Opinions on NYU?

  I'm hoping to have WLS in December (still undecided between lap band or RNY). I was going to have my surgery at Lutheran Medical in Brooklyn, but all my doctors - primary, pulmonologist, sleep disorders - are affiliated with NYU, plus one of my co-workers had Dr. Kurian for a surgeon and loved her. Anyone else have her and can let me know opinions of Dr. Kurian and NYU? I feel guilty for thinking about switching - Lutheran Medical saved my life two years ago - but I feel compelled to check out NYU as well. Thanks!

I met Dr. Kurian when she covered for Dr. Ren after I had my surgery. I was very impressded by her. You will love her. If you have Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies, that's her.

NYU left a little to be desired, but being from NJ I'm not used to NY hospitals, so that may have something to do with it. I did get good care and really have no complaints.

Dr Kurian was partners with my doctor (Dr Roslin) for a long while and left to go to NYU. I've met several of her patients (when she was with Dr Roslin) and they love her. I met her before she left and was very nice. I was not at all impressed with NYU, their program pushes the lapband, were going to be very difficult to work with my insurance & their staff.....well.....I think a group of chipmunks could have run a better office and the hospital is ...well...ickky, gross, not going to ever see me inside as a patient. JMHO

They NYU practice is very disorganized. I usually have trouble getting through and no one hardly ever calls me back. I had trouble with the surgical coordinator returning my calls and didnt' have my insurance approval finalized until the Friday before my surgery, which was on Monday.

I didn't have trouble going in and stating that I wanted RNY. Dr. Ren asked me why, I gave her my reasons, and it was on to the next question. I was never pushed for LapBand...not once by anyone.

If it wasn't for wanting Dr. Ren, I would not have put up with any of it. I felt comfortable and safe in her hands, so I put up with the rest of the crap.

That's how I felt about Lutheran Medical - staff was distracted, but surgeons were great.

I'm having my surgery done at NYU.  The hospital is excellent, and the surgeons are top notch.  The staff that handles the WLS department is not so much disorganized as they are overwhelmed.  People are literally clamoring to have either Dr. Ren, Dr. Fielding or Dr. Kurian do their surgery because they are very experienced and very competent. 

I had my surgery done by Dr. Fielding at NYU over 4 years ago.  The hospital is in need of a update, but the staff was great and I was out the next day.  I think your surgeon is the most important part of your journey, go with NYU , you will be fine!

Hi -- also a patient of Dr. Fielding.  I also see Dr. Ren for fills.  I've heard great things about Dr. Kurian and like both Dr. Fielding and Dr. Ren...

My suggestion is to get the email address for the surgical coordinator.  I went to visit her and in ten minutes, she had four calls.  Yes -- it isn't disorganization but mostly workload.  My emails were usually always addressed - it was easier for her to manage.  The staff is terrific - I didn't find anyone that was a problem in working with. As to NYU, I had a positive experience -- my DH did not.  He could not get a room and had to spend the night in recovery...that also limited family visiting time.  I don't think, however, that is exclusive to NYU.  I visited my MIL in a hospital in LI and it was worse - I think it is the nature of the beast.   I would definitely have someone with you that is vocal to make sure you get what you need/desire because you really may not be in a condition to follow-up. 

If you are going for the Lap band...Dr. Ren...if you are going for the RNY dr. Kurian....if you want the DS...go to another sugical group.... Scott

I'm curious why you say this Scott?... Kurian was involved with the initial clinical trials for the Band (I think Ren & Fielding were involved in later trials as well) I would THINK that any NYC bariatric surgeon (especially ones with involved with a major medical center such as NYU) should be more than competent to successfully perform an RNY regarding the DS, I know that Ren & Fielding (or at least ONE of them) have performed the DS in the past... can't remember who off-hand, but I believe a few from the DS board had one (or both of them)... they might not be one of the "regular" posters, but I know I've seen at least one of those names before. About Kurian and the DS... She assisted in my surgery, and there's really no way to know exactly how much of it she did.... they may have taken a tag-team approach for all I know... but I wouldn't hesitate to have Kurian perform a DS for myself... I don't know enough about Ren & Fielding to say the same, but in that same breath, won't say I WOUDLN'T have them do it... only that I'd have to research them more.