Question:
I'd like to know which surgeons in the NY/NJ/PA area are the best for people with a

BMI of over 70+. I've researched wls for over 3 years yet haven't come across statistics or information ranking surgeons in their expertise with larger patients going thru weight loss surgery. Some Dr's won't take a patient over a certain weight, so I'd like to know who is the best qualified ( not because he is/was your Dr), I'm not looking for who's most popular, but who's MOST qualified. I realize many people will say the Dr who operated on them, but I'm looking for statisics & Dr's with experience operating on those of us who are supersized patients 400+. Thank you so much! My best to all the courageous Post Ops..continued success! Also the very best of luck & a smooth journey to those awaiting their surgery.God Bless.    — Elise H. (posted on February 26, 2003)

February 26, 2003
I don't know for sure, but I think there is a Dr. Christine Julie Ren in NYC who, by looking over profiles seems to do surgery on higher BMI patients. She has an excellent reputation as far as what I have read.
   — Fixnmyself

February 26, 2003
The doctors at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (Dr. Steven Raper & Dr. Noel Williams - both are in the database here on AMOS) are experienced in handling what I would call the ultra obese. <p> Dave Levy had a starting BMI of 101.7 and a starting weight of 711 pounds. Dr. Williams did an open VBG on him last April and he has lost 234 pounds to date. At some point, Dr. Williams will perform a revision to an RNY, but not until Dave stops losing weight. The reason that Dr. Williams did the VBG was because he felt that Dave could not handle the extra time that would have been involved in the RNY procedure at his initial weight. Now that he's down in the 470 range, he would be able to handle it. <p> Margaret Loughlin (my angel) started out at 480 pounds and had her surgery last August. Her BMI was 79. She has lost over 120 pounds. <p> And, of course, me. I started out at 427 pounds and a BMI of 73.5 and now I am at 275 (as of my last weigh-in) and my BMI is not 47....JR
   — John Rushton

February 26, 2003
That last sentence should have said "now 47" and not "not 47" *G*. I had Dr. Raper as my surgeon. There are other ultra obese people that both of these surgeons have operated on - these are just the two others besides me that I am most familiar with. HUP is also one of the top hospitals in the county and has an excellent aftercare program and support groups (both live and online)....JR
   — John Rushton

February 26, 2003
Doctor Leitman from Lenox Hill Hospital is one of the very best. I would recommend him to just about anyone. I am not that sure about how big one has to be for him to do it but it certainly doesn't hurt to ask. If you want his info please don't hesitate to e-mail me for it. Good Luck to you!
   — Regina C.

February 26, 2003
I was totally impressed and still am by Dr. Hans Schmidt of Hackensack NJ Medical Center. Although my BMI was "only" 40, he has operated on larger people. About 2 weeks before me, he did a man who weighed 585. Dr. Schmidt is totally competent and did my surgery in one hour and 5 mins. I still cannot believe that it is now 4 and a half months and I am down 82 lbs. Check out Dr. Schmidt.. he is wonderful. Good luck to you.
   — Steve B.

February 26, 2003
In Pennsylvania, you won't find a better surgeon than Dr. Philip Schauer located in Pittsburgh. He is with UPMC and is a world-reknown WLS surgeon. He is in the data base as well as on the UPMC web-site.
   — Linda D.

February 26, 2003
You may want to call the Bridgeport Health Center here in Connecticut. There is a guy there now who is 900 pounds. He needs to loose 150 pounds before they will opperate. Here is a link to a story they did about him on our local news. http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=1148048&nav=0RdXEBpg
   — Jon S.

February 27, 2003
Elise, I know the folks at Mt. Sinai in NY have had patients with large BMI's. You can find their site at www.surgicallyslim.com. Best wishes
   — Linda M.

February 27, 2003
My BMI was 71 and I had lap RNY with Dr. Edward McLean last Friday (2/21/03). Dr. McLean came very highly recommended. He is a fellow with the American College of Surgeons. My surgery was uneventful and I feel great. Dr. McLean's office is in Morristown, and accepts Aetna insurance. You can learn more about his practice at: www.alliedsurgical.org. Best of luck to you. Feel free to e-mail me if I can be of help. Tonya [email protected]
   — Tonya B.

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