I thought Dr. Kurian was fantastic - I loved her sense of humor! The insurance coordinator said that depending on which surgeon you choose it's a 3-4 month wait. Was anyone else from this board there?

I am being banded by Dr. Fielding on 8/15. I was able to get a surgery date within 6 weeks of my meeting with him. That of course was after I completed the 6 month pre-op diet required by my health insurance company, Aetna. Hope this helps and good luck in your journey.

Hi. I went to NYU seminar in January and I was banded in June. You made a good choice in doctors, Dr Kurien is fantastic. Maybe we can be support buddies, even afterwards its a process that requires dedication. I had my first fill two weeks ago and will have my 2nd on August 24th. They are very thorough with their checklists. I think the first thing I did was see the phsycologist, Its all a little blurry now though. It dosesnt happen overnight but good luck to you.

Just a question, Leslee, have you read the book he co-wrote with Kahliah Ali, Fighting Weight? I use it everyday it is awesome.

I thought originaly this was about Dr Kurien. Sorry, but I guess I am partial ,since me and the original poster went to her seminar. Yes she is funny, and what a stunning looking woman not to mention a brilliant surgeon who is real and cares.

I have heard great things about her as well. I just saw that the other person on here was using Dr. Fielding and wanted to know if she had read the book.

I know, Dr. Kurian seems to have it all! I haven't decided for sure which surgeon to pick, but she impressed me very much. She really seemed to understand the patients and their issues so well - I loved how some of her patients said they'll always track her down to be seen by her. And I loved how she said that even if she retired from doing surgery, she will never retire from following up her patients. And yeah, she's gorgeous, too. (Doesn't hurt to have a beautiful doctor!)

taradefrank, thanks for the book reference. I'm certainly going to try to get a copy to read, preferably from the library. (But if it's that good I'll buy it.) Is it something you follow along day-by-day? Is it a guide to living with the band?

dr. kurian is my surgeon -- i'll be banded by her on august 14th. i can't say enough about how great she is -- totally down to earth, patient, sweet...not to mention a fantastic surgeon.

i went to the seminar on june 12th -- the entire process has taken two months. the nice thing about dr. kurian -- she insists on doing your physical herself -- so you'll meet with her and the NP and the surgical coordinator all on the same day. ren & fielding split those appointments into two.