Surgeon in upstate NY that does DS???? Anyone know one??? Please??

I am looking for a surgeon in upstate NY around Syracuse that does the DS surgery. I only can find them in NY City. I would rather not travel 6 hours for it if not needed. I am not sure where to look. The phone book did not help! lol of course the insurance company did not either. Stef

Hi Stef, Unfortunately I can't help you with a surgeon who does DS. However, I do have a question for you. Why have you chosen only DS? Have you looked into the other surgeries? Just curious. Thanks, Charis

HI Charis, I have been researching all of the options for WSL and I like how the DS left the openings to and from the stomoch intact. I am very much afraid of the problems that come with RNY. I have not left out that option, I have just been thinking about DS more and more..What is your opionion? I am really having difficulty with this decision. The only choice I have in my area is RNY. So I think I am trying to get my options. I am also having trouble with my insurance finding a surgeon in my area. So I was thinking if I had to travel for my DR that I would make sure I went to one with more options than just RNY. I would love your opionion on this.... Stef

Hi Stef, I am from Central NY and did a lot of research before I had my surgery in August. I don't know a whole lot about DS. All I know is I had RNY and it worked for me and my life. It's a very personal decision. I had my surgery 8/10 and don't regret it a bit. I am down 79 lbs and only 25 lbs away from my goal. I feel great. Just a thought. Charis

Have you read my profile??? I am going to see Dr Weiss!! I know he does not do DS but he came highly recommeded from a friend. I am in Syracuse, not to far from you! Well, right now I am having major problems with the ins company. They dont want me to see DR Weiss. Apparently Dr Desimone is now doin gastic bypass. But I would be his first patient. I am not to sure about this. I have an appointment with Weiss on Jan 7th. I have called Marcie and told her of the problem with me ins company and she told me to come in anyway....is that a good idea? Won't I have to pay the surgeon? I am a little concerned about that.. I really need advise but dont know who to ask about this...I think I may call the ins company back and put my faith in them. (not even sure that is a good idea! lol) Right now I am 5 foot 4 inches and 234 that is a BMI of 40. I am hoping my ins company will help me with this.. Stef

Not to question you or your decision (which is very personal), but have you considered LapBand surgery? With a BMI of only 40, the DS or the RNY are very drastic surgies that alter your body for life. I wish you luck in your decision making, and if you need additional information on the LapBand or doctors that perform it in upstate NY, you can e-mail me or look at the LapBand message forum. Lori 255/189/160

Lori Please dont feel like you are questioning me at all! I need all the information and help I can get.! I looked into lap band a little. I will definatly look into it more. Have you had sucess with lap band? i will check out your profile when I am done writing this. I really apperciate all the help everyone has offered. Thanks...I may e-mail you for more info..let me check out the message forum on it.. Stef

Steph, I also had the lapband sx 8/4 and im down 60lbs. I started with the RNY and after my endoscopy, i was told i couldnt have it. I thought the lapband was the slow boat to china, but it really isnt. Its a tool we are given and its our job to work it to the best of our abiality.read my profile for more info if your interested. All the Best! Tracey

Hi - don't know if I'm too late to chime in here, but I just got back from Manhattan after having DS surgery with Dr Alfons Pomp, one of the premier laparascopic surgeons in our country, and Dr Michel Gagner, one of the very top rated DS surgeons. (They also do the RNY as well). I too did not want to have to travel, but after years of research, I found that I was not willing to settle for the RNY and all the complications (of course, my weight and health issues were worse than yours, and I'm 51). I was scared to have to go to New York, only having visited there once, but my sister and I set up a motel in Secaucus, NJ, which is right across the river, and went to see them. They were fabulous, and I was gotten into surgery within a few weeks! (I had already had my tests done and insurance approval). Please go onto the DS forum here on this website and just read through all the posts, and the vast differences in complications and post op results. If you do choose to go to NYC, I'd be happy to help you with any questions. Debbie

Debra, No you are definatly not too late! I am still trying to figure out which I like the best. I have had to take extra steps with my ins company, I have had to write a letter asking for approval. When I hear back if they will pay for the surgery I will then make a decition. I really still like the DS and all it can offer and the complications it does NOT offer too! lol I do have my first surgical appointment in Jan. I am hopeing to hear from the ins comp before then. Going to NYC is an option for me. Thanks for your help. Please let me know how your are doing now that you are on the loosing side!....take care. God has Blessed you with a new life! ~Stef