Alex Gandsas Bariatric Surgeon MD, MBA, FACS

I spent two years researching this surgery before deciding to go forward. I became aware of Dr. Gandsas because my PCP recommended him in the spring of 2004 - I was originally considering another doctor and hospital. I called his office and spoke with Eileen who sent me a package to fill out (very detailed and lengthy - they leave nothing out). She also told me about the monthly seminars they have and that I'd be required to attend at least three before my surgery. Although I had been transferred to Delaware for my job, I managed to get to the July, August, and September 2004 seminars. That is where I first saw Dr. Gandsas and Nancy Lum, his nutritionist. The one seminar was a detailed overview of the gastric bypass, including a video of the actual surgery. He detailed the risks and rewards and the absolute mandatory after care. Dr. G. is very personable and compassionate. He is also very knowledgeable and professional about all the different WLS options. He requires that you see him many times the year following surgery and annually for the rest of your life. He also requires that you meet regularly with his nutritionist and follow her eating plan. I like structure, and I like to know the doctor cares after the fact, so all of this was fine with me.

In April 2005 I took early retirement and decided I needed to stop waiting to live the rest of my life. I completed the package I'd been holding for close to a year and sent it in. In about a week I got a call from Paula in Dr. G's office setting my nutrition class with Nancy for May 23 and a consult with Dr. G and one on one with Nancy for May 31. The appointment with Dr. Gandsas went very well. He is a little concerned that my insurance is sticky about approving WLS (BCBSD) so I was a little nervous about that.

Following my meeting with Dr. Gandsas, I met with his nurse, Karen. Karen gave me a sheet that showed how the whole procedure goes and all the tests I will need before surgery. It is very detailed. I needed a letter of medical necessity from PCP and a psych evaluation before they could submit me for insurance approval. Then I also needed a pulmonary consult, a cardio consult, a chest x-ray, abdominal ultrasound, sleep study, EGD and lab work. Wow! They are very thorough.

Eileen is the person who deals with insurance companies for Dr. Gandsas (God bless her!) BCBSD put me through a lot of hoops and a lot of stress before finally approving me on August 17. But Eileen and Karen worked very hard on my behalf to get it done, and I really appreciate everything they did.

I spent a good amount of time researching surgeons. In addition to my PCP recommending Dr. Gandsas, I looked on line at feedback about him, including Obesity Help, and everyone had very positive things to say about him and his staff. That was reinforced by my own impression. But the real proof was in the actual surgery and post-op experience. My surgery had to be postponed once, because Dr. Gandsas got sick the night before my scheduled date, and I was not happy that I had to wait two weeks to get a rescheduled date, but I guess everything happens for a reason. My surgery was September 12, and I was discharged 2 1/2 days later. I had little post-op pain and my recovery so far has been pretty smooth. I credit Dr. Gandsas' skill and the great advice and counsel of Nancy, the nutritionist, for things going so well so far. I would highly recommend Dr. Gandsas to anyone within a 100 mile radius of Baltimore who is considering Gastric Bypass!! Sinai Hospital was also fantastic - the most dedicated nursing staff I have ever experienced. And Dr. Gandsas' entire staff are there to make your experience as positive and worry-free as it can possibly be. I would rate my experience five stars!!!

My first impression of Dr.Gandsas was he was very firm about you knowing this was a life change. He wanted you to know all there was to know about the surgery.
My imprpression was more confadent of him being my doctor. He wanted to know you were sincere about this. I was glad he made you write and explan why you wanted this surgery. It makes you take a personal inventory of your life. I found myself in tears writing the reasons.
Future pattients should know that he is a great doctor and we take very good care of you and be there from start to even when you first wake up.Even if it is late at night he will be there to make sure you are doing well. I think he is the most caring and concerned doctor I have ever known.
Dr. Gandsas has a great team that works with him and you will go to meetings and work on your eating habits.
Dr.Gandsas wants this to work for you after surgery and going home you were called and checked on. I think it is a very structured aftercare program.
I would rate him as a great and caring Doctor.
My life has changed so much. I can walk and run I have so much engery.I am like a new person. I have never felt so confident of myself before. I was wearing a 22 to 26 womans and now I wear a 4 petite. When I go to the store to buy clothes I know they are going to fit. I am of all my meds. I took eight to ten different meds and now none.I feel like I just started living. I also now do not care about my husband knowing how much I weigh. I started at 218 now 124. Myhusband and I were just living together now we are sharing together.

From snores like a drunken sailer,

My experience with Dr. Gandsas and his staff was an extremely positive one.

Although I had the responsibility of getting what sometimes seemed like an endless list of documentation and medical tests, his office handled all of the paperwork and dealt with my insurance (BlueCrossBlueShield-PPO).

I was fortunate to get in to see Dr. Gandsas in early April, 2005. We agreed to a surgery date of May 4th ( slightly less than 4 weeks from my initial visit with him ). I spent the next few weeks so busy getting tests done (blood work/EKG/Upper-GI/pulminary/sleep test/etc..etc) that I hardly had time to worry about the surgery itself.

By the time the surgery date arrived, I was more than ready! I have to say that everyone I dealt with was professional, kind, and treated me with dignity.

