Anyone here have surgery in Buffalo?

I'm at the very beginning of my journey and live between Buffalo and Rochester.  I've gotten paperwork to fill out from the Comprehensive Weight Loss Program at Kaiser in Buffalo.  Does anyone have any experience with them??? Thanks!

Denise, Congratulations on taking the step to research WLS.  There is a lot to learn and the people here are so helpful, knowledgeable and supportive.  I have to tell you, I have never heard of this weight loss program or Kaiser in Buffalo.  The most skilled weight loss surgeon in the Buffalo area is Dr. Joseph Caruana at Synergy Bariatrics in Williamsville, NY.  He was originally a general surgeon and has done bariatric surgery exclusively since 2000.  He operates out of Sisters Hospital in Buffalo.  He has all the accreditations you could possibly look for (as well as being very patient and caring) and the hospital is designated a Center of Excellence for Bariatrics.    Check out all the programs you can find and go with what feels best for you.   Good luck to you -- Maria    www.synergybariatrics.com

Maria,   Thanks for the info.  I check out their page - they don't accept my insurance :-(

Denise, I had Dr. Caruana and had my surgery last May.  I am VERY happy with my results and was very happy with my choice.  I have lost 104 pounds (24 to go).  As Lisa said...Dr. Caruana has LOTS of experience.  Good Luck...keep us updated! Rosemary

Hi Denise!  I have heard of the Comprehensive Weight Loss clinic at Buffalo General Hospital.  Check out this website: http://www.kaleidahealth.org/weightloss/      Are you talking about this group? I just filled out my paperwork for Dr. Alan Posner to have the lap band surgery.    

Yes, this is the group I was talking about.  Do you have an appt yet?

Denise,  I do not have an appointment yet with Dr. Posner.  I just mailed in the application and paperwork to him last week.   I have heard lots of good things about Dr. Posner and some bad things.  Unfortunately there are not alot of Lap Band doctors around the Western NY area.

As Lisa said I have never heard of the Kaiser program in Buffalo.   I also used Dr. Caurauna and had surgery at Sisters hospital and couldn't have asked for a more professional surgeon.   The care was wonderful.     I know that Dr. C has taken on an associate who I believe preforms surgery laproscopically.   My sister met him when she was in the hospital recovering after her surgery with Dr. C back in January. 

When my daughter and I started on our weight loss journey I first contacted Dr. Posners office and was so dissastified with how his office staff treated me that I swore I would never go to him.  My friend had her surgery with him and was pleased with her results, but that was over 3 years ago before he got so busy and you had to wait a long time to be seen by him.   I also belive that you have to loose a certain amount of weight pre-op or Dr. Posner will not do surgery on you (that is what I have been told anyways).    I know he does work out of Buffalo General.      I think there is also another gastric bypass surgeon by the name of Dr. Mitchell.  I do not know anything about him and very seldom see any of his patients post on this board.    Good luck to you.  The research is a lot of work but time well invested.  Sally

Thanks everyone for your replies.  I am hoping to have Lap-Band, so that limits my prospects a bit.  I must say that reading that it can take a year for your first appt with Dr. Posner was a bit disheartening.  I have also been reading about the group in Rochester that Dr. O'Malley is in.  I'm really not sure which way to go.  I hadn't heard of the other doctor in the Buffalo area, I will check him out. Thanks again!

I used the O'Malley group in Rochester but I didn't have the lapband so I cant help you with the specifics pertaining to that surgery. But overall I was very happy with his group. You are smart to research both groups and go with which ever one seems to be a good fit for you. Good luck on your journey.