Newbie

Hi Everyone ! I been reading these boards for months and have finally decided to join in. I was suppose to have lapband surgery done but now due to the Arnot shutting down their program I am going to have to start all over somewhere else .Not very happy about that. I had gone thru everything that was required put into my insurance was denied then was approved just to find out all slots had been filled. So now I guess its off to Sryacuse which will mean the third Dr. I will see. Started out with Dr. Rahman then they stopped taking patients then went to Dr. Grijalva who I totally adored and now who knows who it will be. I live in Lawrenceville PA. so any place I go to will be at least 2 hrs away. Now the problem I was going to go with the lapband but due to  an error on the paperwork I was approverd for the RNY one. So now I have to decide do I just go ahead and do this one where once I heal there isnt as much matienence which is good since I live so far away or do I go with the lapband and start all over and try to get approved for that one. Im pretty much thinking that I will go with rny but i am a little scared about it. I have a big fear of surgery due to having a bad surgery  a couple of years ago that has resulted  in 3 other surgeries since then to repair the first one . so any advice . Im hoping to get to know everyone and be able to come here for support. Thanks in advance 
Anna    

 Hi, How about coming to Rochester? Dr William O'Malley and Dr Laei Forbes at HH are excellent. I think they may do lap band also. My surgery was done 10/25/2001 in Rochester but by Dr. Harry Sax who left the area. Strong no longer does bariatric surgery. Dr. O'Malley did emergency surgery on me 9/2009 for an internal hernia and partial small bowel obstruction, and he is a skilled surgeon. I also like the hospital a lot. I work for a surgeon at Strong but also recommend Highland. They may accept the work up you have already had at Arnot Ogden. I know they require a psych eval and a nutrition consult as well as attendance at some of their support group meetings prior to surgery.

If I can help you at all in looking for a surgeon in Rochester, let me know. 

Natalie

Thanks for replying Natalie. I have thought about Rochester and Im considering it seriously the only reason Syracuse is an option is that they are taking us in where we left off with the others. This would be good because I wouldnt have to go thru everything again and wait another 6 months. I really do like Rochester actually was there for one of my repair surgeries. The Dr. who did that was Dr. Bushbaum . I have had my psych  evaluation and have seen the nut. so I am all set as far as that goes. I have finally decided to stick with the lapband  this was my first choice and I really feel this is the right one for me. I have nothing agaist the RNY  I just feel that the lapband is a better choice for me.  I go to my family dr on Wed and will be discussing all of this with him to see what his opinon is as far as hospitals if I decide to go to Rochester I may take you up on that offer of help. Thank you so much for offering.

Anna

 I'll be happy to help you any way I can. I know who Dr. Buchsbaum is. The surgeon I work for has done surgery with her. She is wonderful. Let me know how things progress.

Natalie

Did you check out Dr. Carauna at Synergy Bariatrics in Buffalo.  He does surgery at Sister's Hospital in Buffalo NY.  They have a great bariatric unit there. I think you would have to see Dr. Pham if you are looking into the lap band. 

Try Dr. William Graber - he is in Utica NY, but also does surgery at St. Joseph's in Syracuse.  He is doing mine (and my daughter's) surgery next week.  I first met him in November and am having surgery just over 2 months later!  Good Luck!

Just remember - just because it's fast A.K.A - Convenient...the surgery won't make you lose weight.  Yes, initially no matter what you you eat, you'll lose weight (and might get sick too), you need time to develop good eating habits and a food plan (I hate the word diet because it's negative, but a diet is an an eating plan)....

To be successfuly, you have to know WHY you got the way you did.  This is NOT a quick fix.  You will STILL have food issues (cravings, urges to binge, bad choices, etc...) 

I suggest finding a good support group, and go - both before after surgery - it's more important to go AFTER surgery - and KEEP going.

I wish you luck!  And hope you have thought it all through.  We'll be here for you!

I have researched WLS tiredlessly and know this is the right decision for me.  So, even though it seems like it's been a "fast" process, I realize the road will be long.  I am just anxious to start the journey post surgery. 

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I have decided to go to Johnson City. I found out that Dr. Rahman will be practicing there and since he is the one I saw in the first place Im happy with this decision. Arnot has sent all my reports over to them and  I'm now waiting for them to go over them and set me up an appointment. Also I have decided that the lapband is the way that I want to go who cares if we have to apply over again to the insurance company. I feel this is the right one for me and I shouldnt have second guessed my choice all because of them approving me for the RNY. I hope to get to know all of you on my journey to a new me.