Need another program

Hey everyone. Just got word that Dr. Brown will not be starting up WLS at SNHMC. Does anyone know of a good program to join? I would like to join a program that will accept everything i have done to date. One thing I did like about Dr. Browns program is that it just required you to not gain weight from your first weigh in. I have been able to lose some but that is the reason I am going to have surgery because it is so hard to lose. Well, If anyone has any info let me know Joshua

Hi Joshua, I was in the program at SNHMC with Dr. Drinkwater last summer and of course he left. He recommended 5 different groups and the one I chose was Dr. Michael Jiser who was at Saints Memorial Medical Center in Lowell, MA. I had the surgery in March and was very pleased with their program. They did accept all the progress I had made with Dr. Drinkwater's program. They have moved to Lowell General Hospital as of August, 2006. The Weight Management Clinic is great and everybody is located in one office. Their phone number is 978-788-7200. Email me if you want any further information. Barbara

Hello Joshua, How are you. I dont go see Dr Brown until tomorrow so I didnt know anything. So he isnt starting up a program at SNHMC? That really stinks. First for everyone that was waiting. I wondering about all of us post -ops. I know he was going to continue with us but it kinda stinks him not going on with other people. I am thinking with the lap band Wish there was more people he had done. ( i been having a hard time with mine). That really is not fair . Have you heard anything over at St Joes? Well let me know if you find a new program. I been looking for a new support group. I really need to find a new one. Just no one really goes to the other one and fewer Lap band patients so I really kinda feel alone in this. I know I heard of CMC and I think the other place was parkland medical in Derry. I have two friends that had there's done at Darmouth and loved them. I would call Dr Brown and talk to him and ask for a Referal. I would think that is teh least he could do is find somewhere that could take he previous pateints. Keep in touch you also have my home email. Let me know what you find. Tacha

I looked at Parkland but they don't take my insurance (Harv. Pilg), the one in Lowell has a $400 fee, so I called Dart. Hitch. in Manchester...no fee, but they do have a weight loss requirement. They will take the intake form and then look at any and all tests you've had done (I was completed with everything including medical clearance) and decide what they will/won't accept. So, I guess I will be going into my 4th year trying to get this done. As far as calling Dr. Brown, I've left 2 messages over the last week and a half and have recieved no response.

Hello, I just got back from an appointment at Dr Browns. I guess it was the hospital the decided against it. He was upset about it. Something to do with the hospital didnt believe they would have the Numbers they would need for a center of excellence. Maybe in the future things will change with the huge problem of obesity and the high demand of this surgery. But it wasnt Dr Browns choice. They said they are preparing a leter to send out to all his patients. Also for the ones who had the surgery They told me they are going to be starting a support group. That will be nice. But that is the currant information I have. Thanks...... Tacha

Hi Joshua, I see you live in Mass and I wondered if you considered the program at Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston. I live here in NH and felt it was worth the time and drive to travel for Dr. David Lautz. He is an excellent surgeon with excellent credentials. He does not require you to lose weight first but his associates do. They have the support groups, nutrionists on staff, everything you need. I had my consult with him in April and got my surgery date that same day, June 7th. They do require you to attend an information session first which are held monthly. I went, but called for my appt. that same day and got it for April. This was in February. I am very pleased with my experience with him. I had the lapband done lap but he does a lot of RNY's too. Plus get gets all the gas out of your stomach so I had no gas pain whatsoever. I had hardly any pain and thought my surgery was a piece of cake! Good luck on whatever program you decide on! Valerie

joshua I have a friend that had it at new england medical center, she loved it there. My ins is only for new hampshire where i work. I am looking into catholic med center in manchester, and portsmoth regional hospital. You could also try layhe clinic in burlington mass, or winchester hospital, i know they also have programs. good luck scotty

Hi there, I live in Manchester and chose the Weight Management Program at Lowell General (was at Saint's as Barbara said above.) There is a $400 payment required but it is broken into two payments. I also chose Dr. Jiser but he has two partners who I have heard great things about also, Dr. Shen and Dr. Shore. I believe the practice has done over 500 RNY's and 200 or more Lap Bands. They did require a weight loss but only 5% and even acknowledged that I might have difficulty even losing that as I was taking Glucophage. I did lose the weight however. They have an incredible support program with support meetings, dietitian's and just terrific nursing staff. I believe all his patients spend the first 24 hours in intensive care, just to be safely monitored. I've had several surgeries and these were by far the most supportive medical staff I have experienced and the hospital was nice too. Thus far it's been a great experience for me, I see Dr. Jiser for my first fill on Friday. Plus Lowell General is simple to get to. Good Luck.

Hi Joshua, It may be a drive for you however, BayState Medical Center also has a great program. I live in the Western portion of NH and found an easy commute for me. I was working with the Lebanon team and like you didn't have success in achieving the weight loss goal. The Baystate program did accept the work I had accomplished prior (physc screen, weight loss attempts, blood work up etc). I've included a link to their website for your reference. http://baystatehealth.com/eConsumer/bhs_chan_index.jsp?contentId=9ea261cfd0e2df00VgnVCM100 0000f0c19acRCRD&chId=4d6bc7aecd33df00VgnVCM1000000f0c19acRCRD Best of luck with your weight loss quest. Lisa

I went through CMC with Dr Connie Campbell as the surgeon, she did a great job, can barely even see my scars after 7months,I just went for my 7 month check up and I'm down 116lbs and the nutrionist are wonderful, very caring and you can call them anytime with any concerns or questions you have, I would recommend them, great program and they have a support group that meets on the second Monday of each month also.