Question:
Do anyone know a surgeon in nyc who is not too busy?

Please I need a new surgeon who is not too busy and that can perform this surgery a little soon than my doctor, I live in New York (long Island) My doctor is so popular now that he is book for three months. I wouldn't be so desparate but I have to do this before September because I would be starting a new job and can not afford to lose it because I have to have surgery right after I start, and since I will be teaching 1st grade, it would be impossible for me to keep up with them at this weight, and beside I cannot walk (I get out of breath just walking from the car). I am quite sure that there are many other doctors who are experience that perform this surgery and that are refered by other patients. Please help me, P.S. If your are going to be mean please don't answer,I get enough of that everyday of my life. Thank you    — blank first name B. (posted on June 30, 2001)

June 30, 2001
Hi. I agree with the last poster. You might be out of luck. It's cutting it close. But you might want to try my surgeon, Dr. Goodman in Park Ridge, NJ (it's in the NY-metro area). He performs surgery either in Westwood, NJ or in Bronx. My experience from 1st consult (end of March '01) to surgery (5/21/01) seemed to go very smoothly and fairly quick. So it was about 2 months, but 2 months might be too late for you, or would it? I would give it a try though. Explain to Dr. G. your situation & maybe he can help. He's really nice. You can reach his office at 201-391-9070. I don't know if he's really booked or not, but it's worth a try. You've got a real dilema there; I hope things work out for you!
   — lalasmommy

June 30, 2001
I saw two doctors in your area who were willing to work with me when I explained to them that I was limited with time (I had to return to work after a long absense and couldnt take off for surgery after I went back). The first one was Dr. Daniel Herron of Mt. Sinai Hospital. He is very busy but when I explained my time constraints to him by email he squeezed me in for a consult within a few weeks. I saw him in Feb. and had my surgery scheduled for March 30th of this year. Well 4 days before my surgery I found out that my insurance would only cover Dr. Herron as out-of-network which would cost me too much money out of pocket. I had to find another surgeon who was in-network. I emailed Dr. Hans Schmidt of Hackensack NJ. I emailed him on Fri March 30th (the day I was suppossed to have surgery with Dr. Herron) and he emailed me back right away and told me to come into the office the following Monday April 2nd for a consult. He scheduled me for surgery less than 2 weeks later on April 13th. I liked both surgeons very much. I think if you contact them or any surgeon and explain to them your predicament you might find someone who will work with you. Try to get surgeons who you can email. You have a better chance of speaking directly to them that way and you may find a doctor who is able to help you. Don't give up. Good luck to you.
   — [Anonymous]

June 30, 2001
I also used Dr Hans Schmidt In Hackensack, New Jersey...He is an excellant Lap Surgeon, he does many people 400-500lbs Lap.......he takes many Insurances even Medicare,,,,,I live is Staten Islan NY, and it only took me 45 min door to door, to north Jersey....He will also try to get you in as soon as possible.....
   — Marie B.

July 1, 2001
I had my surgery done at North Shore Syosset by Dr. Lester Cooperstone on April 24th. I'd recommend him highly and he's Long Island based... no need to go to Manhattan! I had a wonderful experience in the hospital and would recommend it without reservation to anyone who is contemplating this type of surgery!
   — Diane L.

July 1, 2001
I had my lap RNY done on May 25, 2001, with Dr. Inabnet at Mount Sanai in NYC. Dr. Pomp, his associate, did a second surgery after some complications and I would actually recommend him as I feel he is more experienced. They are a busy office, but I think if you could get past the "lovely" (LOL) girls that answer the phones and talk to him about your time restrictions he might be able to help you. He is a very kind, compassionate man. I can't promise, but I do think it is worth a try. Only glitch, he is on vacation this week, (7/2-7/6. I would still try to talk to whoever you can and be persuasive. I had my initial consult on 4/9/01, and was offered a surgery date of 5/11/01, but couldn't do it that day. Still, I think that was a relatively short wait time. Be prepared to have some pre-op work done very quickly though if it all works out. They will require you to have a psych consult, nutritional consult (can be done by phone) and an upper endoscopy. Mine was scheduled very quickly, and I was able to get a tentative date for surgery before I started my pre-op! The phone there is (212) 241-3699. Best of luck! Vicki
   — Vicki K.

July 3, 2001
I also went with Dr. Inabnet. I waited a month for my consultation and had surgery 6 weeks later. In that group; Dr.s Gagner, Herron, Inabnet and Pomp, you could probably talk someone into seeing you. Dr. Herron runs the website www.surgicallyslim.com and you can e-mail them. That might be a good place to get yourself heard by a doctor and not just the front desk. If you do get in, tell them you are coming from out of town and ask that they schedule your pre-op tests at the same time. Good luck. I love these men!
   — blank first name B.