George Ferzli Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS

My surgeon was Armando Castro, who has left the practice. These comments are regarding Dr. Ferzli et al's bariatric surgery program.rnrnI had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy in February, 2008, and looking back, and given what I've heard from other patients, where this program is especially strong is in peripheral support. Finding a well-trained surgeon is very important, but relatively easy. Finding a program which ensures you're in the best possible shape for your procedure, that you've been well-informed about your alternatives, and have had proper pre-op testing, counseling in nutrition, and the opportunity to attend support groups, are the areas where Dr. Ferzli's program is outstanding. rnrnI had two private consultations with my surgeon before signing my consent, and he helped me choose the sleeve gastrectomy procedure, based on my diet history and how I described my eating and appetite problems. I wasn't familiar with the VSG before I met Dr. Castro, but I think it really was the best option for me, and I'm very glad I came to this practice. (Six years ago, I considered bariatric surgery, but I disliked aspects of both the lap band and gastric bypass. Because I was completely healthy at the time, I decided against surgery.) I would urge patients to consider it even though it is not currently covered by insurance--this is a life-altering decision, after all. rnrnThe pre-op testing was rigorous, and I felt reassured about my basic good health. (I had mild hypertension, which cleared up within two months of surgery.) Since February, I've gone to support groups (which are offered three times a month, on Staten Island and Brooklyn) an average of once a month. I've also been to at least two follow-up appointments with Lisa, my nutritionist, and my surgeon. I like having these resources available to me because I'm making permanent changes in my diet and want to make sure I'm getting proper nutrition in addition to losing weight. (Meetings with Lisa are preceded by a blood work-up.) I followed the post-op instructions to the letter, and have had no complications or delays in my recovery. rnrnI always feel like Dr. Ferzli's staff are available to me and are committed to my success.

Dr Ferzli and staff were very helpful with all my questions from the first day i came in.they made sure i new every thing about my surgury and explained everything so i would understand all the changes that were going to happen to my body. Dr ferzli emphasize aftercare very much it a part of healing and also to make sure you are ok with the changes he made sure i new all the risks about the surgury and even made me read a article and that a test just to make sure that i understood i thought that was very good because i probally wouldnt have read it all in detail. I would rate Dr Ferzli a 10 there is nothing i would change about my doctor his bedside manner and surgical competence are great even. he even made sure my family new everything that was going on for the minute i went in to the hospital to the minute i left.

The first time I met Dr. Ferzli, I saw the kindness in his eyes. Dr. Ferzli has an amazing team of doctors and support staff is very informative. The nutriotionist, Lora was very detailed in how I would have to change my eating habits and enjoy it at the same time. I called Kevin, the Coordinator, a lot of time and always got an easy to understandrnanswer. If anyone is looking for a major change in their life you can trust Dr. Ferzli. He personally will explain every step before and after the surgery. After my surgery, Dr. Ferzli's team of doctors was always by my bed, ckecking and making sure I was comfortable. I trusted Dr. Ferzli with my life and I love it now. rnThank you Dr. Ferzli and the team.rnR.

When I first met with Dr. Ferzli, he looked very caring. He told me exactly what to expect, meaning that the procedure was not a quick fix and that I had to do my part. He was very frank about the whole thing. My initial impression has not changed. I cannot recall an instance where I was disappointed because he is very careful about my wellbeing by following post-op procedures and taking precautions. Future patients should know that Dr. Ferzli is one of the top and that he has a great team of health professionals that work with him. I did feel without a doubt that I was in good hands. He makes sure that I follow the procedure and instructions of post-op maintenance. He directs me to take test, getting prescriptions needed and advise me to see my regular physician for follow up. He definately has a structured aftercare program. The whole team advised me on what to do, because he said that the post-op period is most critical. He talked about the risk of the procedure during our initial procedure and on the day of surgery. On a scale of 1-10, I rate him a 10. I believe that surgical competence along with bedside manner are both important and vital in this profession. I feel that Dr. Ferzli possesses both qualities.

My impresssion of Dr. Ferzli was one of confidence. I read about hiom before I met with him and everything I read was true. He was very professional. The office staff was very helpful and they guided me through the steps I needed to take to have surgery. Dr Ferzli has a specific aftercare program that I follow. I have routine visits with the doctor and the nutritionists. Dr. Ferzli addressed all the risks and benifis of the surgery with me. I would rate DR. Ferzli on a scale form 1-10 a 10. I have recommeded other patients to him and would encourage anyone who interested in having surgery tosee Dr. Ferzli.

