Need help finding a lapband doctor

Hi Everyone, I was banded in Florida but am now back in MA and my new doc is at Tufts, he has come with very high recommedations and the first time I saw him he was really nice. But I had to go for a fill last week and I had to see his fellow who caused me a lot of pain and now I think I have a leak. I tried calling my surgeon, but come to find out I can only speak to the fellow, so I left a message for him. He called me tonight and said he will see me a week from Thursday; however I think this is pretty important and they think it can wait. Plus I don't want to see a fellow. I called my surgeon from Florida who I can talk to directly by cell and he was PISSED!!! Anyway, I now don't want to go back to Tuft's because I pay to see the doctor not the fellow. Does anyone know of another lapband surgeon who you can actually get into see on a normal basis, if you have an emergency they will take you as soon as possible, and that is not as big and would be more personable than Tufts. A doc that will remember who you are? Please help. The names I found so far are: Dr. Buckley and Dr. Kastrinakis in Salem, Ma Dr. Sanchez, Dr. Jones, Dr. Schneider, Boston, MA If anyone has these doctors please let me know what you think. I really need to get in to see someone or I will have to fly back to Fl to do this... Thank you in advance, Sara

hi Sara. I don't know what part of Ma your from, but have you tried calling UMASS MEMORIAL in Worcester? The doctor that i'm using doesn't believe in the lap band, so that's all that I can offer.

Hi Sara, I did some research and Dr. Ashley Vernon at Brigham and Women's in Boston does a lot of lap bands. Dr Lautz is another member of the same group. My PCP recommended the group at the Brigham and their patient testimonials on here are quite good. I don't have the numer but if you go to www.partners.org you should be able to find what you need. Good luck...let us know how it goes.

I posted over in the lapband forum but I'm a patient of Dr. Ashley Vernon and she is superb. Her number at Brigham and Women's is 617-732-8710 (don't have it in front of me now). Check out http://www.brighamandwomens.org/weightmanagement/ for some basic info and phone numbers. Kim

The group from Beth Isreal Boston is great. Vivian Sanchez is doing my RNY and she has an office in Needham, MA not sure which is closer to you Boston or Needham. She is really great and will see you asap if you are having problems.

Hi Sara, I just had my surgery with Dr. Buckley. I would highly recommend him or Dr. Kastrinakis... both are excellent. I worked at NSMC a few years ago and both these physicians have outstanding professional records and are VERY nice. Dr. Buckley is the Medical Director for General Surgery and Dr. Kastrinakis is the Chief of GS. You will be in great hands with either of them. I wish you the best...

Hello sara, I am a pt of Dr Buckley's at Salem Hospital... I have had a post op appt with Dr. K.... (I am a bypass pt) Both MD's are wonderful. I would recommend either of them to anyone. Plus there are great support groups at salem hospital every month.. I noticed you live in Marblehead so Salem would be very convenient for you... You done't have to go to Boston to get excellent care... Hope that helps... jessica

Hi Sarah: I was banded at St.Elizabeth's Hospital in Brighton. Dr. Leonardo Claros and there is also a Dr. Nicole Pecquex who's the chief surgeon. Dr. Claros is available, concerned with is patients, very caring. Not knowing where you live, I can't say if this is close to you or not but if it helps.... I live on the Cape and had to go there because my insurance, US Family Health Plan which is part of Tufts, wanted a Center of Excellence which is covered through them. I thought it was very far from the Cape but fianlly, it was well worth it for the great care I found there. You can always call the Center for Weight Control, talk to Suzie at 817-562-7474 Good luck. Huguette

Hey Sara, give the group at emerson a call and see if Dr. Jiser, Shen or Shore can see you for fills. They're great, and the staff is really supportive. The program is new at Emerson (the Docs also have an older program at Saints Memorial in Lowell), so there isn't a huge scheduling problem. They're just up Route 2. http://www.emersonhospital.org/medical/surgery/bariatric_surgery/ 978-287-3532. Good luck, Donna B.

Drs. Sanchez and Schneider are great. Dr. Sanchez did my surgery and is extremely responsive and caring. If she is not available you can be sure that one of her other attending colleagues will be there to lend support. And I don't mean fellows, but actual surgeons. That is how I met Dr. Schneider who also is an excellent surgeon. Finally, you can't go wrong with Beth Israel as it is a Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery. Good luck!!!!!!!