Dr. Aranow

I finally called his office today and my mandatory meeting is scheduled for May 26th. I'm a little bummed about how far off it is but I'm sure it will fly by. Can anyone tell me how they liked this doctor. How long from the mandatory meeting til surgery date. Thanks!

Hi Michelle, It is a long wait , but it is definately worth the wait... I had my surgery with Dr Aranow on Dec. 29, 2003 and have had smooth sailing the whole way.. I credit this excellent surgical and recovery experience to the total program that Dr A. has his patients follow.. There is a great team of professionals involved in this process. I attended his info meeting on June 4, 2003.. so it took me 6 months to complete all pre-op requirements, but I did have quite a few appts to deal with including a sleep study.. I have a lot of confidance in Dr A. and hope you have as wonderful a journey as I've had..Godspeed Elaine

Hi Michelle, I attended Dr. Aranow's seminar on June 3rd and my first visit with him was August 29th. After going through all the testing and appointments, my surgery was Dec. 1st. Every transition went very smoothly. My surgery went very well and my recovery went even better. I honestly can not say enough about the whole team of people involved at Middlesex Hospital. You honestly do not spend that much time with Dr. Aranow but he is very pleasant and I believe an expert in the field. Good luck to you! Carolyn

Dear Michelle, I think that getting in for a May meeting is pretty good. I first went to St. Francis hospital seminar just to have two game plans. My calls were in April and I got in in July in St, Francis and August in Middletown. I knew several people who had used Dr. Aranow and had great success including my mentor (LIsa C.) It took over six months to get all the testing complete. I had my surgery on February 9th 2004 and have already lost 40 pounds. I am soo glad I had it done by Dr. A. Iis a long wait but necessary to get all the info and requirements. Remember this surgery is not a cure-you have to be ready for a big change in your life, and definitely not for everyone. BUT only you will know if you are ready and willing to do it. Good Luck and keep us posted.

Hi Michelle, I had surgery with Dr. A, unfortunately, I can't be helpful with the time frames, since I started seeing him before he started the mandatory group meeting process. I had my first sit down with him in July and had surgery in November, if that helps at all. I did not have any issues that came up in any tests which would probably have made my time longer. What I wanted to do is make sure you understand just how wonderful I think (KNOW) Dr. A is. I chose him from many surgeons, way back when. Hands down he beats everybody I know in compassion, caring, bedside manner, thoroughness, education, experience, skill, time in practice, low incidence of complication and quality aftercare (and more aftercare). Ask him why he does this surgery and watch his face when he answers. That will tell you everything you need to know about him on a personal level. Speaking with his post-op patients will tell you evrything you need to know about his practice. One note- His office is busy. Sometimes it takes a little while to get non-urgent things answered. But, they do try hard. Emergencies are always handled quickly. Once you are a surgical patient of Dr. A., he considers you his patient for life. I think that's a wonderful thing. Hang in there, he's well worth the wait. Good luck to you! P.S. I'm humbled that Elaine would consider me her mentor. What an honor. Lisa C RNY 11-14-02 306 pre-op/currently 143 and still loosing (?!?!)

Hi Michelle Originally other members helped me pick Dr. Aranow......when I went to the seminar in Oct. I thought I made the right decision. I had my first office visit in Jan....he is thorough, easy to talk to, easy to understand and very caring ...I left his office knowing I made the right decision. I also checked the reviews of the hospitals and middlesex meets the special needs of bariatic patients. I live in prospect and would have liked to have this done in waterbury but none of the local doc's have the training and experience to equal Dr Aranow. Our local hospitals do not have bariatric units or specially trained staff. Your time frame from seminar to surgery depends on your medical problems....all Dr. Aranows patients are required to have a psych evaluation and meet with a nutritionist. the other tests depend on your medical problems. Another factor is your ins.....some ins companies will approve you without any problems...others make you jump through hoops. I want this surgery tomorrow but I know all this waiting and testing is for my own good. If I can help in any way e-mail me at [email protected] Good luck angel

Can I put in my 2 cents? I know 4-6 months might seem like a long time, but really, it goes by so fast. before you know it your surgery date is looming...one month away, one week away, then one day! I had 4 months from the day I had my consult to my operation and there were STILL things didnt do...I wanted to measure myself, take more 'before' pics, etc. plus the time to mentally prepare is so important. Hang in there...the clock IS ticking... Happy St Patty's! This will be only one since I was 21 that I wont have a drink...well, maybe since I was 18...

Thank you all for your feedback! I have been "lurking" on this board for a long time and I have finally made the leap. You all are so supportive of one another, that is so great to see! I do appreciate everyone taking the time to respond, I will be writing with my progress.

Hi Michelle. My review of Dr. Aranow can be found on my profile page. At risk of being redundant (if you choose to read what I already wrote about this surgeon), I feel he is the best surgeon in New England doing this type surgery. His track record speaks for itself and he is very genuine and straight-forward in his approach to the Whole Big Picture -- not just the surgery, but the before and after as well. Your wait time is long because he is in demand. He's that good. If you want the best possible outcome, stick with him. I attended his information seminar in September, 2003, and I just had my surgery on 3/8. I go to see him tomorrow for my 2 week post-op check up. Take care and congratulations on your choice of surgeons for this life-altering event. Best, Maureen