Hi Everyone,

I am brandy new here and would really appreciate some help. I am seriously thinking of lapband surgery. I've been over weight my entire life and its not getting any better. I'm 40 (41 in august) and I have arthritis, bone spurs in my spine as well as DDDisease in my spine. In short my back, knees are always hurting. Year after year this extra weight is not helping I know. I am very ready emotionally to have the procedure its just that I don't know enough about it and I want to learn as much as possible before I do it (scared yes, but more scared not to).

The hospital I would most likely go to b/c of my insurance is Hackensack.

Do you recommend any doctors from Hackensack?

How long did you have to stay in the hospital?

How long did the procedure take?

Thank you so much for your help !!!

NJChick

Hi NJChick!!

Sorry I can't help you with Hackensack, I had surgery at Morristown Memorial. But I wanted to welcome you to LBT and say I'm glad there's yet another NJ girl joining the ranks!

Thank you !

Hi

I live in Fort Lee, NJ. My surgery was at NYU in New York City. The doctor I have heard about at Hackensack hospital is Dr. Garth Ballantyne. I believe he has a website.

Yes, from all the research I have done, I am convinced Dr. Ballantyne is THE man at Hackensack.

My surgery with him is in exactly 36 hours from right now.

Here is his website:

ADVANCED LAPAROSCOPIC, TELEROBOTIC & BARIATRIC SURGERY

His practice is very busy, and like most busy surgeons there are alot of hoops to jump through before he will even have a consult with you.

The first step is to go to his next seminar.

I am planning on a 23 hour hospital stay, and the procedure itself should be just under an hour.

Feel free to contact me off list, I will share whatever specifics I can with you.

Ira you'll be in my prayers tomorrow!!! for a safe, speedy recovery. Please let us know how it all went. I had my daughter in Hackensack 4 years ago and I also had a D&C (miscarriage) out patient procedure there. Both times the experience was great. I know you'll be in good hands there (thats why I want to go there for the procedure)

I just looked at the list of insurances that doctor takes and mine is not one of them. I'm sure there are others in the area. Its just going to take some investigating.

Thanks Everyone !!!

Thank you for the well wishes.

My insurance wasn't listed either, but they take it. Call the office and ask. Also Dr. Schmidt and Trivedi at HUMC also have an excellent reputation.

Here is that website: Advanced Laparoscopic Associates