Hi,

I've made the first big step and decided that I'd like to pursue Lap Band surgery. Now it's the seemingly more daunting step of choosing the right practice.

Fortunately/Unfortunately I live in the NYC area - so there are plenty of places to choose from - it's becoming so overwhelming. Everyone I talk to who has had it done or knows someone who has had it done has a different reco.

Since this is my first surgery ever - I want to be sure that I make an informed decision.

So far I've narrowed down to the NYU, Lenox Hill and Columbia programs.

Any feedback on the three (good and bad) would be great.

Also - where can I go, beyond the website and a site like this, to research the doctors/practice (mortality rates, number of surgeries done, complaints, praises, etc)?

Much obliged!

Hi

I too was very concerned abut making the right decision for me, I ended up going to 5 seminars to get a fel for the surgeons.

Alos I read every review of every doctor I was considering on Obesity help website. when I narrowe it down I did searches for specific surgeons on this web site and there are a lot of "rate the docctor" websites also.

Good luck with your choice and good luck with the Lap band

Gigi

I did a lot of research before I was banded. I decided that since Dr. Fielding and Dr. Ren were real pioneers in the field--that they were the best choice for me. I am not sure of other programs--but NYU was great about helping me with all the insurance requirements and they have a patient liason there--who is great. I also LOVED the fact that Dr. Fielding has the band himself. Overall, I had a really great experience at NYU---the only downside there is that their office is often like a zoo---lots of people there. But I am willing to wait longer to get into the office, because I feel like they are real specialists in the field.

Good luck

I just had surgery at NYU (Dr. Kurian) on July 1, 2008. I love Dr. Kurian; she is terrific. Easy to talk to, she answered all of my questions and I did not feel rushed when I met her. I agree that the office can be zoo-like at times. The adminstrative staff is very knowledgeable about insurance, but difficult to reach at times and certainly over-worked. On the other hand, several staff members, in addition to Dr. Fielding have the band and are very willing to talk about their own experinces. If you go to the information sessions for the programs you are considering you should get a sense of the doctors and the program. Good luck to you.

i'm a big fan of the NYU practice. i've had a great experience thus far -- no long waits, all my questions answered, no problem getting an appointment or getting someone on the phone.

i think my luck has to do with:

1. surgeon choice -- dr. kurian (she does all of her new patient consults on mondays, you do your physical/nutritionsit/consultation on the same day)

2. fielding/ren are in surgery on mondays -- i.e. quieter office

3. asking for the first morning appointment before they start to get backed up.

i can't say enough about how sweet, down to earth and supportive dr. kurian is.

Thanks for all of the feedback!