Shiki

Certainly time for me to update you folks on what is going on with me. I have had so many ups and downs, I'm about to name a new roller coaster after my experience. I have had 3 dr. visits so far. My search continued, though, because while I did find the most celebrated dr. in the Dallas area, his office is 35 miles away. Too far for me. I was about to switch to True Results when I learned they don't take my insurance, which is Medicare. Finally had a bit of luck when a True Results employee recommended a dr. with whom she had worked. Things are looking good for me to be banded by Dr. Harry Meyers in Dallas. I have an appt. on Apr. 2. Medicare does not allow anything new, so the sleeve and plication are out. Strictly bypass or band, nothing else. Thanks for the recommendations, though. I will post another update when I have one.

Certainly time for me to update you folks on what is going on with me. I have had so many ups and downs, I'm about to name a new roller coaster after my experience. I have had 3 dr. visits so far. My search continued, though, because while I did find the most celebrated dr. in the Dallas area, his office is 35 miles away. Too far for me. I was about to switch to True Results when I learned they don't take my insurance, which is Medicare. Finally had a bit of luck when a True Results employee recommended a dr. with whom she had worked. Things are looking good for me to be banded by Dr. Harry Meyers in Dallas. I have an appt. on Apr. 2. Medicare does not allow anything new, so the sleeve and plication are out. Strictly bypass or band, nothing else. Thanks for the recommendations, though. I will post another update when I have one.

Looks like my surgeon will be Dr. Harry Meyers in Dallas, who comes highly recommended. I have an appt for April 2. He isn't affiliated with any other company. From what I hear, he has a very mellow atmosphere in his office. He used to be Chief of Surgery at Bethesda Medical Center. He was recommended to me by a gal who works at True Results. She used to work for him and thinks the world of him!

Thanks for all the recommendations. True Results doesn't accept Medicare, which is my insurance. Looks like my surgeon will be Dr. Harry Meyers, who comes highly recommended. I have an appt for April 2.

My search for a doctor continues. My insurance is Medicare, and I haven't found one yet who takes it. Through my research, I have discovered a lot of great doctors. Rave reviews go to Marsden, Fox, Benavides, Hamn, and Cribbens. Fox supposedly gets the best results, probably because he is so strict. But his patients just love him, as do the patients of all the other docs mentioned. My top 2 doctors are Drs. Provost and Meyers. Provost is in Denton, but he's excellent! Meyers is in Dallas - highly recommended - I'm calling his office today.

Got really bad news today. True Results does not accept my insurance. Now I start searching over again. Like you, I don't have issues with food. I was thin all my life until I went thru chemo. The steroids caused a massive weight gain. Sounds like you're on the right path.

Hi Chrysta, Congratulations on your weight loss. Way to go, Girl! That's amazing that you lost 30 lbs. What's your secret? I'm still pre-op ... in the surgeon search stage. But I think I'm about to make a decision. I can't wait. I've lost 30 lbs, too since I started my journey in July. Keep on posting! Welcome to our group. We're still new & super glad to have you.

Remember the old saying: Fools Rush In ... " & another "Act in haste and repent at leisure." How unfair of your doc to throw that at you at the last minute. My 2 cents? Get another band ... since that has already worked for you, it's removable, and fixable if it slips. Second choice is the sleeve, which has been around longer than the pcilation. The sleeve is very popular right now and you can lose a lot of weight with it, but most of your stomach will be removed. I think it's 90%, Pcilation is only about 1 year old, so it's still experimental. I followed a pcilation group for a month or so and some reported no weight loss, others loved it, and docs were talking about how they are just tracking it, warts and all. The danger here is in changing to a more drastic procedure from which there is no going back. Once they cut out your stomach with the sleeve or pcilation, it's gone for good,. Personally, that's way too risky for me. We know the band works. Sure it has it's problems, but it does work and you don't have to have your stomach cut out. Good luck whatever you decide.

Thanks for commenting. I like Dr, Fox a lot. The only reason I didn't pursue it is because he's very strict. He has the best stats in his practice because of that. But I'm looking for a doc that takes a lighter approach.

Hi all y'all, I live near downtown Dallas and looking for a great surgeon in the Dallas area. With a good staff. Good follow-up care. Good support. I am a high risk case so I need the best. I've met 3 drs. so far, but noone has the right combination I'm looking for. Right now the dr's I'm considering are Cribbens, Hamm and Rodriquez. If you have any recommendations, please let me know.

Two things about your post really stand out: 1) If your decision to get surgery is so iffy that one doctor's opinion would shake you ... then you are not ready. 2) I'm very cautious discussing this with anyone -- especially medical personnel. Most people have uninformed opinions. Those in favor of the surgery usually know 1+ people who've had it done. Often, they're also uninformed, though, and usually convinced one type of surgery is the best. I am a high risk patient, so I did extensive research before making a decision. I researched 8 surgeons and met with 4 before finding the doctor who was perfect for me. Finally, I'm ready & excited to tackle my morbid obesity. It's like getting married: you'll know when you're ready and when have met "the one." My advice: ask yourself "Why do I want this surgery?" If your answer is not rock solid, you are not ready. When you are convinced this is the best solution for your obesity problem, then you are ready. But you need to get comfortable with your decision. Get an online "buddy" with a track record of success and someone you're compatible with. Ask her to help lead you down the path. With your buddy you'll be ready ... to go for the gold!

