Very confused...please help

Hello Kristie!! I would have to say that I'm A DR. JB FAN!!!!!!!!!! I love that man he has truly changed my life I had surgery with him 2 months and 3 weeks ago and If I had to do it all over again I would!!! I'm doing very well and down 61 pounds. He is excellent I lived very far from where he was about hour and half But it was well worth the drive.. The staff at Mulenburg regional were great and so is his office staff.. You should come to one of the support group meetings they speak for themselves.. Well good luck to you and your decisions!!! If you ever have any questions just drop me an e-mail...

There are many, many qualified and wonderful doctors in NJ and it's difficult to choose. I have friends who used Dr. Bertha, Dr. Mehta, Dr. Schmidt, Dr. Nusbaum and Dr. Goyal...all raved and said they were all wonderful! I found Dr. Jean -Baptiste on this website and decided to check out the bariatric center at Muhlenberg since I live so close to Plainfield. Dr. J-B's credentials are amazing! He did a fellowship at UPenn and trained under Dr. Nusbaum. The support group was so good and Dr. J-B knew everyone's name! I wanted a doctor who was in one location, closet to the hospital and not a huge practice to keep it personal. I like the fact that Dr. JB doesn't use a drain and many people said they needed no pain meds. It's really a personal choice as to who to use. If you feel comfortable with Dr. O, use him. If you use Dr. JB, you can go to Dr. O's support groups. For me, having a doctor close by was very important. by the way, how much weight has your mom lost so far? will she be at dr. jb's support group this thursday?

Kristie, My sister had Lap Band with Dr. O and loved him and has done very well. One of my best friends has also used Dr. O with great success, another Lap Bander. I had RNY with Dr. Gregory Mukalian (he is no longer performing the surgery) at Virtua Memorial Hospital in MT Holly. I strongly recommend his former partner, Dr. Christopher Boynton. He is an excellent surgeon and his patients love him... But most importantly is the pre-and aftercare program New Beginnings. It is held at the Roher Health and Fitness Center, part of Virtua Vorhees. The program is a comprehensive program that provides a nurse care manager who organizes all your pre-surgical appoinments and referals. The two nurse care managers counsel you through all the medical hoops you have to jump through...there are also at least two dietitians that work with the program. You have a three hour pre-surgical nutrition consult, they help you get in optimal nutrition prior to surgery. After surgery you have more nutitional consultations, one right away and a 2nd one about 6 months out. these are individual sessions. There is a physical fitness component, they set you up with a trainer who works with you both pre- and post surgery to give you an exercise plan that will get you ready for surgery and will help you maximize your weightloss after. There is also a psychologist who works with program; she gives you a pre-surigical evaluation and works with you post op also. On an ongoing basis, New Beginnings meets every Thursday at 7:00 dietitians hold a 12 week cycle of nutrtion classes. Members are required to do all 12 at least once. Dietitans are able to answer questions on a on-going basis. Each nutrition is 3/4 lesson, one 1/4 goal setting and question and answer. I went for the first 2 years post op... I only stopped attending regularly when my school schedule interfered..After the nutrition hour there is support group at 8 pm lead by the psychologist...She usually startsd with a topic. She manages the meeting well. no one group ends up dominating the meeting...This is an important advantage of having a professional lead the meetings....Once a month an 8 month out an later meets...This group is led by a nurse managers and a peer leader. Also, the nurse managers track your weight-loss, take bp's if neccessary and provide much needed emotional support. Once you belong, you are a life time member. There is also online support available. This is a not covered by insurance and costs about 2200...But it is worth every penny. I think this program is what makes Dr. Boynton stand apart from many of the other very qualified surgeons who are performing this surgery...This after-care program is almost one of a kind in New Jersey...They are not trying to sell you supplements, or diet drinks. They have a nutrtionally sound after surgery plan...they are very strict, but you definately know what you need to know to be successful. I am three years out and have lost 285 lbs from my highest weight, and 220 lbs since RNY... I have some stomach problems, but my only nutritional deficiency is an ongoing anemia, (I was constantly anemic prior to surgery, its an Italian thing). I strongly suggest that whatever surgeon you choose, you make sure that you have adequate after care. You can enter the New Beginnings program even if you have your surgery performed elsewhere....I would look into it..They have an orientation every month.... I also agree with everyone who said you need to be comfortable with your own choice...I have never heard anything negative about Dr. O's surgical abilitities, but I wonder if his aftercare program is enough...??? Good luck, Kelly Good Luck...

I can tell you about Dr O's aftercare. I have to go to 6 nutritionist visits at his office...mandatory. I have to meet with him every six months for a few years. And he strongly advises Support Group meetings. He will take you no matter how many years out. He said that keeping the after appts are key to your success. His Nutritionist is fabulous!!!!! (I have 12 classes all together with her...did 2 so far, i have 6 more singly and 6 more in group. He is affiliated with the hospital so he follows stringent orders. He has great bedside manner, and if you should gain some weight back, he is non judgemental and very helpful. Best of luck in your decision!