Hello Everyone -

I've been reading a bit about the Lap Band surgery and yesterday went to see my Primary Care Doc. He agreed that this would be a good option for me.

He referred me to the NYU Program for Surgical Weight Loss. I'm scheduled to go to the Information Session next week - which is apparently Step 1.

If anyone has had experience or insights they'd like to share - I'm all ears, and would appreciate any recommendations.

I'll continue to read this board and research the internet for info as there certainly seems to be a lot of info.

Thanks Very Much.

Benbax

Hi Benbax, welcome to the lapband forum. The lapband is a great tool. My weight loss has been a little slower than I would have liked. I am losing 1 lb a week. So keep in mind all of us are different. Remember its a tool. I love my band though. I've lost 32 lbs in 6 months. The first time in my life I have lost without trying. Good luck.

Hi Bebax and fellow New Yorker..I am 4 weeks post op and it's the best decision I ever made. Took me a couple of years to have the nerve. You'll be seeing a string of doctors before the surgery to get clearance. If you have any specific questions let us know. This site has helped me quite a bit.

Welcome! My surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday. I researched the different options for about 2 years myself. I'll let you know how it turns out!

Hi there Benbax . So first off, the band is by far the best thing that I have ever done for myself. Of course there are some serious difficulities along the way, it's certainly not easy, you have to work very hard, but you will have a tool that when used properly has the ability to help you loose the weight. Also, I've heard amazing things about the docs at NYU - Dr. Fielding and Dr. Ren are supposed to be top of the field, so you'll certainly be in good hands with them. Good luck, and keep reading from this board, there is more info here than you could ever need.

Welcome Benbax

you have come to the right place for support, inspiration and information. it is great that you have found us. I have been banded for a year and totally, utterly, completely love it...I have never regretted it for a moment. I am getting a new lease on life and am now able to participate in things I never was able to before...there are still sacrifices to be made and it hasn't been an easy process but it has been WAY worth it for me...I hope it will be the same for you! I look forward to hearing of your progress!

:welldone2: becky

hi benbax,

i am going to the nyu program as well. my surgery date is 1/8/07 with dr. fielding. i have to be on a 2-wk liquid diet before the surgery--that starts next tues. therefore, this is my "goodbye to food" week....i keep thinking that each time i eat ANYTHING. pathetic.

anyway--it's a good program--dr. ren and dr. fielding are 2 of the world's most experienced surgeons--or so i've heard (and so i hope) and they seem to have a first class staff.

the process is:

1) go to the public information session (you need to call and be added to their list).

2) go to their psychologist for clearance

3) have your dr. send various medical history information pages to the dr.'s office

3) go see the nutritionist and p.a. at the surgeon's office.

and THEN

5) see the surgeon--then make your appt. for surgery, and get insurance coordinated.

if you have any questions--drop me a line!

girlin

nyc

Thanks everyone for your responses. I have now gone to the Information Seminar, and have seen the psychologist and gotten clearance. Next step is to have a full physical and take the results and meet with the Nutritionist and then the surgeon. I am feeling really good about this decision. Thanks all!

hi

i've just started considering maybe having this procedure done when i get vacation this summer. have an appt in 2 weeks to see my pcp and discuss further consultation. with a surgeon. i am with the mkmg. has anyone used a surgeon thru them?

i am very nervous and worry about recuperation and and long term issues. where do i begin with intelligent questions to my doctor. what are the differences between this procedure and regular gastric bypass, etc. also what about gall bladder issues when losing weight too quickly?

Hey Benbax,

I used Dr. Fielding and he's AMAZING! I couldn't feel any better about my decision to have the surgery, and to have done it with him. Feel free to email me if you have any questions at all.

Good luck!!!!