I really need your help with answers to these key questions: 1. How long was your pre-op liquid stage, and what were you told to eat? 2. How long was your post-op liquid stage, and what were you told to eat? 3. What was your follow-up care like with the doctor and his staff -- good, so-so, could be better? 4. What was the thing you liked best about your experience and the least?

I'm still pre-op, but from everything I've read, it says fills are done every 6 weeks, except for the first fill, which is done a month after surgery. There's always a chance of the band slipping or problems from surgery. So many people insist on getting all fills done under flouroscopy. It costs more, but they feel it's worth it.

UPDATE: FYI. Based on all the input I've received to date from good folks like you. I've narrowed the field down to just two doctors: Dr. John Michael Marsden and Dr. Stephen Hamn. Dr. Marsden is at the head of the pack. I don't know much a lot Dr. Hamn yet, but I'm researching him now. I decided against, Dr. Benavides, Dr. Cribbens and Dr. Fox. All are Dallas area surgeons.

No one responsded to this topic when it was posted 3 years ago. But I think the poster wound up using him. I'm thinking of going with him as well. So, if anyone can share anything, I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

Those are the exact symptoms I have when I get cellulitis and must receive IV antibiotics in the hospital to quell the infection. Whether it's from the surgery -- and when did paramedics add M.D. to their name -- or from an infection, I hope you spoke with your doctor asap.

You guys are ROCK STARS! Your input is invaluable. Thanks a lot!!

Hi, I live near downtown Dallas and looking for a great surgeon in the Dallas area. With a good staff. Good follow-up care. Good support. I am a high risk case, so I need the best. I've met 3 drs. so far, but noone has the right combination I'm looking for. Right now the dr's I'm considering are Cribbens, Hamm and Rodriquez. If you have any recommendations, please let me know.

I've narrowed my list of Dallas area docs to 5: Dr. John Michael Marsden, Dr. Louis Fox, Dr. Stephen V. Hamn, Dr. Joseph Cribbins, and Dr. Richard Benavides. This list is based on excellence, experience, good reviews and distance. Please help me pick the right one for me. I've already visited 3 docs, so I can't afford to see them all. Please comment specifically on these questions. 1. How long was your pre-op liquid stage, and what were you told to eat? 2. How long was your post-op liquid stage, and what were you told to eat? 3. What was your follow-up care like with the doctor and his staff - strong, so so, could be better? 4. What was the thing you liked best about your experience and the least?

Prune juice. It's natural, and it works great. But I'm no expert -- I'm still pre op.

You poor thing. That's awful! I haven't had surgery yet, but I have been compiling a lot of info on the various stages. There's a lot of info here, if you search for it. Otherwise, let me know and I'll compile the info I have and send to you. Protein shakes do not make you feel full. I've heard that strained soup helps, and you can buy chicken broth online specifically for this stage. IMHO you aren't eating the right things. I thought the protein shakes would be filling, too, but they're not. Also, check out ObesityHelp.com

Thanks, Amanda. That's a little too far for me. I have a doc that's 35 miles away, but I want someone closer. Every doc I've seen is at a Center of Excellence -- that's very important, I agree. I'm glad you had a good experience and are doing so well in your weight loss. Keep up the good work!

UPDATE: Just ran across a post of someone who only did liquids for only 48 hours (per doc instructions) and had no problems. Happy New Year Everyone!

Thanks, everyone. You all clearly liked your doctors. That's great. Right now ... because of y'all, I'm taking a close look at Dr. Fox and Dr. Marsden. Dr. Fox has really impressive credentials. He's a surgeon first and formeost & does a host of other surgeries as well. Dr. Marsden strictly does weight loss. Commenets about him have been mostly positive, but some older ones said he didn't do much follow up. Hey ... I want it all: Fantstic surgeon, great follow up and a decent bedside manner. I want a doctor that likes to be a partner in my journey, not the leader. I dislike anyone giving me orders. I may not be as smart, but my IQ is definitely up there, and I hate being treated like I'm anything less. I view all people as my equals, and some dr's don't like that. Mind you I had originally signed on with the top WLS surgeon in the Southwest -- Dr, David Provost of Denton. He's 35 miles away, and I dislike his PA big time, who does most/all of the fills. He's got a great support system, but it's 35 miles away. BTW he was the first surgeon in Texas to do the RNY and probably the LAPBAND as well. I considered John Alexander, another excellent surgeon, but he has a my way or the highway approach. I also looked at Dr. Cribbens, but found a lack of post-op support, same with Dr. Steven Hamm and Dr. Benavides,