has been beyond my expectations.
In my

After talking to a friend and reading about wls surgery my first introduction was a seminar given at Sinai Hospital with Dr. Gandsas and Dr. Li. in January of 2005. I was very impressed with the content, the answers to questions and the honest answers and advice given by the Doctor's. After reading the handouts, I called for an application packet, submitted it in February and had my first appointment with Dr. Gandsas on April 9, 2005.
After my first appointment I realized I could really trust Dr. Gandsas as he pointed out the pluses and cons of wls and explained that he he could help me to lose weight , but that I had a lot of work to do also. At that point, I weighed 379.5 and had a BMI of almost 60! with high blood pressure and severe arthritis in the knees, feet, spine and neck. He also wanted me to lose approximately 20-30 lbs. before the surgery so that it could be done laparoscopically. I was seen monthly for the next 3-4 months and he continued to encourage me to lose a few more pounds in order to make the surgery safer. The pre-op testing for the mind, heart, stomach, blood levels etc. added to my sense of peace that this was a very good decision even though I was 58 years old. I have never had major surgery before ,but I had no fear going into the hospital on September 1, 2005 and it is all because of Dr. Gandsas and his wonderful staff that answer all of your questions and guide you through all of the steps. The surgery went well and the care in the hospital was excellent and I went home on Saturday, September 3, 2005. Meeting with nancy, the nutritionist before and after surgery has helped with the different changes going on in the body and explain how to eat at different stages in the weight loss experience.

My first impression of Dr. Gandsas was that he was very down to earth and he made me feel that it was possible to have this surgery. My impression has not changed, he know seems like an old friend. The staff is very professional and are great motivators and are concerned with your well being. there is nothing that I don't like about my doctor and he's not bad on the eye either:) Dr Gandsas is very knowlegeable. I am always supported with every thing. All my risk were explained to me in great detail. I rate Dr.Gandsas a 10+. I think surgical competence and bedside manner are important.

Where can I start? Well let me start at the beginning. It was about a year and a half ago. When I first walked into Dr. Gandsas's office. That's where I met Nancy, Paula, Karen and of course Eileen; Dr. Gandsas's wonderful, friendly, personable staff. I was hoping that the doctor would be as friendly and as profesional as his fantaitic staff. Well he was that and more.
He welcomed me in, I sat down and he said, "tell me about yourself, I did and he listened. Then he said, "let me share with you," he then proceded to share his professional ablilities and the actual expectations of the surgery. He let me ask questions, and he answered them. I felt as though he allowed me to take as mch time as I wanted and nothing was a silly question. His staff was just as personable.
My surgery was 11/26/04;I had the gastric bypass laprascopically. Since that date I'velost 124 pounds. From a 26 to a 12 and I have not had one problem from then to now. I do what he tells me to do-Drink water,exercise, rest, think positive and live healthy.
My post-op care was just as pleasent as my pre-op. Sinai Hospital's nursing staff was fantistic.
I would recommend Dr. A. Gandsas, his surgical competence and beside manner were excellent. I highly recommend him for anyone who needs to have this type of surgery or for any health care.

He was very nice and polite, somewhat on the quite side. When he gets to know you better is much more talkative. His staff is very nice and helpful. There was nothing that I didn't like about him or his staff. That is a very experienced surgeon and he really tries hard to help you. Aftercare is very important, they have detailed instruction and the dietian is very helpful in seeing that you take in enough food and vitamins. He has a very detailed packet addressing every complication amagined. Overall I would give him and his staff a 9. I think surgical competence is a little bit better than bed side manner only because he a little on the quite side.

The entire staff at Dr. Gandsas' office are all wonderful. From the first day, everyone is very pleasant and always there for the patients whatever their needs. Dr. Gandsas is very nice, caring and thorough. When I was in the hospital, I had a problem and Dr. Gandsas left an entire room of patients to address my problem. Dr. Li is also very nice and has a good bedside manner. Phyllis, Paula, Karen and Nancy are always smiling , very knowledgeable and there to help. And I really appreciate Eileen for all the help, encouragement and support she has given me over the last 3 months. They describe the program very well with the seminars and they all put in very long hours. I cannot thank all of them enough.

On May 11th 2005 I walked into Dr. Gandsas's office not realizing that my life was about to change. Believe me my life changed all for the better. It felt like it was going to take forever, it seemed like there was going to be pre-op testing for years to come. The whole time I had the complete support of every person in that office. It felt as though they felt my frustration as well and were doing everything in there power to help me. In the support group meetings all questions were answered, even if there were things that you might not want to hear. Dr. Gandsas covered every possible situation that might happen. Everything. Aug 25th 2005 was the day. There were so many emotions running through my brain that morning, but as soon as I saw Dr. Gandsas I knew I was going to be alright. That was the begining of the rest of my life. I will admit there were rough times well times I thought were rough. I have called Nancy, Karen, Eileen and Paula with the most out of the way questions and they always call me back. The support from that office is the best. I feel like I will always have that support. Myself being an addict of food that support is very important. I would recommemd this group to anyone who was interested in this surgery. It has been alittle over 3 months and I have lost a total of 73lbs I lost 24lbs before the surgery. I would do it all over again, if it meant having my life back. If there are any patients who are interested and would like to e-mail me please do. That is why I am doing this. Make sure that you are serious about the commitment and it will be all worth it. My e-mail is scrillasgirl@hotmail.com. Please do not hesitate to write GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE

Dr. Gandsas and his office staff at Sinai Hospital are the best. I've been treated with the utmost respect and they turned themselves inside out to get me prepared and my testing complete.

Dr. Gandsas' staff encourages a regimented nutrition regime to make sure that you stay healthy during your weight loss efforts. Nancy Lum, the nutritionist is helpful and informative.

Dr. Gandsas was very informative in regards to the pros and cons of surgery. He went over all the risks in depth and answered all my questions without hesitation. He's very easy to talk to and makes you feel very comfortable.

Surgery went well without complications, I find Dr. Gandsas extremely qualified and competant.

Follow-up care is high priority to track health and well-being.