Patient of Dr. Andrei's

I was banded by Dr. Andrei in 04. weight was about 250 lbs., 5'6. The band did not work for me. 3 years later, i am about 242 lbs. so I am going to revise to the gastric bypass. The surgery will be done in 2 parts, 1st one to remove the band, 2nd at about 6 weeks later. Has anyone ever had a revision of this type, and specifically by Dr. Andrei? I'm a bit apprehensive, as i would be with any surgeon.I understand that this is a significantly more difficult procedure. I have a young child and don't neccesarily want to put my health at jeopardy any more than i have to. Any similar experiences would be most helpful.

We have a member of the Toms River OCWLS (Cheri) who had this exact procedure done, although it was done by Dr Brolin, not Dr Andrei. She had the band removed, not because it didn't work, but because it had eroded - very unusual. I see that you are located in Toms River - perhaps you could attend one of our OCWLS support group meetings - first Friday of each month at Community Medical, Aud A in Toms River, or third Monday of each month at Kimball, 198 Prospect Street, in Lakewood. Both meetings start at 7pm. Good luck, Nannette

Thank you for your reply. I have yet to figure out how to edit my address in my profile, however, i have recently moved to Williamstown in South Jersey. After the surgeries, i do plan to find a support group near me.

Do you need to register for the support meeting ?

Dr Andrei did my first consult for wls, he immediately sent me to Dr Gagner for a different a DS as the band and rny was not able to be done on me and was of such complexity that he insisted that Dr Gagner/Pomp was the only surgeon to care for me. Insurance forced me to see other surgeons also, as gagner in not a network provider and the was DS was not covered procedure then, as it is now. My point is that I have full confidence in and would choose Dr Andrei if I were to have a band or rny. (Dr G was his teacher of wls) He is caring and professional to refer a patient out for the care they need instead of counting customers. Havent had surgery yet,if at all because of successfull wieght loss from byetta for diabetes has lowered my bmi to 30 and i dont qualify for wls currently, but we will see what the future holds. I could have had a rny but I would rather self pay for a DS so on the note of revising to a rny, i would suggest looking into the DS, but you will need to seek another surgeon for that. visit the DS forum to learn about that surgery.

Thank you so much, and congrats on your current weight loss without surgery.