Alex Gandsas Bariatric Surgeon MD, MBA, FACS

I would really like to write these comments to encourage potential patients to put their trust in Dr. Gandsas and his staff. I can't begin to even describe my experience- which was beyond all my expectations. I am so grateful that his surgical expertise was such that I was able to have a laparoscopy instead of the "open procedure". I was a challenging patient in that regard due to previous extensive abdominal surgery. I believe that Dr. Gandsas would do just about anything to provide a lap if at all possible! Patient safety being his first priority, of course. Dr. Gandsas is very kind, soft-spoken and has a keen sense of humor as well. He offers a lecture series before surgery and a support group for post-op pts. I highly recommend his lecture on gastric bypass surgery. It is really enjoyable, informative and humorous as well. It is a "must see" for anyone considering this surgery. His aftercare program is very rigid and that is a good thing. Frequent follow-up visits are imperative as he tracks your progress. Visits with the dietician, Nancy, are most beneficial as well as the mandatory classes presented by her. They really tell you how to put this whole thing together. The surgery is the first step-- learning to eat is another huge area to be addressed. She is just fabulous as well. Very sweet and understanding, always smiling and pleasant. The entire staff is like that! Everyone treats you with the utmost respect and your dignity is maintained at all times. You never feel like you are "just another patient " being herded in and out. They are all a pleasure to deal with.
The risks of this surgery were addressed over and over and culminate in a 15 page OR consent form. This was very overwhelming at first to read and take in. It also allows yet another time for Dr. Gandsas to answer your questions. Questions are always answered to your satisfaction- and welcomed. None are too trivial or silly. They are answered until you are done asking. It was such a positive experience for me. I received good care in the hospital and Dr. Gandsas was there each day- even when I went to x-ray the day after surgery. He is pretty amazing in my opinion- all of this is my opinion obviously- and I really believe he made my lap a reality. I have so much to be grateful for. The fact that Dr. Gandsas and his program are so close and accessible is just simply "a gift". He has tocuhed so many lives and I would strongly urge you to let him change your life as well.

Dr. Gandsaa and his staff were nice and helpful, esp. Paula and Eileen.

I had my RYN surgery with Dr. Gandsas on 11/14/05. From the first time I attended one of his seminars I knew that he was the right surgeon for me. He is extremely intelligent and obviously committed to his specialty and to his patients. His staff is fantastic and they made the whole process as easy as possible. The staff is organized and well coordinated - they took care of the insurance process and assisted with all pre-op testing scheduling.

I would highly recommend Dr. Gandsas and the Sinai program to everyone. They have also recently been appointed as a "Center of Excellence" for Bariatric Surgery which is just more confirmation of the quality of their practice and facilities.

It takes a great deal of commitment and perseverance to get through this process and no staff or surgeon can do it all for you, but Dr. Gandsas and his staff are a wonderful partner for your journey.

I recently had surgery and I had a totally positive experience so this is a positive survery response. However, if this was a survey on the Sinia hospital stay - I'd have some constructive feedback for the hospital to take and improve on.

What was your first impression of him/her? My first impression of Dr. Gandsas was of a personable and friendly professional.

How did your impression change over time? After a couple visits with the doctor I grew to better appreciate his sense of humor. He is easy to ask questions of and he does what is right for the patient - not what the insurance company thinks is right.

How would you describe his/her office staff? I can't say enough GOOD things about Dr. Gandsas's staff. From the front desk to the nurse and thru to Eileen (the insurance 'go-getter') - they were all very efficient and friendly.

What did you like least about him/her? Nothing.

What should future patients know about him/her? Dr. Gandsas's schedule is very conducive to his patients. From the office visits to the scheduling of the surgery itself - it was all a breeze and very fast. I was the doctor in mid-October and my surgery was scheduled for 11/7. I was expecting a much longer wait time.

How much does he/she emphasize aftercare? This is probably considered the doctor and the office's #1 priority. They focus on a very planned out and schedule for your visits. You visit the office and nutritian at the same time/date 1 week post-op, 1 month post-op, 3 month post-op, 6 month post-op, 1 year post-op and then once a year the rest of your life. They have emphasized this schedule as a 'must' to ensure the patient has success with long-term weight loss.

