Need Info on Bariatric Surgeon in Hartford Area

Hello, i am from Northern CT and I just have started my quest to find all of the info I can on bariatric surgery.  Can anyone recommend a BS in the hartford area?  Also, what experiences have you had with pre-op preparation - liquid diet, etc?  Thanks!

Welcome to OH Here's a link you may find useful in your research: http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/professionals/showd ocs-all.php?State=CT ~Michelle OH Member Services

I have heard mixed things about Dr. Barba. Ya either love him or hate him. I have heard nothing but good things about Dr. Tishler. I personally, and a few others from Enfield, are making the hike to Middletown for Dr. Aranow. The most important thing is you have to be happy and comfortable with who you pick since it is your life that you are putting in their hands. Oh, and don't forget that nasty insurance thingy too. Welcome to the board and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Hello, Best wishes as you start your WLS journey. I had Dr. Barba for my RNY surgery 4/05.  He did go through many changes with his office personel where it was a little bit of a roller coaster about a year ago.  (That's the only negative I have to say.)  Since then I haven't had any issues. As for Dr. B...He came highly recommended by my PCP & I have no regrets with choosing him.  He's compassionate.. knows his stuff... & makes sure you understand EVERYTHING you're getting yourself into with surgery, recovery.. etc... Do your research.  You'll find everyone on the board has their favorites (or not) due to their personal experiences.  Only you can decide who you'll think/feel will be a "fit" for your needs and care.   Pre-op preperation depends on your current health for what will be needed for testing... nutrition... (I didn't have to do the liquid diet due to being open surgery.)  Again testing depends on your health, the Dr your choosing etc...... Most common tests  Nutrition (It's a must!) Heart Lungs Sleep Apnea (possibly) Phycological Not sure what else... I  had them all except the sleep apnea.  Good Luck, Mickey

You'll have to do a little research to find who fits you best...  Personally, in the end, it was narrowed down to Dr. Aranow and Dr. Barba for me.  Due to convenience, my PCP recommendation and going with my gut instincts I chose Dr. Barba who has a wonderful staff.  I can't complain much, they been great in accomodating my appointments around my work schedule and also in filling out my FMLA papers ahead of schedule. I haven't had my surgery yet. I'm scheduled for Laparscopic RNY on Sept. 24th.  My approval for insurance went threw very quickly and smoothly, thankfully. Regardless of which you choose they'll be a battery of test you'll have to go threw and things you'll need to accomplish.  Barba didn't require me to loose weight however I knew I wanted my best shot at Laparscopic (I know I'm probably killing this word) so I followed his dieticians advice and instructions to lose weight (lost 17lbs so far total)....   And I do have to do a 1 week liquid diet right before the surgery.  Not looking forward to that part however its for my future, my health a new me!  Therefore I will do what I have to. Keep an open mind, do your homework and research. There are great people on here that can give you their personal opinion on each doctor they opted for and in the end you just have to decide what you think is best for you!  Also talk to your PCP he can give you good advice as well... mine did!

Hi- Dr Aranow out of Middlesex Hospital is great- His program is through, and he has alot of experience doing WLS.  Call the office to sign up to attend one of his monthly information sessions- no commitment, no cost,  just general info about him and the program.  It will at least give you info and some direction for your journey.  Good Luck!!  Laura.

Hi,  I began my surgery prep work with Dr. Barba.  I thought he was great but my  best friend had her surgery with Dr Aranow and after meetng with him I felt more at ease.  It is a bit of a hike, I live in Enfield but was the right choice for me.  It is a personal decision and my only advice is check everyone out, and then listen to your gut.  My pre-op was easy, no liquid diet but I did have to lose 10 pounds.  I wish you good luck with your decision! Hugs, Tracy

 Dr. Darren Tishler, Hartford, Hospital is wonderful and his staff is awesome  you can  check him out at Dr. Tishler lap band  or ctsurgical,Hartford Hospital  He is always available to answer all questions and his support groups are wonderful..If you decide to go to him tell him Joanneg sent you 

I would attend different hospitals info sessions to meet the doctors and staff and get over view of their  before and after program, requirements ect. Read, investigate all you can so you can make an informed decision and feel comfortable with whom ever you choose. Be sure whom ever you choose has had extensive experience performing wls, don't be afraid to ask their statistics and outcomes. I have to say that I have been completely satisfied with my surgeon and my experience at Saint Francis Hospital. All the best with your wls journey.

Sher

I went out of my way to go to Yale for Dr. Robert Bell who has extensive experience with laproscopic RNY.  I knew flat out that I did NOT want the open surgery and he does all his surgeries as laps....Approximately 1 patient per year ends up with an open surgery but only if previous scar tissue is getting in his way.  His largest lap patient was 640 pounds and he says lap is always the way to go and that it's definately harder on the largest patients, but it's still possible. As for tests, I only needed the following: Nutritionist Psych test I didn't have to lose any weight first and did not have to do a liquid diet before.  Just a lite diet of soups and salads for 3 days before surgery. Surgery was just 6 teeny holes that were super glued....no stitches or staples.   This was by far the best thing I have ever done for myself! ~Sue laprny 7/25/05 263/145