-First impression was that he was extremely easy to talk to, very honest, and supportive.rnrn-It has only gotten better-Dr. Ferzli is a gifted surgeon who genuinely cares for his patients and has a great sense of humor.rnrn-The staff is very helpful and is always available to answer any and all questions that may arise.rnrn-Aftercare is definitely emphasized and for good reason. They also offer a structured post-op program so there is not much guess work.rnrn-The risks of srugery were addressed at the first consultation and they were presented honestly and straight forward.rnrn-from a scale of 1-10 I give him a 20rnrn-surgical competence and bedside manner are both great.rn

Hi Everyone,rnI would like to start by congratulating you for taking this step in getting healthy! It was not that long ago that I started my journey. I had Gastric Bypass surgery on Oct. 8th 2008 which was just over 2 months ago and I am down 72 pounds and I feel great! rnMy journey began in Jan. 2008 when I spoke to my MD about it and he recommended Dr. Ferzli. Dr. Peloro my MD has been my doctor for about 12 years and when we spoke about who I should see he without thinking suggested Dr. Ferzli. Dr Ferzli performed a proceeder on Dr. Peloro's young daughter so I knew if he trusted him with his daughter, well to me that says alot. rnI made my appointment and went to meet with him myself. I most say that my first impression was not of Dr. Ferzli but of his office and staff and I was just that Impressed! I first met with Kevin Brenowitz his Program Coordinator and felt very comfortable. As a big person you know what it is like to feel someone is judging you well I did not feel that way at all! I then met with Dr. Ferzli and again was very comfortable we sat and spoke about my options. Dr. Ferzli went over both the Bypass and the Lap Band with me. When I walked into that office I was set on getting the Lap Band Dr. Ferzli suggested that I read over all the material that he gave me on both proceeders before I made my choice. I was not swayed either way but after the research I did on both I realized the Bypass was for me! rnNow I had to begin getting my clearences and beleave it or not every specialist I saw asked \"Who is your surgeon?\" When I answered they all said He's the best!! I did a little research myself on Dr. Ferzli and the more I read about him the more confidence I had in him!! I can honestly say that I never had a doubt about him I knew I was in good hands! rnMy surgery was a success but it was a difficult one. Turns out so I was told that the muscles in my stomach would not move at all. Women are built a little different then men because we are built to have babies our organs give a little but mine would not. Dr. Ferzli told me because of that and the fact that my liver was fat he had to go up and over my liver to get behind it! I was the first female to have this proceedure done this way. Dr. Ferzli has studied it and had performed it on a few men but I was the first women! I am so greatful that I had a surgeon that is a expert in Laparoscopic surgery because if it was anyone else this journey may not have been a success at all!! rnDr. Ferzli is a very busy man as most good surgeons are. I unserstand that there is no time for him to sit down and have coffe with me but he does have a excellent bedside manner and finds ways to show his patience he cares. On my last follow up visit he walked in the room with my chart in hand and lead over and kissed my head and said \"you are doing so good I am proud of you!\" Well that felt great I must say!!! I highly recomend Dr. Ferzli and his staff of experts they helped change my life!! I hope this helps anyone out there looking for a outstanding surgeon!!!!rnThank you for taking the time to read it!! rnTara Darcy

My first impression of him was that he was a very confident doctor, that made me feel confident.rnrnMy impression really never changed he made me feel confident about the whole procedure.rnrn Dr Ferzli's office staff are very helpful and understanding, somtimes i would call 2-3 times a day with questions and they were always acommidating and very nice to talk with.rnrnI can truly say there is nothing that i didnt like about my experince with Dr ferzli.rnrnFuture patients should know that he gets right to point and tells you like it is and is, he is a very busy Doctor.rnrnHe couldnt emphasize enough about what to do after surgery, always ask what i was do and told me what not to do.rnrnThe aftercare program they have i followed to the letter and I am do terrific and feel great.rnrnHe addressed the risks of this surgery like i said before right to the point and explaind everything in details. positives and negatives.rnrnI would rate Dr Ferzli in my book #1 , he truly is a great surgeon, and a man who has changed my life for the better.rnrnBoth and he has both.rnrnOne more thing to add my stay at the hopital (Luthern Medical Center) was outstanding his staf at the hospital was the best ive ever had in any hospital. I would and have recommend Dr Ferzli and his entire staff to any one who brings up this procedure.

Dr Ferzli is a kind compassionate, reassuring professional. Lovely bedside manner. His associates were also personable, educational and professional. His office staff is thorough and will answer all your questions. Even on busy days, you will get through. Kevin, Dr Ferzli's liason is an asset to the staff. I use Laura as my nutritionist, and she too is caring and wonderful, and always available to help you over a hurdle. rnrnThe process before surgery was time consuming but worth it. You learn alot about your overall health. The whole process started in November for me and I had surgery in July, so it was about 9 months total. Again, Kevin will help guide you through the whole process.

The weight loss program provided by Dr. Ferzli and his staff is very good. My overall experience with them has been very positive. The staff was extremely helpful and very friendly. I felt very confident with Dr. Ferzli as my surgeon. I would definitely recommend him to others considering bariatric surgery.