Beth Israel or Brigham & Women's?

Hi there! I have decided to have WLS (lap band) and I am debating between Beth Israel (where I can be seen sooner) or the Brigham (supposedly the "better" program). Does anyone have experience with either? If so, would you mind sharing how your experience has been there?

Thanks in advance!

Liz

HI, I'm not sure why Brigham and Women's is considered the better program - I do know a woman who has had a ton of problems with them and for what I hear - I try and get people to rethink their decision when it comes to them - I'm sure you'll hear differently though......

As far as Beth Israel - I've had few complaints ! I had my RNY there in April 09". I'm very happy with them thus far.......

Good luck with your decision !

I've also heard some things about Brigham that don't give me the warm fuzzy but there are others here that know first hand so hopefully they'll join in.

I had my lap band done in 2005 with Dr Jones at BIDMC - nothing but good things to say about their program. The whole team is great (office staff can be a bit slow at times but that isn't the important part). I like them so much that I'm having Dr. Jones do my revision surgery to VSG (he's only done a few VSG so this his how much I trust the guy).

Good luck!

This is a very personal decision.  You really need to go where you get the very best vibe, the most
competent, caring interactions w/ staff.

 I would choose Dr. Lautz at the Brigham.  Someone on the boards has recently been very unhappy and vocal about her unhappiness with Brigham and Women's but
s*** happens everywhere.  If you search for nicunicu (user ID) on OH and PM her, she'll share excellent  information about the Brigham - she's a seasoned nurse, I would trust her.

BID has issues.  You might want to read the BID blog called something like "Eye on BID."   (Again, Google it)  BID's problems are mostly personnel/morale problems, but they've had some safety incidents, too.   Again, you'll get horror stories and then you'll find people who rave!   It's not a perfect world - incidents can happen at any hospital!

You might also consider which hospital is going to be easy to get to for follow up ... I can't think of a Boston area hospital that isn't truly great.  Really, we're so lucky to live here!  Read as much as you can, then go with your gut.

Welcome, btw!

My surgeon is Dr. Lautz at the Brigham....he is 90 miles one way from my house. They have an excellent program....Dr. Lautz has many patients from NH, and other states. He is an excellent surgeon and very caring. I was referred to him by my boss and I in turn refer people from up here to him. And we do have a local WLS program at the local hospital.
The woman on this board who is unhappy with the Brigham does not have my surgeon. I had two WLS done by Dr. Lautz. I am a revision from a lapband to a RNY. I hope you have done your research with the lapband particularly stats and problems.

Thanks everyone! You're right, I'm sure I'll hear an equal amount of rants and raves for each. I'll continue researching and go with my gut!

I had gastric bypass at the Brigham in January.  I had a great experience and no problems.  I also had Dr. lautz, very competent, nice and sincere.  He's also the director of the program.  Good luck with your decision. 

I, too, have been going through the BIDMC program and I LOVE THEM!  They are an amazing, wonderful, caring and supportive team.  Because of insurance issues, I thought I was going to have to change to a different hospital but, thankfully, things have worked out and I get to stay with BIDMC.  I am SO thankful!  I love the approach they take and think highly of every one of their bariatric team members!  Good luck with your decision!

I met with Dr. Lautz and thought he was a great person and is obviously very skilled. 

The BIGGEST reason I did not go with any of the well-respected Boston hospitals was follow-up.  MINE, not the hospitals.  I wanted to give myself every opportunity to be compliant, go to meetings regularly, etc.  FOR ME, I knew getting into Boston for support groups would be a hassle to me (I'm so suburban sometimes).

Reputations, statistics, insurance coverage are all important, and you should definitely tink about those issues.  Please also consider your personality, lifestyle and mobility - especially with the lap band that requires more follow-up with fills/unfills.

Best of luck!

Hi Liz - I had my WLS - 2.5 years ago (although I had RNY) at Beth Israel and had a wonderful experience there - not knowing what to expect - like most - I was nervous but everyone there took very good care of me - stayed almost 4 days and it was a great experience - their whole program is excellent -  Good Luck in your decision and on your journey!! 

Karen B.