Newbie needs advice

Hi Everyone! I've spent the last couple of months doing research and I've finally decided that WLS is the right tool for me in my weight battle. I've tried it all - and then some and nothing has worked. Now it's time for me to find the right surgeon - I'm interested in LAP RNY. I've seen two surgeons - one who doesn't accpet insurance and the other will only do an open procedure. Can anyone recommend a good surgeon here in NJ? What made you decide to go with the surgeon you did? I appreciate any recommendations - THANKS !!!!

R.R. I wish you the best on your Journey. I myself used Dr. Brolin he is in Dayton and does his surgery in Princeton Unversity Hospital. If you are looking for Surgern who has a lot of personality he may not be your choice. But If you want someone who has been the practice of Bariatrics for 25 yrs and is a Pioneer in WLS and Lap RNY then you may want to look into him. His staff is great and very helpful. I had a couple of problems after surgery which is not the Dr's Fault but they help me through it and I am doing great. They also have a great support group which meets every months. If you go into my profile you can link into his information. Best wishes Tina

hi R R i can tell ya who NOT to go to but that is in S. Jersey i chose the second surgeon from a list here at OH and then asked about him and he was highly recommended and i feel as though we made the right choice for us as for the Lap RNY -- not everyone is a good candidate for it -- so ask alot of questions -- and be prepared just incase they would have to do an open RNY while in surgery -- just always be prepared for different ideas and answers good luck -- and keep asking questions Roberta

I had Gastric Bypass surgery on 7.14.06 with Dr. Hans Schmidt at Advanced Laparoscopic in Hackensack (201-646-1121). He is supposed to be one of the best. He is the director of the Bariatric Program at Hackensack Medical Center and was the first doctor in New Jersey to do Gastric Bypass Laparoscopically. Good luck in your search. My insurance was NJ PLUS (Blue Cross/Blue Shield) and I was approved with my first letter.

Welcome~ I also chose Advanced Laparascopic Associates in Hackensack NJ. I am using Dr. Trivedi, just because I liked his personality the best at the orientation meeting I went to. All of the doctors in that group are very competent, I just liked his soft voice and confidence doing his part of the presentation, it was never really a question for me. One of the doctors wasn't at the orientation that night either, so it narrowed down my choice, made it a little easier for me. The way I found the group was through my PCP in Silverton NJ, Dr. DiStasio, he said he would "highly recommend" that I use that group, because none of his patients had anything but GOOD things to say about them, and they have all done well since their surgeries. Before making an appointment with anyone in that group you must go to the 90 minute seminar they present. By the end of the seminar, I am guessing you will know which surgeon is right for you. They each do a part of it, so you get to see their personalities while they are presenting. Good luck to you on your journey. I also suggest you go to a local support group and get some first hand opinions, you can learn alot by just listening to others who have been where you are looking to go. We have a great group meeting next Thursday night in Lakewood NJ @ Kimball Medical Center in the Center for Healthy Living Building, right behind the hospital, from 7-9pm. If you need more info, just let me know. Blessings and peace, Michelle Brennan Brick NJ

I can't say enough good things about my surgeon, Dr. Michael Jay Nusbaum. He is in West Orange, and operates at St. Barnabas Hospital in Livingston. It was a long haul for us - we're in south Jersey, so it took almost 2 hours to get to the office - but he is so nice, so thorough, and so very bright. I'm one week post op and have had no complaints with him at all. He does participate with some insurances, but not mine. His office will, however, accept what the insurance pays on the surgery. I just have to pay the balance of the office visits.

Another vote for Michael Nusbaum in Livingston, NJ (and his equally adept partner - Dr Michael Bilof). They are kind, exceptionally skilled and have a lovely office staff. I never once felt anything but fully taken care of and important. Good luck! P~ http://www.weightlossnj.com - my story

Thank you all so much for your advice and encouragement!