angelo-
Hard to say without more details. How big were the rootballs? Did you re-plant them the same day? Did you water them immediately?

I'm also in NY, transplanted bamboo same day and watered.
the leaves are mostly brown now- it has been two weeks.

The rootballs were about 5" deep or so. I cut out a 3 foot swath.

does it take a while for bamboo to recover or is it toast?

many thanks- dave

Too early to say. It could go either way. Obviously, you want it to transplant with a minimum of leaf loss. But that does not mean it is over. I've had them recoup from total leaf loss--though it may take a few weeks. Sometimes what I'll do with bamboo is lift it from the ground and containerize it for a couple of weeks in a very shaded/protected (wind free) location. Then once it has grown something of a root system, transplant into the ground (in a sunny location).