Can someone help me please??

Cira I hope your friend joins son as well, afteral fear is onl conquered by action, the only way past it is through it. But WLS isn't for everyone and finding the right time is imperative for some it takes many years to discoer it is the time, some never do, but thats ok too. Having surgery for someone lse a spouse friend or doctor isnt the right reason and may lead to unhappiness sabotage etc. Helping someone find the way may be just sitting back and listening to what they need, I bet your friend when he is ready can search out a he needs to know we are here whenever )if ever) he is ready. Dr. Gager at cornell  http://www.cornellweightlosssurgery.com/ is not someone I know personally but his reputation in the bariatric community is very high, he is a guru, does many reisions and risky surgeries and was first to do lap DS! There are so many surgical choices as well to choose from. Be well, you can talk about your experience that may be the best help and tell him if he needs anything u r there to listen! When he is ready and no longer apprehensive. The best help is a open and non judgmental friend IMHO! Gve our friend some websites to ook at you may find informative if he wishes to look that may lead him on his path...

Yes you are totally right.  I have been heling my friend because he went to an information session before around 2 years ago and he really didn't get all the information he needed. He did not even know that there are so many different procedures out there.  I have been letting him know about all the procedures and he has been researching all now thank goodness. What he has been trying to figure out is what surgeon would be best for him.  He wants to hear from others that has had a particular surgeon.   Being apprehensive is normal and I think most of all go through it one form or another.  My fear was not of dying but having major complications like some do and being sick forever.  I never let that hold me back and I trusted in God and in my surgeon.   I think that when he reads up on how well patients are doing from the surgeon he decides to pick he will do great.  He has been following my journey because he chooses to.  He calls me all the time telling me how excited he is for me and my progress and that hopefully one day he will be as happy as I am with my desicion.  I listen to him and I support him in whatever desicion he decides to take. Thanks again for all your advise and suggestions.

Hi Cira, I used Dr. Shawn Garber (after much research). I met with Dr. Gellman, Dr. Cooperstone (he only does open) and another surgeon who has since left Long Island for Maryland. Dr. Garber won hands down. His partner, Dr. Holover, is also fantastic and DOES take some insurances that Dr. Garber does not. My Primary Care Doc had given me a list of just 3 surgeons he would recommend. He was adamant about it as well! They are: 1) Dr. Shawn Garber 2) Dr. Mitchell Roslin (and his group) 3) Dr. George Fielding I hope that helps! -Karen

Thank you so much Karen for your response!!!

Hi, I read your post . I will agree with alot of the answers. I used Dr Vohra is Hewlette and I also heard that Dr Gerber is also very good. As far as your friend being scared and afraid its it normal to be afraid of things your not educated on. I was always saying to my friends and family who spoke to me of the risks of the sergery. It is a bigger risk living with the effects of obesity. Than to have the sergery. That is just a fact. So maybe you can find a nice way of explaining to your friend the risks of not having the sergery is far greater than to. Also allow him to visit this web site and see what sucuss people have made. Good luch to all and god bless

Thank you so much for the kind words and encouragement.  He will be very happy to see all the responses I received. God Bless!

Hi: I went to the city with Dr. Fielding (Band) and Dr. Ren.  I liked their approach and preferred to go to a teaching hospital.  I think it was personal preference.  I checked other surgeons up here and while they were all capable, we didn't click.  Whatever your friend decides, just make sure he interviews a number of surgeons.  I think that will help in his decision.

Thank you so much for the advice & good luck!