NLR1984

I went to Dr. Marc Bessler at Columbia. I recommend him!

Hi all in the NYC area! I have recently reached my goal weight after 15 months being banded, and wanted to recommend my surgeon to anyone in the NYC area. His name is Dr. Marc Bessler and he is at Columbia University Medical Center. He is simply an expert in bariatric surgery, and extremely honest with patients. His administrative office team is extremely efficent with the insurance process and will guide you along the way to make sure you have met all requirements prior to submission. His NP, Eileen, and RD, Nancy will prepare you with the tools you need pre and post band. While Columbia isn't in the most convenient location, it will be well worth it!

Thanks for all the replies so far! Great information! Would anyone be willing to share the approximate cost? I live in the NYC area so prices are definitely inflated here!

Thank you everyone! If you haven't had your surgery yet and live in the NY area, I would be happy to recommend my amazing surgeon!

I cannot believe that I am finally at goal. I'll be honest, after my surgery I didn't even believe the band was going to work. Crazy thing is that I was a self-pay and was having those thoughts! I was so wrong! Today I am down 90 lbs, and loving my new body. It's not just the way you look in the mirror but how you feel when you are lighter. I just turned 30 this year and feel as though I restarted my life and am so motivated to continue to challenge my body. I've included my before and after pictures.

Hi --- I have lost 90 lbs from my lap-band surgery and am very happy with my results but my breasts seem to have lost volume on the top and are sagging. You can't notice it when I am dressed and wearing a great bra but it's noticable in a bathing suit and when I am undressed. Has this happened to any other women on here? Have you had breast surgery? If so, did they put in an implant or just lift them? You can private message me on here if you aren't comfortable sharing on the forum. Thanks!

I am a bit confused about what the band does just following the operation. I spoke to my nurse practitioner, who will do my fills, and she told me that I will leave the hospital without a fill. From what I have been reading, it seems like everyone is losing weight immediately after surgery but, how is this possible without the fills? Does the band restrict on its own? I am having my surgery on 5/24 in NYC and have a million questions. It would be great to get some clarification on this. Thanks!