Dr. Benbrahim, Midstate Medical Center

Has anyone any info on Dr. Ben? He has done 7 procedures at Midstate, and I'm in line...would love to find the others that have been under his care.

I have never heard of him. I didnt know they were doing this procedure at MidState. Is he from Meriden? Do you know if he does both lap band and rny? Has he done more than 7 procedures elsewhere? If he has only done 7, I would be a bit worried. Let us know about him

Hello Paula Welcome to Ct Message Board!!! I would like to advise you to research more because Dr Benbrahim is not on list for bariatric surgeons. You need a doctor who have alot of expereince with bariatric surgery than 7 times. My doctor did 500 bariatric surgeries per yearly. Keep more research and come to support group and join our comming up gathering party on Nov 20th in Orange. Ask us any questions then we will be glad to help you Good Luck on your researching Kathy k

Since this is your 2nd post questioning this Dr and his med facility and your profile even mentions your doubt...I feel compelled to answer you...honestly, and in a forthright manner. Please don't read on if you don't want a candid opinion from someone experienced. What I have to say is probably not what you want to hear. First, it is my personal opinion that before you put yourself 'in line' to have a potentially life threatening, elective surgery, you need to know EVERYTHING about the surgeon and the place your surgery will be done. It concerns me that you basically have chosen to put your life in the hands of this Dr. without essentially knowing anything about him except what he chose to tell you. I can only BEGIN to give you some of the questions that come to mind that MUST be answered before you even choose your surgeon, never mind let him cut you open. Who is he? Where did he go to med school? Where did he intern? Where has he been practicing? Did you check his license where he came from? If he came from another practice, shouldn't you be able to find people from that practice to speak to about him? Did you check his license here? What kind of surgeon is he? Is he a member of ASBS? How many LAP RNY (assuming you're having LAP RNY) surgeries has he performed as PRIMARY surgeon? Per your profile... How does he use a Dr. that practices out of another medical facility in another city to do his open conversions? How is that even technically possible, since conversions are unexpected...especially in an emergency? Why can't he handle them himself? A qualified surgeon should be able to handle all eventualities or complications...not have to call another Dr. in to fix his mess. Does Midstate Medical Center even have an ICU? What are the essential differences between a medical center and a hospital? Have you checked this medical center's ratings with the various reporting and grading agencies that conduct studies of medical facilities (you can find them online) How well equipped are they to handle you if you have a life threatening complication? Do they have the special accommodations necessary for obese patients? Is their staff trained in caring for the obese? If so, HOW? What is his aftercare program like? Why haven't you met any of his previous patients? Doesn't he have support groups? Have you compared his aftercare program to other surgeons? Have you looked at other surgeons at all to compare their skill, expertise and level of care? Look, I don't want to seem like I'm attacking you or make you feel bad. But, I've seen FAR too many people walk into this with their eyes closed and suffer the consequences later. I don't want you to be a statistic just because you want this surgery. I was desperate for surgery once too. I've been there; I know where you're at. But, you're taking your LIFE and placing it in someone else's hands. Do you know WHY you've chosen to put it in that person's hands? And are they the best choice for you? You obviously you are demonstrating a level of concern about the surgeon and the facility now that your surgery is approaching. GO WITH THAT GUT FEELING. Get to the bottom of things and get ALL the answers you need before you move forward. Good luck to you. I wish you the best possible outcome. Lisa C P.S IF EVERY SINGLE PRE-OP would read this message and TAKE IT TO HEART, I could leave this world tomorrow a fulfilled person.

Lisa, You said everything I was thinking, but not brave enough to say. Good work! Joanie

Lisa: These were the same thoughts running thru my head. Very well put. Chryssie 7/26 -40

You skinny thing you Peter

Hi Lisa, thanks for taking the time to give me an honest reply. So many people read your post, I hope you helped many more out there who are thinking about this procedure. Just so you don't think I'm a total nut case, I did do my homework. He studied with the 2 doctors in NH that are Valin and Rienhold. He has done hundreds, and is just now starting the program at Midstate. He has the same support staff as the NH doctors, Christopher Lodi, and Diana Rosa. He is hosting his first support seminar at Midstate Medical on October 7th. I was just looking for other paitents he has done, and I guess I will meet them on October 7th. Naturally being so close to a final decision from CIGNA I'm aprehensive. You look great, hope to have the same success. Really, I'm at the point where its purely for health reasons and not so much asthetics. I'm 90 lbs over weight, 52 and just can't take it off.

hi I'm Pam, I live in Southington. I work at MidState Medical Center and I am scheduled to have rny by Dr. Benbrahim on Oct. 19th. I work in ICU ( yes we do have one,and a very good one.) Last year we were chosen as one of the top 10 icu's in the country. Sorry if I sound a little over protective. Dr. Benbrahim studied under Dr. Rheinhold. We started doing rny in March. All patients have had excellent results. Our nurses have had training in taking care of rny patients and Dr. Benbrahim is a very attentive Dr who makes several calls and stops a day to make sure all is going well. We also have special beds for rny patients. Now on to me. I've passed the psych, nutrition and protein diet. I also passed the pulmonary exam. Since my liver functions were a little elevated my endo dr. want to do an ultrasound of my liver. I will have that done on Monday oct.4th. I will have my endoscopy on thurs the 7th. On wed the 4th I will see the cardiologist. Don't know if a stress test is mandatory. I have been approved by my Insurance. I will be at the support group meeting at Midstate on Oct. 7th. See you there.

Hi Pam, Finally someone else who is going to this Dr. I'm so glad to have found you! Can you tell me how many he has done on his own? Is he a member of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons? I will be at the support group also, please lets make it a point to meet. I wish you all the best, please keep in touch.