Hello, everyone. Hope I posted this correctly. Just joined LapBandTalk today. However, I've been browsing posts for a week or so. I haven't been banded yet, but have gone to the required conference and had my initial meeting with the surgeon. I weight 296 lbs and am 5'6". When I told the surgeon I wanted a lap band, he told me I was a better candidate for the RNY. He didn't think I'd be happy with the results that I'd get with the lap band. Have any of you been told this too? I'm middle age and have a goal weight of 145-150 (seems a reasonable weight to me). Is lap band intervention for people with less weight to lose? How about your experience with weight regain? Is it more for Lap Banders than RNY'ers?

Hi Debi,

Dr. Fielding is a lapband patient himself. I'm from NY and I did a lot of research before I decided on the surgeon. I have to say, you're pretty lucky getting an appointment so quickly. I had two surgeons on my list who came very highly recommened. Dr. Ren and Dr. Fielding and Dr. Roslin at Lenox Hill. I first called Dr. Ren and I couldn't get an immediate appointment. I then called Lenox Hill hospital- Dr. Roslin. I got an appointment for a consult one week later. That's what landed me there.

I am thrilled with how the consult went and I'm scheduled for July 11, 2006 pending insurance authorization. You picked a great surgeon. I heard many wonderful things about that group. Good luck and let me know how it goes. I think you will be very happy. I'm glad you decided to look around. If you don't mind me asking, was the doctor who recommended RNY from NY?

Em1125

Hi Again,

Debi - you may find this article very interesting. Dr. Fielding wrote it. It's excellent. Anyone would truly be inspired by this article. The site address: http://thinforlife.med.nyu.edu/media/stories/dreams

Let me know what you think.

Em

I put the cart before the horse. I don't have an appointment to meet with Dr. Fielding yet. First, I'm going to their conference on July 6. Then I was told I would have to see a psychologist and nutritionist. Then I can make an appointment for the consultation. I wonder how long it will take to get a face-to-face appointment. Dr. Ren does not accept my insurance, BC/BS, but Dr. Fielding will be accepting it as of July 1. The person I spoke to in their office was so nice. She told me she'd had lapband surgery herself. When I asked her if Dr. Fielding had as much experience with lapband surgery as Dr. Ren, she laughed. She said Dr. Fielding had proctored Dr. Ren. The surgeons I went to are in Westchester County. The group is Dr. Cerabona, Dr. Kaul & Dr. Yatco.

Great website, Em. Thank you.