Brigham & Women's Anyone?

I have got all my pre-op stuff done, now I am searching for a surgeon who is not going to make me wait until I am a grandmother to have surgery. I have a consultation with Dr. Robinson at Brigham & Women's on May 16. Anyone have any recent experience with him and that hospital? I would be interested to know his demeanor, time frame, requirements, etc. Thanks, Carrie

Hi Carrie I am having my surgery done at the B&W on 6/15. I have Dr Robinson as my surgeon. My consult with him was on 1/3/05. I could have scheduled earlier but, due to my personal schedule I chose that date. Dr R. is serious as my personal care doctor informed me. He is serious but thatdoesnt bother me. As long as hes a good surgeon thats what matters to me . I have other people to hold my hand if I need it. I was told his bedside manner is not that good......but like I said if he is a good surgeon thats his job. He wants me to lose 35lbs before surgery......make sure Im committed to the WHOLE thing.....surgery isnt a magic bullet takes more than that. Im down 19lbs. It will also make my recovery easier. I checked out other people that had for a surgeon from this site. They had good things to say,,,,,I remember that one lady said"if you want a surgeon to hold your hand,,,,,keep looking". I think its true. To me Dr Robinson knows his stuff and treats the whole process just that a whole process. I like him and am looking forward to having my surgery. Best of luck and keep in touch. One more thing......his secratary....Jennifer is great! once again good luck !

HI Carrie, I had my Open Rny with Dr Robinson three years ago. I have been more than happy with everything regarding Dr Robinson, his office staff and the care I received at BWH. Feel free to email my anytime with questions. I will say that Dr Robinson can appear gruff. He is very serious about this surgery and about your committment to take good care of yourself. You are in the best of hands with him.

Carrie, What surgery are you interested in? I had Dr. Lautz from the Brigham for the Lap Band. He doesn't require a pre op weight loss-so if you think that will cause a problem for you--consider a change of docs. My girlfriend was able to get her surgery done within 30 days of her first appt. Typically-surgeries are within 60 days of the first appt--30 days to get testing done then a pre-op appt 2 weeks prior to surgery. My best girlfriend of 23 years also used Dr.Lautz--she chose him after seeing my confidence with him--and I wouldn't have let her use him if I had any reservations with his abilities. Email me if I can answer any questions. Joan F

Joan and everyone....Thanks for your replies! I have called and scheduled an appointment with Dr. Lautz on May 20...so soon! I am going to the informational meeting on May 10, so things are definitely moving along! I had my PCP here in Manchester do all my testing, so I am all set with that. I have had all my blood work, my psych consult, and my doctor says I am in great health, and I will be having gall bladder ultrasound on Monday morning, so I will be able to go to him with all testing done. I was worried about the weight loss, not becasue I am lazy, but becasue of time. I work, and have children, and summer would be an ideal time for me, since I don't have to worry about carting the kids around. Also, I am so fat that my doctor's office could not weigh me. How humiliating! Their scale only goes to 300, so I would have no idea how much weight I lost anyway. I even called around the area to see if I could maybe get weighed somewhere else, and apparently all the doctors are part of the hospitals physician netowrk, and are all provided with the same scales. Anyway, I am so excited about my consultation, and I will probably be e-mailing you, Joan, since I am just brimming with questions. Many, many thanks....Carrie

HI...I am the girlfriend that Joan talks of...I am now 8 days post op...I had a great experience with all of the procedure...I am 100% happy I did this..I too have three kids of my own and take care of three during the week...Take time to yourself to get this done..In the long run you are being the best healthy mom your kids need... good luck marathon momma

He doesn't do lap band only, does he? I don't think my insurance will cover lap band. I think it has to be RNY, plus I am enormous so I probably would not be a candidate for lap band. I am really excited about my consultation, though!

Dr. Lautz does RNY in addition to the band although the band is available to even extraordinary size patients (those with BMIs of 50+). Caeli 348/323/283/under 200

I had lap band surgery at the Brigham in October (w/Dr. Vernon) and have had a great experience from day one. Friendly, helpful staff, great in-patient care, great follow-up. Best of luck, Caeli 348/323/283/under 200

hi carrie my name is victoria first i wish good luck i had dr, begos from medford ma and highly recommend him and his office hes very a accomplished surgeon and a really nice man he is very caring and has a great bedside manner well any i can do my email is victoriamessina @msn.com bye for now and good luck