experienced laparoscopic lap band surgeons in MA?

Hi. Anyone have info on surgeons in MA that are experienced laparoscopic lap band surgeons? I've been going to the sessions at UMASS. The surgeons never showed up at the last session. I emailed and asked about a consultation and was scolded. I work at UMASS and now I have a bad feeling. I want to go somewhere where: 1. they show up. 2. the process is swift. (I want to follow the rules, but want the instutution to, as well.} 3. Staff that doesn't make you feel like a jerk. 4. Experience and performed many lapband surgeries. Bless you for helping me out. THANKS! I've been going to the sessions at UMASS. The surgeons never showed up at the last session. I emailed and asked about a consultation and was scolded. I work at UMASS and now I have a bad feeling. I want to go somewhere where: 1. they show up. 2. the process is swift. (I want to follow the rules, but want the instutution to, as well.} 3. Staff that doesn't make you feel like a jerk. 4. Experience and performed many lapband surgeries. Bless you for helping me out. THANKS!

hello, im sorry to hear about your experiences so far. i go through beth isreal, dr ben scheniders office, and they have been nothing but informative and supportive. he attends every informational session and talks with us for abour 1.5 hours, hes wonderful. might be worth looking into the program.... good luck!

Hi - I've had a great experience with the Drs at Emerson Hospital in Concord. It is a fairly new program, but with very experienced doctors. The information sessions are held monthly (2nd Wed of month), as well as support groups. (4th Wednesday of month). The support staff in the office is also great. You have sessions with the dietician, mental health professional, nurse, and complete testing done at the hospital. My hospital stay was uneventful and I was well enough to work the day after I came home from the hospital. I can't say enough positive things about the experience. I went for my initial consultation in November, had surgery in late January, and am now almost 5 months out. I've had 3 fills, and am having fairly steady weight loss. Call them. You won't be disappointed. Leslie 250/203/160ish

I was just banded at Umass last Thursday. I was very happy with my care and the 6 months of pre surgery classes and appointments was great. I feel great today and plan to return to work tomorrow - I have a follow up in 2 weeks - and I'm looking foward to getting on the scale. I went to two sessions before I could make an appointment. At the 2nd session they took our information and said they would call back. Within 2 weeks I got a call back and the process began. I met so many nice people and they were all very caring. It has been a great experience and I am so happy I did this. I hope things go better for you.

That's wonderful to hear! I love UMASS. I work there. I love the people there, and it warms my heart to hear when we have satisfied "customers". CONGRATULATIONS!!!! ps Nobody showed up at our 2nd session. I was scolded for asking what we needed to do next. Not a big deal, I just feel uncomfortable now.

Hi, Try checking out the New England Medical Center in Boston. From what they say. The have the most success and most surgerys with the least complication rates of anyone in the country. Here is their web page http://www.obesityconsult.org/index.htm good luck to you Trish

Hi, I had my procedure done at New England Medical Center in Boston and they are absolutely wonderful! You will make the right decision when your do all your research. Its the right thing not to just go ahead and do it because of convenience. Maraki

I used Dr. Ashley Vernon at Brigham and Women's Hospital. She is awesome and they have a great program/support staff. Good luck with your decision - lots of good choices. Kim

Hi! I had my surgery at BIDMC by Dr. Schneider. He is wonderful! His staff is awesome too, and have been nothing but helpful and supportive. The process was somewhat shorter and less complicated than UMASS, I thought.

Here is another SHOUT OUT for Dr Schneider at BIDMC 617-667-2845. AWESOME I was banded on 06/19 came back to work PT on Wed 06/28 and will be working reg with OT next week. (look at my profile about Dr Schneider and he has the best bed side manners) Sweetrose