Questions

Hi- I have been researching and considering the Lap band for 2 years now (yeah...I'm slow to commit!). But I have a few questions: 1. I have pretty much settled on Dr. Aranow (going to the open session in December). After the session I can say for sure. But I was wondering how people fell about him? 2. I have BCBS, has anyone that goes to Dr. Aranow had BCBS? And did BCBS give you a hard time? I know all policies differ, but just want to get a general idea. 3. Lastly (and most importantly) has anyone had psychological issues after the procedure? I feel ready for this, but food has been the center of my world since I was little, I am afraid of the mental piece. Any feedback is appreciated. Thank you- Michelle

Michelle...I don't know about Dr. Aranow...however it is common to be emotional after surgery...depressed due to hormonal changes but it does not last long...Good luck with WL journey... Blessings...jenna

Thank you Jenna!

hi michelle, i know several people who had dr.A as their surgeon,,those people have no quams.problems or second thoughts.he is ,from my research very talented and expeirenced,and compassionate towards his patients .good luck to you in the future with your surgery...cyndee

Thank you Cyndee. I too have found nothing but good feedback on Dr. Aranow. I look forward to meeting him in December.

Hi Michelle! I am a patient of Dr.Aranow's and had Lapband surgery 7 months ago. I have lost 80 lbs to date and have never felt better. To answer your questions: 1) I never regretted my decision to have Dr.A as my surgeon. He did an excellent job on my surgery.. his office staff, especially Lois, are all very helpful and the weekly support group meetings at Middlesex Hopsital, especially the LapBand support group (2nd Monday of the month) are the best. 2) I also have BCBS and have not once had a problem with them. Was approved right away and was never confronted with any concerns about paying for fills, etc. The only thing they dont cover are the dietician visits with Liz. 3) The biggest problem I have dealing with food now is that sometimes I do miss eating in the quantities I did before...even though I realize that wasn't healthy. I mean I use to "zone out" with food....However, after surgery you won't be able to do that...thank GOD really. Yes, it does take some getting use to, but usually after two or three times of feeling sick you'll think twice before doing it again..you will also learn to chew more often, to slow your eating down and eat in the moment and remain aware. Like anything else it is a learning process.. but there are wonderful tools available to help you.. especially the support of this board and the support groups at Middlesex Hospital. Exercise has helped me tremedously. I would suggest starting before surgery so that it becomes a habit for you. I started jazzercise classes and Curves before surgery and jumped right back into that and now kickboxing and dance classes to redirect my energy from food to exercising. It makes you feel better and its hard to stay down in the dumps with you are moving and shaking your body around. Find something you enjoy to do and have fun with it!! Feel free to email me if you have additional concerns or you would like someone to exercise with every now and then! Hope to see you at the meetings. Angie : )

Hi Angie- thank you for your response. I seem to find only good things about Dr. Aranow, I look forward to meeting him in December. I am glad to hear that you had no problems with BCBS. This is such a stressful decision as it is, I don't want the added stress of having to battle my insurance company. I really appreciate your candidness about the struggles involved. I know it will be difficult and I am trying to look at this from all angles to be as prepared as possible. Thanks for the invite to email you, I'm sure I will be taking you up on that soon! Thank you- Michelle

Okay honestly- here goes. Dr Aranow. How I feel about him- He's the only doctor I have ever done 100% of what they told me to do. He's the first and only surgeon I ever want any where near me or a beloved family member with a sharp object I trust him implicitly He knows his bariatrics His staff all know their bariatrics I'd throw myself in front of a him to save his hands from being maimed by a crazed escapee of Whiting Forensic Institute (not far from his office- it could happen) I'd throw my husband in front of a speeding car to save Dr Aranow from being hit (notice I changed that from me...) He's the best- slightly ****y- but well deserved, personable, compassionate- not in a phony way- a straight shooter- doesn't sugar coat it ever, lets you know it's his way or the highway. I say all this with the caveat I am a nurse- and being revered by me as an MD is not a designation easily earned. There is only one other doctor I feel the same way about- my OB/GYN. I know too many bad doctors, too many so-so doctors, and waaayyy too many avoid them like the plague doctors-Dr Aranow is THE best.