recommend your dr!!

Thanks Kathy, I'm down 143 so far. AND........
I'm happy to report there is a very special person in my life and I'm ridin' high

We so need to get together sometime!

I will not repeat what everyone else said-but I went to several different docs and seminars and interviewed several docs-I went with Dr. Bell at Yale-he is by far the best, the most skilled, offers the most options, and responds to any questions post op withing minutes.  He is caring, and is well regarded by other bariatric surgeons across the country.  As an RN I have to say the care I received from him and the staff at Yale was far superior to any care I have received elsewhere.
Jeanne

Dr. A is the best.  He did my RNY, and in June removed my appendix.  He is also the only person i will trust to do my tummy tuck.  He is very knowlegable and truly cares about his patients.  Any time I have needed to see him he has been there.  HE"S THE BEST!!!!!!

I love Dr Raftopoulos at St Francis.  When you find "your" doc, you will just know it feels right - go with your gut instinct. 

Hi i just want to let you know Dr. Raftopoulus at St Francis is the best. I just had my surgery on the 17th of Nov. He is so kind and informative he actually called me at home for the first three nights  to check on me  I started with Dr Arranow and found them to be so inpersonable he never even looked at me at my appointment and then was rude and asked if I could afford the after surgery costs. Dr. Raft. office are so kind and they all get to know you including Dr.R on a first name basis. GOOD LUCK!!!

So I am going to put a new name on the board. I really like Dr. Barba and his staff. He actually has a nurse practitioner working for him that had RNY and a tummy tuck so she really can tell you what's goin on. My father-in-law had Dr. Bell at Yale and my hubby and I really wanted to go to him, but he was just too far. We didn't want to have to drive an hour for every appt. You really do have to shop around and find someone you are comfy with.

I thought I might want the band too cuz I was scared, but I ended up going with the bypass because I knew I would not be able to control what I could eat. I have lost quite a bit of weight already and I am very happy with my decision. You have to know yourself. I now eat a little piece of sugar free dark chocolate after dinner and it's so delicious.

Ditto on Dr. Barba...I know alot of people will most likely come on here and 'slam' him...but I'm looking and feeling mighty fine because of him!!  He prefers to do RNY laparascopic(ly)...did a great job on me!!~good luck!!~laura

Hi Dawn,
I am also a fan of Dr. Barba. He is the best. He made me look and feel the best I have been in years. I am alot healthier with no medical problems because of him. He is always such a happy person. I had my surgery in Nov of 2005 and He just did my Timmy Tuck on Nov 25. Yes thats 10 days ago. I feel great. He is awesome!! My knight in shinning armor.
But like said before, everyone has a personal preference. Shop around and TALK to the doctor.
I checked one doctor that wanted money before I even spoke to him, another that said no because of my age,( he didn't do over 40) one that looked at me like I was the most discusting thing because of my weight and had the nerve to ask  "So how did you get like this and has it been fun?" I got up and left his office!! My point is everyone has good and bad experiences with every doctor. You just have to find who YOU feel comfortable with. Not everyone else. Those doctors were not right for me, but many out there have them and they are happy.
So good luck,
Hugs, Sarah

It's ben a while since you posted this, and you may already have made up your mind...

But, I'd like to suggest you check out Dr. Darren Tischler out of Hartford Hospital.  He has a wonderful program and is a fantastic surgeon.  He's well worth a look. Not a lot of his PT's are on this board for some reason.  A freind of mine recently had lap band with him and I'm impressed with his program. I've also been to his seminar and was impressed with that too.

I'm SUPER SUPER picky about surgeon choice and I think you should explore several different programs before you choose. 

Of course, I also recommend Dr. A- as I'm one of his patients. 

Good luck to you.