I also posted this on the Doctors/Hospitals board, but wanted to put it here as well - hoping to find some people who can answer my questions!

Can anyone tell me about the surgical weightloss program at Brigham and Women's hospital in Boston? I'm registered in mid-December for one of their information meetings on weight loss surgery, I know my insurance is accepted at this hospital, and should approve my surgery.

But I'm wondering about details about this program - how long do things take (initial meeting through surgery), what other appointments or tests do they require, any comments on the psych meeting, which I think is pretty mandatory with all of the surgical programs?

Really want to have Dr. Vernon be my doctor - can I choose?

Basically, I'm a fairly anal person, and really like to know what to expect at every step of the way - also would be interested in talking to others who have had their surgery done at this hospital.

Thanks!!

My Friend was banded there and I know she had to attend support groups, the psych eval, a swallow test and obviously, meet with the surgeon. It took her about 3-4 months to go through the program and she loves it there. Sorry I can't be more specific, but thought some info may be better than none. I also remember that she had to pay a fee not covered by insurance -- maybe $300?????