I am now almost 5 months out from surgery and I feel fantastic! I am no longer taking blood pressure medication, and my joints are feeling so much better. I've lost approximately 70 pounds so far.

Having this surgery has been a life altering event for me. I can't begin to describe it adequately. I went to the movies a month or so ago...I hadn't been to the theater in over 10 years prior to that. I am going to see a play at the Kennedy Center next weekend - I have never seen a live play before. There are just so very many things I've allowed myself to miss out on in life....time to play catch up.

My first thought of Dr. Gandsas was he was kind, soft-spoken and truthful. My impression of him fortunately did not change as I felt he took a personal interest in my health and wellbeing. He and his staff were all quite professional in their treatment of me and treated me with dignity. The first time I called to make an appointment with Dr. Gandsas , Paula his scheduler was so kind, funny, and so reasuring. I felt just by the brief conversation with her I was making the right choice. I really feel it all starts from the front desk. When you are greeted with a friendly smile or a hello that makes you feel that someone notices you and is glad to have met you. Than their was Karen Dr. Gandsas's nurse, she was so professional, answered all my questions, walked me through all the nessasary upcoming appts. that I would need to schedule. Everything from the chest x-ray, ultrasound, sleep study, endonoscopy, pyschological, blood work, etc.. Even if I had a silly question, she answered them as efficently and responsibily as possible. Last but certainly not least was Eileen, what a Fantastic human being, she was so wonderful. I must of called her so many times, she knew it was me before picking up the phone. Everytime was so kind, thoughtful, and caring. She helped me get my insurance to approve my surgery. She only encourged me to do all I can to help speed up the process and all the doucumentation my insurance company requested. She helped expedite appts. I needed for my upcoming surgery. She was always keeping me informed. She made me feel she was only looking out for me. That I was her only case and she had time to answer all my questions. Without her I think I would of been at a loss. She was AlWAYS on my side and wanted to see me happy. When I got the phone call that I was approved I wanted to jump through the phone and give her the biggest hug ever for all the hard work. I could tell she was just as excited as I was. I can say honestly that I cannot recall anything negative about Dr.Gandsas or his staff. Future patients should be ready for an experience in the best of what medicine can offer. Dr.Gandsas was careful to stress how important diet,exercise and patience was to gain the results I was looking for. Dr.Gandsas had a detailed follow up schedule to monitor progress and nutritional health. Dr.Gandsas was extremely forthcoming in his risk assesment and could not of been more truthful. He even gave statistical breakdowns for exact risks. I would have to give Dr.Gandsas my highest rating, and this comes from a person who works with doctors every day. He constantly went above and beyond the call of duty. Both his technical expertise and his demeanor were first class. He is a credit to the medical field. One brief story I would like to relate took place after my surgery. I had an allergic reaction to a blood thinner, and Dr. Gandsas instead of having an associate remain with me for my care(I was in extreme pain for hours), Dr.Gandsas himself stayed ALL NIGHT to make sure that my reaction calmed down and that I was fine. I am completely satisfied with Dr.Gandsas, the procedure, and all his staff. I would heartily recommend Dr.Gandsas to anyone who is even remotely thinking about the procedure. I thank him in my heart every day for giving me a new lease on life. Thank you Dr.Gandsas!!!!!

Dr Alex Gandsas: From our very first meeting and throughout, he was warm, exeptionally helpful and was very concerned about me. I had a very high number of co-morbidities, such as heart problems, diabetes, high blood pressure and a very long history of heart failure in my family at an early age. Being a male, age 56, with having had open heart surgery at age 36 and having all these problems and taking some 14 pills a day, he took me thru the process with incredible efficiency, constantly monitoring all my tests. I am definetly convinced that he was more worried than I was, constantly checking and double checking and triple checking all the outcomes. The day of the surgery came and everything went as he had hoped - with a great outcome. During the surgery, one of his nurses periodically called my wife in the waiting room to keep her updated on how I was doing. It was a great comfort comfort to her. After a few days in the hospital, I came home. I felt great. I just came back from my first follow up visit, and I lost 22 pounds. I feel great, and I am only taking 1/4 of a pill of 1 of my meds and 1/2 a pill of another med, and I am off of all my diabetes medicines. This is what I hoped for. Not bad after taking some 14 pills each day prior to the surgery. I found Dr. Gandas to be great before during and after. His staff clearly reflects his caring in every shape, way and form. From the moment you sign in, everyone cares about you, and it shows. The lady that weights you in (close your eyes and you will swear you are talking to Whoopi Goldberg) is great. Karen, the nurse in the office actually came in to the hospital to see how I was doing. She is great! Nancy, the nutritionist, even though she will tell you about all the healthy foods to eat, none of which were my favorite, not once did she mention pizza or maybe a cheesesteak, you will still love her, because she is just as caring as everyone else in that office - GREAT. Paula and Eileen, front office staff, nicest people you could ever want to meet - Great. Overall, it was a wonderful experience. I was scared to death, but Dr. Alex Gandsas and his staff couldn't have done a more perfect job.
THEY WERE W O N D E R F U L !! I would surely recomment Dr. Gandsas to anyone considering this surgery.
Jack age 56
very happy paitient of Dr Alex Gandsas

