Who'sThere

Thanks...after reading lots more (I've been online all night) and talking to my family, I think I am going to go with Watson and Hodge. They seem to have a lot of experience, and I know that I like JCMC. My MIL had two hip replacements there in the past few years, and I am really fond of the place. I live in Rogersville, but I work in Bulls Gap, so either place is equally convenient to me. However, if I go to the JC office and feel put off, I can always make an appt. with the Drs. in Kingsport. Thanks again for all the advice. I'll keep posting updates on this thread anyway.

WOW! Thanks for the information. You've given me a lot to consider.

Deciding to have this surgery is one of the biggest, most life-changing decisions of my life. I am a person who likes to do everything right! Obviously, I want to pick the best surgeon. I need some advice. What questions should I ask? What should I look for? Here is what I've asked and the information I have as of now. Surgery Group A: *Two doctors...one with 1 year experience, one with 5 years experience (no number of operations quoted) *Lady at office helpful but only answered direct questions, didn't volunteer any extra information *Recommended by nurse at PCP's office *No website to speak of *Program fee of $150 for "educational materials" Surgery Group B: *Two doctors each with 6 years experience, over 1000 bariatric surgeries between them *Lady at office helpful and offered extra information about insurance requirements, number of surgeries, etc. *Heard only good things about surgeries, but heard that bedside manner may be lacking (from other LBT posters) *Website, although mostly links to outside information *No program fee...just co-pays for various appointments such as psych, nutritionist, etc. (I'm assuming I'd have to pay these co-pays with either group.) What else should I consider? Does anyone have an opinion of which you would chose?

Okay...I just got off the phone with both offices, Drs. Kappa and Kramer and Drs. Hodge and Watson. I asked questions about how long the surgeons have been doing the gastric banding procedures, requirements for first appointments, and program fees. I am now thinking I might rather see the JC doctors. Dr. Kappa has only been doing this for a year, and Dr. Kramer for five. Both doctors Watson and Hodge have been at this for six years. (The lady I spoke to, Christine, said they have around 1000 bariatric surgeries under their belts including both by-pass and band.) Karen in Kingsport didn't offer to quote any numbers as to how many of these surgeries the doctors in her office have preformed. Also, Karen answered only my direct quesitons, while Christine offered other information. Also, Kingsport charges a program fee for "educational materials." In Johnson City, there is no program fee. All the educational training is provided as part of their services. Overall, the Johnson City office just seemed more accommodating and friendly. Does anyone have any advice? How did y'all pick your surgeon?

Thanks to all. It's neat to know there is another area teacher going through this, too. You know what I mean about it being a hassle to be away from work. I was hoping to have it sooner than Spring Break, but I know that may be totally unrealistic. I did hear from the doctors' office today. They sent me an information packet with "homework" to do before they will schedule the appointment. I am anxious to get all that done and have my consult. I can't wait to see today's mail. (Hubby will be here with it any minute.)

Oh, also, I am interested to know what type of work you do, Lotstolose. I was certainly hoping not to be out of work more than a few days. I'm a teacher, and being off work is a big hassle for me.

I don't have one. Whenever I am on a diet, I weigh at work. I'm a teacher, and there's a scale in the office bathroom. It's the kind where you move the little bars, so I feel that it is pretty acurate. I can't handle having one at home.

Lotstolose, thanks. If I don't hear something from Drs. Kramer or Kappa soon, I may have to send my info. to Drs. Watson and Hodge. Thanks for the insight.

How did you feel about Dr. Watson's bedside manner? What I have heard about this is why I didn't opt to see him. How was his staff? Did it take you long to get an appointment with him? What is his program fee? I'd like any information you're willing to provide.

That "rule" is balogna. The doctor who literally wrote the book on PCOS (Dr. Samuel Thatcher) is the partner to the fella I went to for intfertility. Their practice is called C.A.R.S. (Center for Applied Reproductive Science). I took several rounds of Clomid (and even a breast cancer drug that starts with an L--can't remember the name--that helps with fertility with PCOS) with them. My weight was never an issue, and I weighed over 250 at 5'3". I wasn't successful, but at least they tried. A couple of years before that I did conceive on my own after losing 100 pounds and gaining back 50. I weighed around 220 when I conceived, but I miscarried at 7.5 weeks. My gyn. says that that weight may be my body's "happy weight." I'm hoping to get banded and see that weight again. At that weight I was still obese, but I felt better than ever..even better than I did at 173. I am at an all-time high at 277, but I hope that will change soon. I would actually like to get down to a "normal" weight, but my first goal will be to get to 220. Heck, even under 250 would be great! I'll take baby steps.