Additionally, the office provides pre- and post-op sessions for patients. These sessions are essential. There are so many question prior (of course) and then afterwards when your world completely transforms. The office has post-op support groups as well as 'transition' classes for those transitioning from pureed foods to 'regular' food. These session help eliviate all the anxiouty I had related to the surgery.

Does he/she have a structured aftercare program? YES (see above)

How did he/she address the risks of surgery? Dr. Gandsas is very thorough in his review of the risks of the surgery which he reviewed personally with me - I liked that because I could ask questions, etc. He doesn't hold back any data related to his past surgeries. The office has extensive documentation related to the risks and expectations related to the surgery.

How would you rate him/her overall? Rating from 1 (worst) to 10 (best) - 10-BEST

Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or are both great? I'd say both but he is heavier on the surgical competency which is a good balance. He has very impressive credentials and has extensive experience in the area of bariatric surgery. This was the #1 reason I chose Dr. Gandsas over other surgeons.

Dr. Gandsas was very supportive from the moment I met him. I was not sure if the surgery was for me, but wanted to get more information. He made sure that I understood the procedure.

His office staff is exceptional. They guide you through every step of the way.

During Surgery Dr. Gandsas and his staff made sure that they updated my family throughout the procedure.

I respect Dr. Gandsas and the program at Sinai Hospital because it has a "before, during, and after" philosophy. Before a patient has surgery he must attend support groups and begin a lifestyle transition. I've only just had the surgery, but I was up and walking right away. I am encouraged to meet with the dietician each time I see Dr. Gandsas. In fact, the appointments are scheduled back to back to make it more convenient. The diectician offers classes on transitions throughout the Gastric Bypass experience. I will be attending support groups for patients who have had the surgery as well.

At the support groups Dr. Gansas reviews the risks associated with surgery. He lists each and every problem that could occur. He then gives you information about the percentage of his patients that have experienced specific problems.

My experience with Sinai Hospital and Dr. Gansas was fantastic.

Dr Gansas, is a wondeful surgen, with the greatest bed side manner I have ever experenced in a doctor !
The staff Eileen,Karen and Paula are all wonderful girls, with the best humor : ) they have all been very helpful, and believe me I called on a daily basis prior to surgery : )
Overall , I would say both Dr. Gandsas and his girls are the BEST ! in ALL that they do !

Dr. Gandsas was a wonderful surgeon, he has a great knowledge and bedside manor. The staff at his office is the easiest I have ever had to work with. They are always there to help withever you have a question. Never did I go away with unanswered questions or felling as if I did not understand something. I would recommend Dr. Gandsas and his staff to anyone considering this surgery. I was at the gym working on the tredmill and bike after just 7 days and back at work in 14 days. I feel great and credit all of that to the great care I received.

I love my doctor along with Karen Eileen Paula and Nancy. They are all very warm and welcoming. Any needs you have they are there to help you along the way. Since my surgery I have been into the office twice for post op checks and everyone is still as warm as meeting with them pre-op. I highly recommend this office!!!

My first impression(s) with Dr. Gandsas and his staff was one of complete comfort, confidence and hope. This impression has not changed at all. While I have been going through this process, Dr. Gandsas and his staff have made me feel as if I was the only patient under his (their) care. What I like least about this process is that I did not find this office a long time ago. Future patients should know that dealing with this office and being one of their patients is one of the single most important things I have ever done in my life. The aftercare here is as important as the surgical process itself. I was made well aware of the risks of surgery more than once. No stone was left unturned. It is my opinion that the surgical competence of Dr. Gandsas is superior and I feel he demands this and certainly nothing less of himself and of those supporting his surgical procedures. The bedside manner was cool, competent, comfortable with even a little much welcomed comic undertones. I feel so blessed with Dr. Gandsas, his staff and my experience.

