Alex Gandsas Bariatric Surgeon MD, MBA, FACS

Outstanding impression from the begining. My first encounter was at a seminar when I was drawn to his frankness yet a light humor. All encounters from that point on with not only Dr Gandsas, but his entire staff have been totally positive, encouraging and supportive.rnThe day of surgery was for me quite tense. But again both his assistant and Dr. Gandsas saw me priot to surgery, were reassuring to me and my husband, promised to keep my husband informed from the operating room on how things were going. They did just that, and as soon as surgery was over Dr. Gandsas was there to reassure my husband of how things went. In the 27 hours after surgery when I was in the hospital I saw Dr Gandsas twice more in my room personally and twice on the rolling/roving ROBOT. I found that much contact with the doctor very reassuing,rnI could report my feelings, pain, questions directly to him, not through a nurse or associate, etc. I felt just as comfortable talking to him through the robot as I did in person. I think this technology is excellent and should be used by more doctors. I think Dr Gandsas use of the ROBOT is just one more example of how he tries to put his patients needs, comfort, and support at the top of the list. rnrnIf I were to give any negative comments it would be sometimes the wait for you appointment gets a little trying. But I am not sure how that can be managed any better. Some patients stay with the doctor longer than others and if I had a major discussion I would not want the doctor to rush me out half way through, so I try to be understanding.

I absolutely loved my surgeon and the staff at Sinai Hospital. Dr. Gandsas was very personable and welcoming. He answered all my questions and gave me the feeling of security each and every time I left his office. I was never rushed or talked into doing something that wasn't right for me. And after the surgery Dr. Gandsas kept in close communication with me through this robot named Bari. It was the neatest thing ever. I highly recommend Dr. Gandsas if you are considering having the surgery. Thank you Dr. Gandsas!

*** Am in the process of changing surgeons. Dr. Brader left Barix. Am going with the Sinai Bariatric Program.

My first impression of Dr. Gandsas was that he knew what he was talking about. He was very matter of fact and that set me at ease. I appreciate his candor in the discussions that we had, although at first it seemed like it was moving too fast. The more I saw him, the wider his smile grew. His office staff is amazing, they are attentive, funny, and calming. He has a strong emphasis on aftercare and the Sinai program itself has a great aftercare program. He addressed all of my concerns and gave me all of the information that was needed and then some. I would recommend him to anyone, my surgical experience was amazing, he was always so at ease that it put myself and my family at ease. I would encourage anyone in the Baltimore area to look to him for their WLS. He is amazing!

My first impression of my surgeon was that he was reserved and knowledgable.rnMy impression over time was that Dr. Gandsas is extremely professional, very explict with the exact procedures the patient will go through and what expectations the patient may have. The majority of the staff is wonderful and helpful. The front desk receptionist is slow and impolite. Aftercare is very important in this program - there are high expectations for patients to follow through with pre, post and aftercare. The program offers group imformation sessions with booklets, passouts and samples for future reference at home. You have acccess to all staff by phone or e-mail. I have never had a problem contacting anyone from the office. Dr. Gandsas addressed the risks of the surgery at the symposium, appointments(pre and post surgery), before the actual surgery and literature provided to the patient included the risks also. On a scale 1-10 (10 being the best) I would rate Dr. Gandsas a 10. I felt informed and confident that my surgery would go well and that I was in the best hands possible. Both his surgical competence and bedside manner are exceptional. During my stay at the hospital I was able to use the Robot and found it comforting to be able to see and speak to Dr. Gandsas personally.