I first saw Dr. Gandsas at one of his monthly support group meetings. At this time he was requiring people to attend at least 3 support group meetings for education on WLS before making an initial appointment with him. He is a very funny guy! Great sense of humor. He is also very good at explaining everything in detailed language that is easy to understand. Of course, he is a good looking guy with a slight accent which certaininly doesn't hurt either.
His staff is very efficient and pleasant to work with.
I haven't found anything to dislike about this man. His testing requirements are thorough and he makes sure he knows you in fine detail before committing to doing your surgery. He is very strong to emphasize what your requirements are for aftercare and that he expects you to do your part as he will do his. He explains all the risks of surgery in great detail, including drawings for those of us who like pictures.
Even though I've just begun my post surgery weight loss adventure I am very reassured to have Dr. Gandsas at my side. You get a nice package with this man. Surgical competence and a great bedside manner. What more could you want?

During my process of surgical debate, I did extensive internet research. A name that kept coming up on the screen was Dr. Alex Gandsas. After extensive consideration of whether or not to pursue this endeavor I decided to make the phone call. I attended a brief in-service, a support group meeting, and then it was time for my initial appointment.
Meeting Dr. Gandsas was a rather intimidating experience. Upon walking into his office, I was professionally greeting and the process was discussed. I wasn't impressed with his demeanor, but his professionalism was quite evident. I went home knowing that I may not see a smile from him ever, but I would rather have quality and expertise over a smile and kind word. This of course has changed. He told me that I would have to lose 20lbs. for the surgery and then said "How do you do on diets?". Of course, in my sarcastic mind... I though..well if I did well, I wouldn't be here. Needelss to say, I walked out discouraged, yet optimistic if that makes sense. Each visit after that one, however, has been a more congenial consultation. During these visits, he required a barriage of tests to be completed. The detail that he puts into the pre-surgery process is greatly appreciated and respected. His support for the slow and disappointing weight loss was incredible. I knew that he was matter of fact, I knew he was professional... I did see him smile...BUT... when surgery was minutes away..and when recovery was the process.. I saw a completely different person. There was a light in his eye, a sense of strength from his being..and a compassion that helped me to know that I would be okay.
The staff is incredible. It is great to see smiling faces. Paula is incredible. She is the right person to greet you and to send you off. Karen definitely knows what she is doing. Eileen...is WONDERFUL. She is a hug just waiting to be given. The nurse, although I don't know her name is great. She is matter of fact, but totally dedicated. And of course, Nancy is so knowledgable and supportive.
"Getting to know" Dr. Gandsas through this process one realizes that the aftercare is so important. He and his staff structure a pathway that is clear, consice, and most of all based on the welfare of the patient. I think this support is pivotal for success.
All in all, I can't speak of success because it has been less then a week since surgery, but what I can say is that I currently have a doctor in my life that cares about my well-being and my future. I would recommend him to anybody..and look forward to continued interaction.

My first impression of Dr. Gandsas was at one of his pre-op informative monthly meetings held at the Holiday Select in Timonium. I liked the way he opened up his meeting with someone who had already had the surgery. Dr. Gandsas than shared his topic and answered everyone's questions. He staff was there to also answer any questions. My overall impression from that night was that he and his staff ran a very well-rounded program. They addressed each part of the surgery and seemed to respect each other and all the guests.
I don't know how much he emphasizes after-care because I'm pretty motivated to follow all his instructions. I feel very comfortable calling his staff or my nutritionalist if I have any concerns or questions. Dr. Gandsas sends out a post card with time and date for his post-op support group. I go there to get my B-12 shot once a month.
My surgery had to be moved from a Wednesday to a Friday, that was the only glitch for my surgery. I think I received great care in the hospital from Dr. Gandsas. I think some of the nurses were not so great but....
I would never tell anyone to have this surgery but I can tell with no hesitation what-so-ever, that it was the BEST decision for me. I'm very glad that I had it done and I'm very proud of myself, Dr. Gandsas, and his staff. I also tell people if they ask or if someone asks how did I lose weight. I have know problems sharing my story.

I have found Dr. Gandsas and his entire staff to be very helpful and supportive every step of the way. He is the most caring individual and his staff of Eileen, Paula, Karen and Nancy are the best. Helpful and caring.

During an informational seminar is when i first met Dr. Gandsas. He is humble, down to earth, exceptionally informative and very kind. One will know he's met a great surgeon after his initial consult. The office staff is well educated and up to date on bariatric concerns. Some have even had the surgery. Aftercare is emphasized greatly and each patient is educated on the importance of aftercare. The risks of surgery are offered during seminars and consults. One is also given the chance to ask the Dr. and questions he may have. Overall, the office is superior to any other that i've been to. Surgical competence, bedside manner, and attitude go hand in hand. A surgeon can not be great with out all. Dr. Gandsas has it all. The surgeon's job is not done when he places the final stitch. He knows this and so does the patient. A patient of Dr. Gandsas can guarantee they'll see him again, and again.