Had my LAP BAND done on 11-26-2007 in Buffalo, NY at Buffalo General Hospital by Dr. Aaron Hoffman. I've have had no problems what-so-ever and the support from Dr. Hoffman has been FANTASTIC. He is the BEST doctor ever! I would recommend anybody from the Buffalo, Rochester, NY area to have Dr. Hoffman perform the BAND! GREAT DOC!:eek:

I just met Dr. Hoffman today, and he is wonderful. What insurance do you have? After the seminar what is the next step in the process?

Wasn't he great to talk with? I have Independent Health for insurance. Hopefully, you have filled out and sent in the application. Once that is done Malissa will tell you when the seminar is and then she will also set up an appointment with the Nurse Practioner / Physical Therapist / Dietitian (3 hours - 1 hour each). They will put you on the South Beach diet ... then Blood work, then a psychologist, then you'll meet Dr. Hoffman again to set up a surgery date. Then a WONDERFUL life will begin for you.

Sent in the paperwork and am set up for the seminar. They told me I will get that confirmation in the mail(for seminar). I already had the psychologist visit. Did they have you do a sleep study?

When is the date for the next Seminar? I did not have to have a sleep study done, I have NO problem sleeping! hahahee

No problem sleeping here either. LOL The seminar is March 6.

Hi I'm in Buffalo too and am seriously considering doing this. I know there are three docs at Buff General, Posner, Hoffman, and Forbes.. has anyone heard that one is better than the other? Is it easier to get in to see one over the other?

Thanks!

My husband and I both see Dr. Hoffman, he is new to there practice. He is wonderful.

Dr. Hoffman all the way!!! He amazes me everytime I talk with him. Here's a little something that he did ... to let you know what a CARING, PASSIONATE doctor he is. Once a month there is a support group (2nd Wednesday of the month) at Buffalo General. It is for those that are decided to have the surgery or those that have already had the surgery (LAP & Bypass).

I brought a friend of mine & my boss brought 2 friends, Dr. Hoffman came down to the conference room to personally speak to the 3 people that we brought. It was about 8:00p, he spoke to them for about 45 minutes about the procedure. How many Surgeon's do you know that would take the time to do that, those guys are busy from morning to evening. Then he told us that he had to write a speech that he was presenting at Childrens hospital for Obese children in the morning! WOW!! Amazing guy! Like I said; Dr. Hoffman all the way!! Once you meet him, you will be amazed also. I promise!

So I've taken the first steps. I called BCBS WNY to ask if I had coverage, the woman was really nice and said I did with preauthrorization. Then I called and left a message to request an application. I know these are just VERY preliminary steps but it feels good none the less to have actually done something instead of just talking about it.

Could anyone tell me how long the entire process took until you actually had surgery? I'm not expecting this to move quickly but I just wanted to get an idea.

For me it didn't take to long. I filled out the application, I hounded Malissa at 859-2067 to see if she received info ... she scheduled an appointment with them (3 hours) & I attended the Orientation, then I did all the blood work, and everything I was requested to do ... I met with Dr. Hoffman and 3 weeks later my surgery was scheduled. I sent in my application in September, my surgery was November 26th. Not too bad. Just stay on Malissa :tt2: (she's a great girl, very helpful!)

Wow thanks Loraine! I appreciate the information!

Loraine so you did the south beach diet. Did they give you a month and re weight you? you have to lose 5 percent of your weight, is that correct? Do they

Did they require you to do the South beach diet. They give you a month to lose 5 percent, is that correct?

I'm schedualed to go the preSeminar on 3-7-08.

I'm glad to read a lot of positive responses about Dr. Hoffman. I spoke with his Assistant Lisa...she is very nice!

BigGurl (soon to be LilGurl :biggrin2:)

I like the idea of Preping with South Beach than with a Liquid fast...yuk !

BigGurl