If you can make it out to Syosset, Long Island ( not even an hours drive from Manhattan ) I highly recommend Dr.Alan Geiss at North Shore Long Island Jewish in Syosset. He banded me a month ago, and I'm down 22 pounds. The man is an artist and a pioneer. The hospital, his office, his staff, and support team is nothing but fantastic. This was my first surgery ever, and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. See his site at Laparoscopic Surgery in Long Island – LAP BAND® Surgery for the New York Area . P.S. This hospital is a smaller specialty type setting, specifically geared towards bariatric surgery. I give it 5 stars!!! Please let me know if you contact them! Frank