I have UHC, and I believe mine will be covered. I called and all the insurance lady would tell me over the phone is that my policy does cover bariatric surgery when deemed medically necessary and that I would need a letter stating the medical necessity from my physician. She wouldn't tell me any other requirements. I'm not assuming that there aren't any other requirements just because she didn't mention them. She may have just not mentioned them to me specifically. I'd say the requirements may vary from person to person. Excarolinagirl, do you still have to pay the $150 if your insurance covers it? I'm taking it that you do since you mentioned that you have insurance. That is something that I didn't expect. My insurance is really good, and I've never had to pay anything more than $50 to go to the ER. Even when I had my gallbladder removed, I only had to pay $50 for the whole surgery and hospital stay and everything. I'm in grad. school so money is tight right now, but I'll do what I have to do. I am ready to get on with this.

Well, I don't think I have any co-morbities (unless high cholesterol counts) but my BMI is like 49, so I doubt he would turn me down. I suppose you never know though. Keep me posted, and I will too.

If I do, I don't know it yet. I called today, and I got voicemail. I left a message but it was already close to 4:30, so maybe they'll call me Monday. All my info. has been faxed to them for over a week now. I'm getting anxious, and I really want to hear something NOW! I'm really ready to get all this started.

It's so funny you posted this. I went out with the girls on Friday. I planned to make very good food choices, but instead I ordered a loaded baked potato with my grilled chicken. I told them I would eat it while I could. I know that after the band, I might be able to eat that, but it would probably not be the best choice since I will be supposed to eat protein and veggies before carbs. I enjoyed myself, but I didn't go overboard, and I feel okay about that.

I didn't hear from the nurse today about an appointment date. I'm starting to get frustrated. Should it really take three days to schedule my first appointment? Is this par for the course? I will certainly post when I hear something. I'm probably just being impatient. I just so want to get on with it.

Well, my nurse faxed my stuff to Kappa/Kramer in Kingsport on Thursday, and she's waiting to hear back from them with a consult date for me. I'm excited to finally meet with a surgeon. Does anyone know if these guys only do surgeries on certain days of the week or anything like that? I know it's probably premature to start thinking about that, but I am just thinking about how many days I will be out of work (which varies, I know). A perfect scenario for me would be to have it on a Thursday and go back to work on Monday or Tuesday. I'm optomisic that everything will go well. If not, I'll wait until it goes wrong to face it! :girl_hug:

I am in Rogersville. It would depend on how close you are and if our schedules were compatible, but I wouldn't mind a workout partner or even just someone to share the experience with. I am a teacher, and I'm in grad school, so I don't have a lot of free time, but we can see what we can do. Where are you from?

Okay...here's what I've done so far. I went to my family doctor. He said I was a great candidate and suggested surgeons. He also said I would need some labs done before I met with the surgeon. I got my labs done, and my thyroid was out of whack. I've been on meds, and now my thyroid is under control (with medicine). I just got those results back today. I only talked to the nurse, and she sounded a little confused, but I reminded her of what he said. My questions are these: Are there any other tests that I should have done BEFORE meeting with the surgeon? Who schedules the appointment with the surgeon, me or my family doctor? I know a lot of this depends on insurance. I have Heritage Select with United Healthcare. If anyone has any ideas, please post. Thanks!

I am just at the beginning stages of preparing to get banded. I had my blood workup and found that my thyroid is out of whack. So, the doctor put me on Synthroid for two months. I went back for my recheck and weighed while I was there. I am at my all time highest weight ever. I am 5'3" (almost) and weigh 276.8lbs. I know that my BMI is high enough, but I don't have any comorbidities that I know of. I don't have high blood pressureor diabetes. (Does high cholesterol or insulin resistance count?) Anyway...I was thinking thinking that I would like to do something while I wait to jump through all the hoops, but I don't want to lose some weight and have my insurance company say, "See, you can do it on your own." I know that I can lose weight. I lost 100 lbs. on LA weightloss once; I just can't keep it off. So, should I give Weight Watchers another dance, or should I just hold on until I can get the hoops jumped? I don't want to remain as fat as I am, but I also don't want to be denied. Any advice you can give would be great. Thanks in advance.

I have UHC, and all they would tell me on the phone was that I needed a letter of medical necessity from my doctor. Surely that's not ALL they need. I do know that my insurance DOES cover bariatric surgery "if you qualify." I just don't know what all that will entail.

*oops...pressure or

I'd love to know how it goes. I am waiting on bloodwork before I get the appointment with the surgeon.

I see it now. Thanks...that's neat to see.

Maybe I don't know what to look for, but I don't see a picture or a link here.

I need to have my thyroid rechecked, but I have a hard time getting to the doctor before work. Does anyone know if this is a test that requires fasting, or can it be done anytime? If I could go after work, that would be great. I can't call the doctor during work to find out. I'm a teacher and I have meetings during my planning time for the next several days. By the time I get back into town (work out of town) his office is closed. Thanks in advance for help with this question.