My surgery was 4/25/05 at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore. I had a bit of a head start with the obesity surgery process, as a very good friend of mine had already had the surgery (Dr. Gandsas) in 11/04. She gave me a heads-up on what would be needed to prepare for the surgery, to speed up the insurance approval process. I met with my Primary Care Physician in 11/04 (248 lbs.), who provided a letter of recommendation for the surgery, then made arrangements for my psychiatric evaluation in 12/04. I met with my primary care physician again in December, so I would have 2 of the 6 necessary consecutive visits on record. I also attended my first bariatric seminar in December, which I continued to attend each month prior to surgery. On 1/9/05, I attended a nutrition class with Nancy Lum, and met with both Dr. Gandsas and Nancy on 1/11 for the beginning of my journey (243 lbs.). It was very apparent to me that both individuals were dedicated to their profession, and they expected the same level of commitment from me. In fact, Dr. Gandsas indicated that he wanted me to lose some weight prior to surgery. One of the reasons for losing weight was to demonstrate my commitment to the weight reduction process. I was not at all happy about having to lose weight ahead of time, but Dr. Gandsas explained that the more easily accessible the liver, the less chance for open surgery to be necessary (Laparoscopic Roux-En-Y was my surgery of choice). The goal weight outlined for me (5’ 1 ½ “) by Dr. Gandsas was 131 lbs. Nancy’s “tools” made the weight loss process so much easier, as she had lots of printed material to help me, and was always available by phone or email. My sleep study was done at Sinai, and it revealed that I had severe sleep apnea. The sleep study was necessary in order to determine oxygen levels and anesthesia during surgery. An endoscopy was performed at Sinai, which ruled out any ulcers or stomach infections in the part of the stomach being closed off. It did not reveal anything that would put me at risk for surgery. Because I have (2) stented arteries resulting from angioplasty done in 1998, I requested that my own cardiologist provide the necessary cardiac clearance. I passed the Nuclear Thallium Stress Test with flying colors and was thrilled to receive his blessing! Everything was moving along nicely, until there was a hiccup. My insurance company now required 6 consecutive (monthly) physician visits rather than the 3 visits previously needed, and therefore denied the initial surgery request. I became depressed, but thanks to Eileen’s (Admin. Asst) exceptionally positive reinforcement and genuine enthusiasm, I kept on trucking. Karen (Bariatric Nurse Coordinator) was also very optimistic, answered all of my questions no matter how many hundreds of times she had answered the same ones for others, and she made sure I understood each and every test/procedure needed. I felt extremely fortunate to be in the hands of such a wonderful team of professionals. Once I completed the 6th visit, my request for surgery was approved. My surgery date was finally scheduled for 4/25 at 1PM (223 lbs.). The bowel preparation the day before surgery wasn’t pretty, but I survived it. There were no complications during or after surgery and no pain, so I did not bother filling the prescription for pain pills. The recovery process was much better than I expected, and I was back to work 3 days after surgery. The first month post-op was challenging with regard to liquids/food, but each month thereafter has become easier and easier. At my 3 month post-op appointment, I weighed in at 182.5 lbs. I am now 6 months post-op and weigh 165 lbs. Most foods agree with me, with a few exceptions here and there. I need to “up” the protein, but otherwise am doing wonderfully. There is rarely a day that goes by without a compliment from someone about how good I look. I just turned 52 and have not been below 200 lbs. in over 30 years. I come from a large family comprised of medical professionals (3 Nurses, 1 Nurse Practitioner, 2 Physical Therapists, 1 Medical Technologist, 1 Occupational Therapist), some of whom were very skeptical when I started looking into gastric bypass surgery. They have all been very concerned about my health, ever since I was diagnosed with heart disease (age 45), high blood pressure, high cholesterol and severe sleep apnea. Most of these co-morbidities have drastically improved or been eliminated, so the family skeptics are believers. It’s so nice to be able to exercise and not be out of breath all the time, just from climbing a flight of stairs. There is absolutely no way I would have accomplished this without Dr. Gandsas. I tried many many diets many many times, and just couldn’t do it on my own. Thank you for everything, Dr. Gandsas, and thank you to your outstanding team.