Dr. Gandsas did not disappoint at my first appointment. Since I had researched his record and experience carefully I expected a physician who explained all the options and answered my questions fully. The doctor is calm and to the point. His demeanor and experience gave me confidence to go forward with the procedure with him as the surgeon. There has been nothing since then that has changed my impression. rnrnThe office staff, especially Eileen, is the best I have encountered anywhere. I feel the nutritional aspect of the program could benefit from a more thorough discussion of all the possible reactions that a body can have from the vitamin and liquid requirements immediately after surgery. Having said that, it is a good program overall. rnrnThe use of the robot for the post-op visit is just fine. You are talking directly with the doctor as though he were in the room. I have not been a patient at Sinai for a few years and was delighted with the care of the staff. rnrnIf you want an excellent surgeon and great aftercare, Dr. Gandsas should be your choice.rnrn\"Amazed\" by the ease of the experience.rnrn

I have found Dr. Gandsas to be through and highly competent. After my initial consultation I had a surgery date a few days short of a month. He explained every step of the process and wrote down instructions that were invaluable in getting all of my pre-op testing done in such a short time span. I was very disappointed that I saw Doc. less than 5 minutes during my hospital stay. He said that he would check back but I didn't see him again until my 2wk appointment, so I can't comment to that reported excellent bed side manner of his. However, at 10 wks out I feel well taken care of. The front office staff could be a little more attentive, but they do get the job done. Nancy Lum, the dietician is excellent. So far I would have to say I have been very pleased.

My first impression of Dr. Gandsas was of a very warm and funny guy. If you had any doubts about surgery before you entered his office, that all goes out the window because he makes you feel relaxed, comfortable and sure about the life changing decision you're about to make. When talking to him you definitely know that Gastric Bypass is his craft. I only stayed in the hospital one night after surgery and was back to work the next week. My stay at the hospital was very comfortable. I had round-the-clock care, all the nurses were pleasant and my room was spacious. My overall experience with Dr. Gandsas, the surgery, the hospital stay and his team was a 10. If I had to do it all over again I would, for all of those reasons. I would definitely and already have recommended people to Dr. Gandsas who's considering weight loss surgery.

My first impression of Dr. Gandsas was comfort. He was not the typical doctor in a white coat that made you feel nervous. rnrnDr. Gandsas I still feel is a wonderful and competent surgeon. He has a very \"neat\" sense of humor and a caring touch.rnrnThe office staff is so very helpful. Each time I call in with a question or to make an appointment they really know who you are and treat you with such respect!rnrnIf anyone is interested in seeing Dr. Gandsas I would highly recommend him. He is very honest with you and very easy to sit and talk to about your issues/concerns, etc...rnrnAftercare is very important to the staff at SIANI. The encourage all types of support and groups. Send you reminders of seminars, etc...The facility has meetings each month and special speakers as well are scheduled. rnrnDr. Gandsas and staff make sure that you know the risks and benefits to make sure this is the correct way for your life. This was / is both done at seminars, open group discussions and in office visits.rnrnI researched this surgery for 2+ years. I knew the moment I walked into my first seminar that the staff and Dr. Gandsas were right for me! I think very highly of the staff and surgeons and everyone at SIANI! rnrnI couldn't ask for a better place to have put my care in their hands. Everyone from the first staff member I saw that morning was beyond pleasant and made all my fears start to settle and my nerves were calm!

When I was first introduced to Dr. Gandsas, I was pleased at how thorough he and his staff were in explaining my options regarding the different surgical methods that were available to me. They were aware of the efforts that I had made prior to coming to them and help to expedite what still needed to be done. I was able to schedule my surgery within a month after my initial appointment with Dr. Gandsas.rnrnMy surgery was complicated by the large amount of scar tissue from previous sugreries that had to be removed prior to the bypass, but, this was accomplished so that there was a minimum amount of discomfort afterwards. Dr. Gandsas, his team of residents, and the nursing staff were all sympathic to my needs while recovering in the hospital. So much so that my daughter wanted me to extend my stay to the maximum number of days the insurance company would allow.rnrnAftercare has also been a pleasant experience. If I've had any questions, they were answered promptly and to my satisfaction. things that i didn't see as a issue were investigated to my sure that there was nothing interfering with my progress. even though I am only three months out from my surgery i am pleased with every one I have worked with on the team in my effort to regain my health and have a more positive image of myself.