Feedback on Dr. A's lapband follow-up program

Hi all: I've been lurking and finally got the courage to register and post. I had my first appointment with Dr. Aranow in August and have been checking off all the pre-surgery requirements. My current insurer -- Health Net -- doesn't cover the surgery, so I'm going to switch to BCBS for 2007. If all goes well, I'll have the surgery in early February. I've been doing lots of research, reading the boards, and thanks to the wonderful Nancy K, learning a lot about the importance of follow-up care. Any of you out there who are lap-band patients with Dr. Aranow, can you please tell me how your experience with follow-up care has been. What is his policy on fills? Have you had to call him for any emergencies? Is he accessible? Thanks so much!

Dr Aranow feels very passionately about ALL of his patients, and from what I know the lap banders are no exception. There is a special lap band support group- for post ops, not sure if pro-ops get a chance to attend that one. There is our weekly pre/post op support group and certainly lap banders do attend that as well. Dr Aranow feels that surgery- lap banding whatever you do, is only the beginning, and only a tool- you continue to work and use your tool post op to have success. You must see the dietician, you must see him as required, youmust do your work. The lap band is different from the RN-Y in that 1) it's slower weight loss, 2) it's reversible and less invasive and 3) you can still eat everything you ate before just in smaller amounts.... SO with that being said, follow up is a huge part of your success-he makes himself very available, and his nurse Lois, is always there too- to answer questions, help ou out etc., as is the dietician Liz. And the surgeon patient relationship is always there- he NEVER passes you off to a PA or APRN for fills or follow up HE sees you- as it should be.

Thank you so much for the information! I know this is the right path for me.

Hi Lynn! I'm a lapband patient of Dr. A. I had my surgery on 3/29/06 and have lost 75 lbs to date. I have had two fills so far...both 2 months apart and still feel restriction with this last fill. I have another appt in a couple of weeks which will also be 2 months since my last visit/fill.. not sure I will need an additional fill just yet as I am still losing weight. I'm pretty sure Dr. A schedules visits 2 months apart in the beginning to see if you need a fill. Everyone is different as far as when and if they need a fill but you will know you need one if you havent lost any weight despite following all the dietary guidelines and exercising on a regular basis! I havent had to call him in an emergency but if I ever have any concerns I call the office and speak with Lois and I'm usually good to go. The weekly support groups are great and after you have your lapband you should check out the post-op lapband meeting which is held the second Monday of each month. It is run by a very knowledgable and caring lapbander, Mary M, and you will just LOVE the support and information/stories you get from fellow lapbanders! Good luck to you and feel free to contact me with any additional concerns! Angie

Hi Angie: Thank you so much for your reply. I read the details of your journey on your profile page, and I'm so inspired! From everyone who has replied, it seems that Dr. A and his office are very responsive to patient needs. I meet with Liz the nutritionist tomorrow, so the next step begins! BTW, I love Broadway too and can't wait until I can comfortably fit in those skinny seats again! Drowsy Chaperone is my next play in November. Cheers, Lynn

Dear Lynn, Hello from someone who is very happy she (a) found her way to Dr. A and Middlesex Hospital and (b)lgot her a little old band! Dr. A feels that band patients need follow-up as learning to "operate" the band takes time, patience and plenty of support. We lap-banders have recently started meeting once a month and it is great to be able to discuss the very particular issues that bandsters have but which do not affect our bypass buddies. I'd love to talk to you about your banding plans and will email you my phone numbers privately. Perhaps we will even meet you at one of the general support group meetings? A February date will give you plenty of time to do your homework and study for the final test. (Just kidding, but when your day comes, you will be prepared. Dr. A's team will see to it!) Good luck and I hope to meet you soon. Best wishes from Mary M

MAry- how goes life post TT? Did Castiglione do a god job??? I know he did.....hope you recover quickly....we'll be thinking about you tomorrow schleping around in the Walk in the damp fall weather. ......I'll get a good shot with Aranow for you....

((((((Mary)))))) can't wait to see you at the next lapband meeting!! Hope you are doing well!~ angie : )