Dr. Pearlstein in Catskill NY patients read this :-@

Hello, I'm new to this forum but found out yesterday from Linda, the hospital has cancelled the bariatric program as of 7/1/06 and he does not have attending rights anywhere else. I'm very upset as all I had to complete was the EGD, Nutritionist and Physical, all of which will be done by next Friday. UGH!!! Renee

Renee, Hun I am sorry that this happened ~hugs~ I can not believe they can do that so quick since there are people that are in the middle of this process. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers that you can find another surgeon and get this back underway... Debra P

Hijack..............Deb, just wanted to say, I LOVE THE NEW PIC!!!!!!!!!!! You look marvelous, you skinny mini! S

Have you thought about Albany Med??? Dr. Singh & Dr. Rosati are fantasic... Dr. Singh does Lap and Open... Dr. Rosati does Open only. I use Albany Clinical Nutrition which is part of St. Peter's Hospital but they work with Dr. Singh's program. There is a Clinical Nutrition group right at Albany Med too. You may want to call them. they could definately advise you of what to do next... Good Luck and keep us posted! Lori

I've been told of them, however I'm concerned about the 10% weight reduction. I have tried really hard since last year... I work out at least 5-6 days per week and have been doing so since January only losing 5lbs... Dr. Fiallo (Springfield, MA) does not require this, we'll see what happens....I have the information session with his group next week. Thanks for the suggestions! Renee

Hi Renee, My surgeon doesn't have a 10% requirement, just to lose 10 pounds. They also allowed me to either be on their weight loss plan or choose my own. I had my surgery done in Danbury, CT. Kristine

Hey Renee, Still go for all the pretesting if you can....find another surgeon as quick as possible and all the results can be transfered over. Get your records from Pearlstein. They should be accepted by any surgeon. I live about an hour away from you south by Newburgh..and went into manhattan to have the surgery because i liked the surgeon better. A lot of surgeons do not require a 10 percent weight loss. My surgeon required me to lose some weight because it helps reduce the fat around the liver...but it wasn't a set amount. scott

HI Renee I had all of my tests done at Albany Med after choosing and receiving approval from Dr. Shawn Garber in New Hyde Park, NY. He doesn't require the 10% weight loss however that is not to say that insurance won't require it. He is first rate and his staff is excellent as well! Good luck with whomever you choose...Keep up with your scheduled appointments. Most if not all should be good for at least one year. Linda M

Hi Renee, I am a patient of Dr. Rosati's in Albany (Albany Medical Center) and am so pleased with the care that I have gotten with him and the whole bariatric program at AMC. I understand your angst about the required 10% pre op weight loss. I also felt very put out when I was told I had to endure yet another diet. I have to say, in its defense though, that getting into the mind frame of conscious food choice and healthy decision making, that it really set me up in a very good way mentally to handle the challenges of post op self care. The surgery, as I'm sure you know, is just a tool, but there is so much of the post op success that depends on good decisions around food choices. The pre op period is a time to get into the right frame of mind, and learn about how foods can affect your hunger and satiety. It's also great because it puts you at a healthier weight to deal with the trauma of surgery. There are great support groups through Albany Med and St Peter's that have folks from all different perspectives (pre and post op) that can help support you through the pre op weight loss time. I can understand your upset at such a sudden change. That's a big deal. But maybe it's the opportunity of a lifetime! Who knows?! Feel free to email me if you have any questions and good luck in your decision making process. Amy

Hi Linda, I am from Nassau...just up the road from you. I would like to suggest Dr. Singh. My PCP would not allow me to go to anyone else. have you completed the 6 month supervised diet? best of luck!