Hello Everyone, My name is Anna Marie, I am 46 years old, and have been battling my weight for over 20 years already. I wasn't always an overweight person, but began to gain the majority of my weight in my 20's. There was a time in my life that I could go on a very strict diet and exercise program, lose 70 maybe 80 pounds at a time, but I would inevitably gain it all back...and then some. Right...same old story...LOL...Recently I had my annual physical and it was strongly suggested by my physician that I consider the LAP-BAND® Surgery. First of all, I am not sure if anyone out there can relate to what I am about to say/ask, but I am an emotional eater and I wonder if LAP-BAND® surgery is right for me?

More importantly, I live in NYC and have been made aware of about 3 fatalities, so far, connected to NYU's (the Fielding doctors). I am curious...does anyone know about these stories and if so, was this really the result of a surgical mishap, as suggested in the article I read, or is this another typical situation where the patient doesn't listen to the doctor's orders and suffers the consequences of it?...I need to know this because I am soooo afraid of getting the surgery as a result of these fatalities. I mean, I realize that I could die at the rate I am going as well, but choosing to die is a whole different ball game. Therefore, if someone can please give me some insight on this matter, that would be wonderful.

Thank you.

I am a patient of Doctor Fielding and can not recommend him highly enough. I know tens of people that have had their bands by either him or his wife and they are all extremely happy. There are also many of us here on the forum who have been banded by the Fieldings.

I remember when that article was published (in the NY post, I believe?) and it seemed clear to me that those patients did not follow the instructions they were given.

Dr Fielding is one of the pioneers of lap band surgery and even has a band himself.

Their mortality rate for complications from the band is excellent, less than 1 in a thousand.

If you live in NYC, they have an information session every two weeks at NYU for prospective lap band patients. The session is given by one of the Fielding doctors and will answer most of the questions you may have.

Additionally, they stick around after the session to answer any questions.

Click here for the webpage to register for one of these free sessions.

If you have any specific questions about the Fielding's or the NYU practice, feel free to post it here or send me a PM.