Hi! Has anyone out there on this board been banded in MA? I am considering having the surgery, but am unsure where to go. UMASS in Worcester has a long long process to go through (something like 7-9 months), but is close to home for me. Beth Israel Deconess in Boston has a shorter wait, but a longer hospitalization and is further away. Any input, anyone??

Hey there,

I live in Shrewsbury and I'm going to Tufts New England Medical Center. My first appointment, with the psychologist was on Feb. 22 and I just met with my surgeon yesterday. Very quick, but thorough. It can be quick or you can take as long as like. The staff there, I've found, are really nice people. My surgeon is Dr. Julie Kim. She's very nice, personable and professional. She's conservative but at the same time very aware of what we'll be going through once we are banded. I tried going through UMass Memorial. I called several times and left messages that were never returned. After waiting a couple of weeks I said, 'enough' and went online to check out what other's were doing here in Mass. and Tufts seemed to be a very good choice. I'm very glad that I did choose them. It takes me 45 minutes to and hour on the Pike, even in yesterdays snow storm, I made it through morning rush hour traffic. It's simple enough in directions. Just take the Pike to exit 24 A, take a left off the exit ramp, follow the signs to the parking garage or you can have valet service during the daytime. If you'd like to know more, just respond to this and I'll let you know.

Cathy

Haven't been banded yet but I am done with all my requirements pre surgery and it has been about 5 months so far I just have the consultation with the surgeon then my surgery will be scheduled I am going thru u-mass worcester.

Hi! I am having my surgery at Beth Israel with Dr. Jones in a couple of weeks. My first appointment was the first week of January, jumped through all the hoops, and got my date March 3. I could have had it sooner than April, but I scheduled it around work.

I am very pleased with the program and the doctors.

Hope this helps!

I am also having my surgery at U=Mass and I think they do a great job preparing you...giving you the foundations for a successfull post surgery weight loss..They also have post surgical groups and lots of help is given

Now I am considering Beth Israel in Boston. It sounds more do-able in terms of required evening meetings, etc. Has anyone any feedback for me? I tried to email the person that is going through the program, but they are not accepting emails.

I am having mine done at Brigham & Womans hospital. They have a great program for weight management. Support groups are not required. However, your attendance at an information seminar is required.

I had my surgery at Tufts-NEMC Feb 28th. They do require a 6 week behavior mod meeting. It is a GREAT program.

Patty

Hi!

Well I didn't even know I wasn't "accepting emails". I went in and fixed that if you have any questions, please email me!

Hello All,

I Am New Here, Thank God I Found A Site For Lap Banding, I've Been Reading Some Of The Post/reply, Good Stuff. I Am In Around Boston And I Have My First Appt May 24th At Tufts N.e. Medical Center In Boston, I Am Going For My Phyic Appt, It Just Makes Me So Nervous About This. Has Anyone Been At This Center Before? I Am Wondering If Someone Can Tell Me And Sort Of Prepare Me For What Kind Of Questions They Ask?

210pounds Bmi 40-41 Not Sure

Hi Wetliner,

I had my surgery at NEMC on Feb 28. I have lost 44 lbs in total, 14 pre surgery and 30 lbs post surgery. When you have your 1st appt they just go over why you want surgery, weigh you and talk. They have a great program!!

Patty

Hi Patty,

I Am Very Confused Though, I Faxed Over My Application And Got Called A Few Days Later For My Appt, What Goes Into The Approval Process? I Am Concerned That If I Give The $400.00 And They For Some Reason Do Not Let Me Go Through With The Operation Will They Give Me The 400.00 Back. I Am Very Invested In Being A Loser But, I Am Affraid They Might Think For Some Reason I Am Mental Or Something. Can You Tell Me, What Types Of Questions They Ask? Thank You For All Of Your Input

They just ask your dieting history attempts, successes , failures , what triggers your eating ie. emotions, boredom, how long have you kept off weight, Has your weight prevented you from doing certain things. ie relations, social events, your general health, any medications, just a very thorough check mentally and physicallly.

Those are the questions I was asked too.

Patty

weliner77

when i had my consult the dr wanted to make sure i wasnt doing this for cosmetic reasons. so you might just want to throw that in yourself that is for health reasons so you can feel better & do things you havent been able to do . he stayed on the cosmetic thing it seemed like forever. sandie

I am having mine done at Beth Israel in Boston- It is a great program, excellent MD's, and the nursing staff is awesome!!! BI is the BEST!!