Surgeon in WNY area that does AGB?

I am looking for a surgeon in WNY that does AGB. After researching the techniques, I have decided the lap band would be best for me but the doctor I was going to consult with for the RNY (Dr. Caruana) does not do Lap Band and the only other one I know of in my area (Dr. Posner) has a waiting list of several months just for a consult. I am willing to a couple hours or so if anyone knows of anyone (WNY, PA, Niagara Falls, Rochester..)

Try these guys: http://www.stronghealth.com/services/surgical/bariatric/seminar.cfm Good luck! Becky Jean

Thanks Becky Jean, I have looked into that surgeon and will be contacting him on Monday morning. Hopefully his waiting list is not as long as the doctors' here. I still wonder one thing. I saw a few posts from some of his patients, and they say he requires you to lose 20-30 pounds before surgery. I thought we were having surgery because other attempts at diets had failed. Doesnt losing the weight prove that diets CAN be successful? Wouldnt the insurance company question that before paying for the surgery which is supposed to be a last resort. I know that some patients have been asked to lose weight for other doctors, but that was more to help access during surgery, but I hear Dr OMalley has ALL patients lose the weight first. Anyone know?

Hi Karen, Congratulations for deciding to have this surgery, it can be a very tough decision. It took me two years because I was afraid of "what could happen". Now looking back - I don't know why I ever waited. Dr. O'Malley did my lap RNY on 12/29/04 and I have lost 69 pounds so far and look forward to losing at least another 85. Dr. O'Malley is a wonderful doctor, he is very skilled. Because he is so skilled, he has a long waiting list. It took me exactly a year from the day that I called for the first consultation to have the surgery. He is well WORTH THE WAIT. Dr. O'Malley does not require anyone to lose weight before surgery. Except maybe if someone is too large to do the lap type of surgery, but then he could still do it open, it would just be a bigger scar and longer recovery. I weighed 325 pounds when I had surgery and he was still able to do the lap. He will suggest that you start changing your eating habits (that is to help you have an easier adjustment after surgery). He did tell us in his seminar that he will not do the surgery if you have gained weight between the time that you have the one on one consultation with him and the surgery day. That would show that you are not willing to do your part for the surgery. Now saying that - let me tell you that I gained 5 pounds from all of the "last meals" that I had, but then lost those 5 pounds before I went in for surgery. It wasn't the smartest thing to do but I did it, its over, and I have moved on. Dr. O'Malley has another doctor in his practice, his name is Dr. Boss. I have heard that he is very good also and because he is new to the area his patients list is smaller so his wait time is much less. This surgery has been a life saver for me and I would definitely do it again in a heartbeat. I had no complications except for tolerating some foods and water that have since gone away. The weight loss has slowed down over the past month and I am losing some of my hair. These are things that will happen, but I am still losing the weight and a lot of inches and the hair does grow back. Good luck on your quest to become healthier.

NOt sure how far up you are in NY compared to Westchester County but I had a fabulous dr and dealt with a great staff at this place http://www.obesity-surgery-associates.com/contact.htm They did not require me to lose weight, only to not gain any. I hope this helps you out some. Good luck and keep us posted. Gabby