Thomas Cerabona Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

He is very nice, carismatic probably describes him. He seems very qualified. On Thursday when I went for my last visit pre-op, he told me he will be lecturing next Fruiday and I will be operated on by his partners who are also excellent. I have some nervousness about this but they have very good reputations and I believe I will be fine. His staff is terrific and the only bad part is how long it takes to get an appt. HGe address all the risks, but luickily I don't have most of the related problems of other obese patients. Most of my issues are joint related. I had my knees replaced a year and a half ago. So far, my experience with the surgeon is very good, but I;ll know more post surgery.

Dr. Cerabona clearly knows what he is talking about. After my first meeting with him, I felt a great sense of calmness, and I knew I was making the right choice. He is very straightforward and explains things in layman's terms. Although he is EXTREMELY busy, he will take the time to sit down and talk to you and make sure that you understand every aspect of this surgery. His staff, Phyllis and Liz are also fantastic.

I've only had one visit with Dr. Cerabona but I was pleasantly surprised by his calm, confident demeanor. He was very clear about the risks and benefits of surgery. He answered all my questions and I had several. I left his office totally at ease.
His office is extremely busy and his staff, although very pleasant and professional, seem to be somewhat stressed (unlike Dr. C.). I was immediately set up with appointments to the nutritionist and cardiologist. I was given the names of all the other doctors I would need to see and I've subsequently made appointments with them too.

Dr. Cerabona has been great so far. I have my date finally August 18th 2003. I started this journey last December. It took forever to get appointments and all the pre-op testing done. But now my time is sneaking up on me and I feel scared and excited all at the same time. Dr. Cerabona was very clear and concise with the information and he took time to talk and make sure I understood every aspect of the operation. I will keep you updated about what happens after 8/18/03 my BIG day!

I met Dr. Cerabona and Dr. Kaul in March, 2003 and had my surgery on June 13th. It is unusual to find doctors who (as I have researched) are so very skilled and knowledgeable AND who also have a great "bedside manner". They are bright, up-front with issues and answers, and most of all, they really seem CONCERNED! What a "breath of fresh air" these two are! I love them both and their staff, (Phyllis, Carolina and Liz) too! As a point of information, I'm working with the hospital's fund raiser to raise funds for a Bariatrics Unit at Westchester County Medical Center. Anyone want to help?? Please email me at bigmamalin@aol.com.

Surgery was done, very successful, a few small bumps in recovery, but overall very happy.

Dr. Cerebona was highly recommended from a good friend who has also had a RNY. I am a nurse, I did my research and got my consults done with other surgeons. As a nurse, I feel Dr. Cerebona is one of the most skilled and qualified surgeons I have met. It is true that he is very busy, however, he sees patients from all over downstate NY, the Hudson Valley and other states. The laproscopic surgery is the way to go. I had one surgeon tell me I was too heavy for laproscopic surgery. This is not the case. There are so many people seeking this surgery now that people really should be patient and schedule appointments as you need to. The month to month wait is worth the benefits of the life long change for optimum health. You will wait at his office - bring a book! Be sure to follow up also with your primary care physician. Follow his surgical guide and heed his advise for post op - I did very well. Good luck to all taking this journey, you will be glad you chose Dr. Cerebona.

Dr. Cerabona is a very highly qualified and respected surgeon. I got off to a rocky start with him, but it was mostly administrative (office personel) problems and I am very satisfied with the care I received in the hospital and post op. His office staff are very overwhelmed so you need to stay on top of them all the time. Do not assume that reports that you need were sent to them or that they submitted any reports you may have needed them to submit to your work or whoever. Always follow up and keep calling until you get an answer, I learned this the hard way and had many an unneccessary delay because of it. The support group that is affiliated with Dr Cerabona is run by a social worker at the hospital and unfortunatly they do not accept my insurance (they charge a fee to attend the support group) and I cannot afford to go as I am unemployed right now. I would highly reccomend Dr Cerabona or his partner Dr. Kaul , the only down side is that they only use Westchester Medical Center which can be a nightmare (surgical dr's and nurses great, floor nurses and aides can be horrible)

All I can say is that Dr. Cerabona is a kind, caring, compassionate doctor. He puts on no "airs", he's fair, honest and an absolute expert in his field. He has already helped me start changing my life, I thank him for being a wonderful person and an excellent surgeon.

3/5/03 - Met with Dr. Cerabona today for the second time. I was given my surgical date today, but was advised that it could change depending on what happens with my insurance. Dr. Cerabona is very informative and willing to sit and go over any questions you may have. He is knowledgeable about the surgery, side affects, and future care. It is apparant that the hospital wants you to be 100% sure that this is something you are committed to. They would like you to know how drastic of a lifestyle change this will be for you. I am confident that I am in good hands with Dr. Cerabona and his staff. I just hope all is well with getting the approval from my insurance (Wellcare with Medicaid).
As far as negatives, I just think its frustrating that for every appointment to see the doctor its at least a one month wait before the next visit. Presently he only has office hours on Wednesday's & the rest of the days he (from what I was told)is in surgery. I did hear the staff say that in July they will be getting a new associate, so hopefully then they will be able to have more regular office hours.