Hey Everybody.

My Name Is Moses. I am 24, and I reside in NYC. I am 5'8" and 426lbs (30.4 Stone to my European buddies). I am a pre-med student. I am in the consultation process, however under the advice of my PCP (Dr. Linus Yoe), recommended track due to my high weight. I tried pretty much all the dieting stuff out there (Atkins, Weight Watchers, Vegan, No Carb, VLCD, etc) and lots of Weight Loss Pills( Hydroxycut, HCG Drops/Injections, TrimSpa, etc.). It doesn't work. Its obvious that my weight is dangerously high.

I am currently speaking to Dr. Javier Andrade, of the New York Bariatric Group, and he seems to me, like an awesome individual, and talented doctor.

I can't wait till I get this done..............................

Welcome Doctor Moses!!!

I'm getting banded tomorrow. I cannot believe my day is almost here.

I'm (nurse) Mandy

CONGRATS NURSE!!!!!!!! I seriously cannot wait for the day, I get banded.....

Good luck on your journey!

I like a few of the others was required to go on a diet for the past six months. I cut my calorie intake down to around 1600 calories. I had some surgery to fix my deviated septum and they removed my uvula, etc...I lost 20 lbs from that surgery and then gained 5-7lbs back from that. But even lowering my calories to 1600 and walking 5 days a week for 30+ minutes hasn't helped me at all. I look forward to getting banded. I have a two year old son I need to live a long life for (and a wonderful wife as well).

I want my uvula removed....It gets super swollen sometimes

Hi Moses! Welcome!

I had my surgery with NY Bariatric Group but with Dr. Garber. I am very happy with them. It was the best thing I have ever done for myself! It was (and stil is) a lot of hard work but sooo worth it! I wish you all the best on your journey!

All I hear is Dr. Garber!!!!! As much respect I have for the man, being a pioneer of bariaric surgery; There is so little known about the other 3 doctors....That annoys me. There aren't any testimonials about any other Doctor by Garber...I wanna know about Andrade....

Anyways....THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE LOVELY WELCOME MY FELLOW NYKER!

I have a feeling you are going to be an excellent doctor! I honestly think it will be tough to handle med school and the band at the same time. That being said, I also think it is the best time for you to do it! The longer we let our old habits go on the tougher it gets to change them. You have so much of your life ahead of you and no matter what field of medicine you decide to go into your patients will benefit from your experience!

Good Luck

I am not planning on going to Med School until I am at my target weight....Med School for me is in Cuba

You will absolutely love this sight, everyone is super helpful and very willing to share their personal experiences:)

Btw... Why Cuba?

HEY!

Thanks for the warm welcome.

To answer your question, I will tell you the reason I wanna become a doctor.

I grew up in a very Impoverish, and Crime ridden area. I witnessed someone being shot in the head, from a far enough distance. Everyone scattered, but me.. I was 8 at this time. I ran to the man, who to me was just a heroin addict. I held his skull, and brain for as long as I can. I even took off my shirt, and tried my best to control the bleeding. The Paramedics came in 45 minutes, when the nearest hospital was only 10 city blocks. I don't know if the man, lived or died that day, but all I remembered was the anger I felt towards the EMTs, and the Firefighters that were there. The lack of care and compassion they showed. That angered me. I might have been a naive little eight year old boy from, Spanish Harlem that didn't know the type of man the victim was. I didn't care. I wanted to help.

Now, I believe that my education is priceless, yet- I believe that I want to join a group of students, that follow the true scope of practice as a doctor (Hippocrates Oath) which is to Serve without Judgement, Promote Healthy choices, Prevent Diseases, and Treat, with Care. The only school that does that is LASM. Yes, its in Communist Cuba. But the extensive training, and their Family practice approach is something that I like. Its free to attend. Its accredited here in the US. LASM has a tradition of Serving the poor, and the "Have nots"...

Thats why I rather go to LASM, then the five schools I got accepted to ( Johns Hopkins, Yale, Mayo, North Western Columbia)

P.S. My Older Sister graduated from LASM and is a ER Resident.

I love your spirit...we need more Docs like you! Good luck on your journey!

Sorry u had to experience that as a young boy:(

It's too bad u have to go to a communist country for your education:(

I do wish you the best in your future!!!!

Do you have a surgery date?

Jenny,

Despite being in a commumist country the healthcare ranks 9, when the US rank is 15. I'm actually stoked that i'm going to cuba. I have to go to my 1st appt, first before anything. Thats on the 2nd.