Syracuse-lap band surgeon?

My sister lives in Utica, NY and is interested in finding a lap band surgeon and bariatric center of excellence in Syracuse since she has heard terrible stores of incompetent surgeons in Utica.   Since I live in Virginia and had my lap band surgery here, I wanted to reach out and see if any of you could give me information I could pass on to my sister. Thank you.

I had my RNY at the Bariatric Center in Syracuse.  I know there are at least 2 doctors that do the lap band.  They are not a center of Excellence YET, but word is they are working on it.  The center's number is:

Syracuse area: 315-464-9852
Toll Free Outside the Syracuse area: 1-866-349-4592

I know that Dr. Kim and Dr. Simon both do the lap.  Their website is: http://www.upstate.edu/uh/surgery/bariatric/

Thanks, Molly.  I've heard about Dr. Simon from quite a few folks and sent his contact information to my sister.   Utica appears to be going downhill quickly.  It looks like a war zone, and I am so very glad I moved away years and years ago.

I'm scheduled for RNY with Dr. Matthew Fitzer out of Utica on 10-22.  I've pretty much heard only good things about him.