:rolleyes2:Has anyone in Buffalo NY had the lap band done witrh this doctor? I'm thinking of having him do mine .

As far as I know, Dr. Caruana only does gastric bypasses, and he does them open. Perhaps he's added the lap band into his repertoire, but you might want to check.

thanks for the info . I checked his website I shows both procedures .

I went to Dr.Posner and Dr. Forbes at Buffalo General. Dr. Forbes did my lap band. She is awesome!!! They have taken such great care of me there.

Bugs: from what I've read it's not Dr. Caruana that does the Lap Band, it's his associate. They both seem to have a lot of insurance restrictions as well, so read-read-read!!! :tongue2: :thumbup: I have heard good things about his program though. And though it takes a while, you can go to Buffalo General Hospital's program as well.

I actually started out with Dr. Caruana for the gastric bypass, had a surgery date and changed my mind. I then began looking into getting banded. It is a very good program. I was told by his office that his associate, will begin banding the end of summer.

I am currently with the group at Buff Gen, I have Dr. Hoffman he is awesome.

Thanks for the info after I see my family doctor I will suggest that program.

My sister had the gastric bypass with Caruana, I think she liked him ok. My friend is his dietician, Maria, she is great, and she thinks highly of him. He does not require the weight loss from what my friend told me. But everyone is right, he has hired a guy to do lap bands. I can not really explain why I chose BGH over Caruana, just instinct. I have a feeling that his process is a little faster. I hear he has a killer gym facility for you to use to work out.

I'm sure I will like Dr. Hoffman .

I'm sure I will like Dr. Hoffman .

I think Hoffman is off for part of the summer, not sure. You will like him though when you get to meet him. Come to Delaware park and walk with us, he comes sometimes, you could meet him sooner perhaps.

I think Hoffman is off for part of the summer, not sure. You will like him though when you get to meet him. Come to Delaware park and walk with us, he comes sometimes, you could meet him sooner perhaps.

I would like to Judy, but I have a bad back.

I would like to Judy, but I have a bad back.

You have to have an exercise program in place prior to the surgery, just FYI, or at least I am told. On the 3 hour blitz they put you on a pretty rigorous exercise test. I had to run on the treadmill for 12 minutes for as fast as I could. Had to do pushups, squat thrusts and one sit up. Perhaps they modify it though, depending on what you can do. I have spinal stenosis, so walking and jazzercise is what I usually do. Maybe some others will give some input as to their physical fitness assessment. Part of the application process is a statement from your doctor saying you can participate in an exercise program.

Bugs, on my fitness assesment they had me walk for 12 minutes at a pace in which they said I could finish. In other words my husband and I went together and he walked a heck of a lot faster then me. They did have us do squats and pushups how many you could do. I asked the fitness dr. why they had us do this and she said it is just to get a starting point. She said she has many people who can't do much. Don't worry. If you are call and ask about it. I think you will be fine!

Bugs, on my fitness assesment they had me walk for 12 minutes at a pace in which they said I could finish. In other words my husband and I went together and he walked a heck of a lot faster then me. They did have us do squats and pushups how many you could do. I asked the fitness dr. why they had us do this and she said it is just to get a starting point. She said she has many people who can't do much. Don't worry. If you are call and ask about it. I think you will be fine!

Brubear, how are you and your husband doing? Are you feeling better? Did you take much time off from work? I can only be off a week so I am hoping that will be enough.

How is the eating going? Do you feel like things are different? Do you think you will stay on South Beach even after the surgery? Gosh there are so many questions.

We are doing good. I feel much better with everyday. I am hungry now. liquids are getting old.LOL. I am actually a stay at home mom so work was not an issue. My hubby went in Monday for surgery and was back at work Thursday(office job). I think I will try to stick to the SB but probably phase 2 and 3. I need some carbs in my life. LOL

You can feel the port on your stomach, when you touch it so thats alittle weird. I can now sleep on my stomach again.