Hello. I had a lap band put in in NJ in May of 2005,

lost 103 pounds and was so happy to get my life back. I never planned to give up the band, but I

had espophogeal swelling and pains, so went up

to NJ to have the same surgeon. He had to take

my wonderful band out, and I've gained over 50

pounds back since June 29th, 2006! I just bought

a NuStep so I can exercise at home, but I miss my band terribly! Because I'm 66 now, I'm afraid

medicare won't cover another surgery, and I'm

finding that many surgeons won't take on someone my age. I'm desperate. I live in south

western VA now, and lap band isn't well-known

here as it was in NJ. One surgeon at UVA was

so nasty and rough, and said my band was all

twisted and upside down. It wasn't -- he just

didn't know how to read the x-ray! Obviously I

won't ever go to him again!!! How can I find a

good, experienced lap band surgeon near by??

I'm almost considering the BIG gastric bypass.

But that scares me so, especially at my age.

Suggestions, anyone??? CJBD 1-25-07

Here Is A Big Hug! {{hugs}}

would it be possible for you to travel to get it done? i highly recommend my dr. in ny--george fielding at NYU--and i don't see why medicare wouldn't pay for it -- if medically required.

There's always mexico--people here have good things to say about that as well.

best wishes,

girlin

nyc

Sorry about the loss of your band. Just try and move forward and find another surgeon. You can do this.

Hi,

I know this is farther than UVA (almost 2 hours), but I live near Dulles airport in Northern Virginia, and have a really good father/son doctor team (Pinnar). They do surgeries and have offices in Reston, Virginia. Just a thought. Gretchen

Gretch,

I had Eric Pinnar do my band September 11th. Love him and it went so well. He has a new PA, Paul being with his Dad, and he is a great filler.

Nice to hook up with others who were Pinnared