Choices, Choices.

Patrique, I agree if hearing the information out of order it would be confusing. The initial seminar tells you everything, and yes they make you wait to go to it, I waited a month and then was able to schedule my consult with doctor A. I had a very positive experience with him and his staff, you can read my profile if you are interested, and a very good outcome from my surgery. But all that said, Dr A only perfroms open RNY or lap band. If you are looking for lap rny you would be best advised to go to another surgeon. I was very impressed with the results one of my friends had with Dr A, but in retrospect, having a 4 inch scar is something I wish I could have avoided. I wouldn't change anything myself as I said it was a great experience for me, but only if you are looking for RNY open and not lap. Good Luck, Heidi

I didn't start the thread ladies, I just responded to it in kind. I am sorry if being straight forward rattles the delicate sensibilities of people on this board. When somebody posts a post like Patrique did, and takes a person or persons to task in public a public response seems to be fitting. Anyone who is here looking for info on a surgeon would read her post and may immediately dismiss Dr. Aranow unjustly, and thereby deny themselves the oppotunity to experience him and his staff on their own. As a nurse I have VERY strong opinions, based on fact and actual paitents outcomes about a certain surgeon who is the chosen Doctor for many people on this board, however, I do not post in regards to this surgeon, I keep my opinions on him to myself. If a friend or a relative asks my opinion I give it. Obviously for myself, I researched very carefully before concluding that Dr. Aranow was the best choice- at least in terms of patient outcomes. My problem was ans is, Patrique's experience was a product of her own way of going about things, and had nothing to do with the actual people involved. As far as feeling Elina is condescending, I never felt that way, of course that again is going to vary person to person, as personal perceptions vary.

Hi Patrique! I'm so sorry that you had a bad/confusing experience with Dr. A's. I'm also particularly saddened that someone would turn your opinion into a personal attack referring to your divorce. That's just plain old uncalled for. Here's my thought- not every surgeon is right for every person. You have to be confortable. But, I would highly encourage you to seek out MULTIPLE consultations with different surgeons and compare and contrast the different levels of experience/expertise and thoroughness of their programs. I believe that insurance coverage and negotiated rates very widely and wildly from surgeon to surgeon and from hospital to hospital. Never found any rhyme or reason to it! So, i certainly can't say much on that front. I chose Dr. A (long before he had the current process, which is better than the old, in place) based on his skill and expertise, NOT on his office's efficency. If I based my decision solely on that, I probably would not have chosen him. He's VERY VERY busy (as you would expect of one of the best in his field) and his office staff is overworked, though they do try their best- they're human too. I felt the great things about him FAR outweighed any bad. I DO wish that he would consider hiring a patient services coordinator for his office. I think he would give his practice a better public face...anyway, I'm digressing... Anyway, my point is- I hope that you will take a look at SEVERAL surgeons and do yourself justice in deciding what program/surgeon is best for you. Get the whole picture before making a decision that takes your life into your hands. Perhaps you might want to consider calling Dr. Darren Tischler's office out of Hartford Hospital- it's close and he's very qualified. He's with CT. Surgical Group. Best of luck to you in your decision making process. On a final note- after being here for close to Four years, I think I have the right to say: Shame, Shame on ANYONE for attacking someone in a personal way when they are coming forward with their true and personal experiences and trying to share. (deb M- sorry to hear you've had this happen too) An apology for having hurt someone's feelings wouldn't kill anyone. It's not about being RIGHT, it's about someone else's feelings, folks. I was taught that if you hurt someone, regardless of your intention, you apologize. You don't argue about WHY you were RIGHT to do what you did. You say you're sorry and move on, acknowledging differences. best, Lisa C

Patrique, I want to apologize to you for my out of line comments- a personal attack on someone has no place in this forum, and mine to you was not only uncalled for but certainly unproductive as well. My hope is that you will not use the need for instant gratification in making life altering, very serious decisions regarding your health, and will take the time to explore all the avenues available to reaching your goals. Please do not take my unkind words as typical of responses here in this forum, as it would be a shame if you ceased looking for support here becasue of this one negative experience. Good luck in your journey, and remember- this is like a big long car ride- its not important how fast you get there, so much as you get there in one piece.

This is the THIRD time you have used the term "instant gratification" when referring to me. FOR THE RECORD: 1> I started this process in JUNE of 2005 by researching hospitals & doctors that performed this surgery in the New England area. 2> Being impressed with what I learned about Dr Aranow, I called his office in AUGUST (hmmm, two months doing research,....yup,...sure sounds like someone who has to have EVERYTHING right away doesn't it?)for an appointment and was given a date in NOVEMBER to attend the first informational meeting. (Willing to wait 3 more months for an appointment? , wow,....there's that "instant gratification" junkie behavior again,....) 3> So, (stupid deluded me) I guess the fact that I chose St Rafael's is NOT because they have a truly impressive surgical AND support staff OR because they TAKE my MEDICAID and I don't have to worry about coming up with THOUSANDS of dollars out of my SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS which I would have at Middlesex (since DR Aranow DOESN'T accept MEDICAID). NO,.....you sure hit the ole' nail on the head!!! It's just because of my "need for instant gratification"!!!!!!! Yep, with a surgery date St Rafaels, in March or April of 2006, TEN TO ELEVEN MONTHS FROM THE TIME I STARTED THE PROCESS. Wheee!!! By the way,.....in case I was too subtle,...this was sarcasm!