Dr. Kapplan in Kingsport?

[beth443 0]

Lotstolose I had my first fill last Wednesday I can't tell much difference he said it might take 2-3 to hit the sweet spot. I go back Nov. 19th for my 2nd. I had mine done in the out patient surgery building behind Dr Hodge and Watson's office I forgot what it is called. The first patient Dr Hodge did a band on works in the perop section. I think he said he has lost 130lbs. They were all very nice there and if you need to stay over night you can.

[jessicastatzer 0]

Today will make 2 weeks since my referral has been faxed to Dr. Kramer's office and I still haven't been given any information. I called yesterday and spoke with someone who asked my name, birthday, and what type of insurance and she said she's call me back and let me know something. I didn't hear back from them yesterday. I'm going to call again today. I'm starting to get frustrated and would like to know something...anything. :biggrin:

[jessicastatzer 0]

Update: I contacted this offices this morning and they told me that they mailed out a "packet" to me yesterday. I was told I would have to log online and fill out some information and attend a seminar at the mall. Once I have done those things they told me I would actually be able to call them and make an appointment.

[Who'sThere 331]

Yes, Jessica, that is kind of what I went through. I decided I would rather see Doctor Hodge or Watson. I had my MIL call the doctor for me this morning and ask them to get me a referral to these doctors instead. By 10:45 when I called her on my planning time, I already had an appointment with Dr. Hodge. Granted, the appointment isn't until December 15, I still have an appointment. I called to ask what I could do to prepare in the meantime, and they were VERY helpful. The told me I could go ahead and attend training seminars. I called the lady in charge of this, but she wasn't at her desk. I left her a voicemail with both my phone number and my email address. Before noon, she had sent me information on what seminars would be required and an attachment with the schedule of when they are. She also encouraged me to call and see if I could go ahead and meet with the nutritionist. In my opinion, they are very on top of things. I appreciate that. Also, they told me I can call once a week and see if there are any cancellations. If so, he will see me earlier. I am very pleased so far. I'll keep posting updates on here as anything develops.

[Zemzerlily 0]

I'm not sure if anyone checks this anymore, but I was hoping to get some feedback.

I applied for lapband sx back a few years ago when I was 18 and the doctor I went through in Nashville approved it, but unfortunately my insurance declined me (not surprising since I had barely turned 18.) But I jumped through a lot of hoops for my insurance, BCBS of TN, like going to a dietician, having a letter of recc. from my family practice Dr, and visiting a psychatrist and going to wt loss programs. I'm still wanting to have the sugery, if my insurance will approve it, I think I have a better chance now that I'm almost 22, however, I'm going to lose my insurance in about a year since as of right now I'm still on my parents plan and in college. I'm insulin resistant/boarderline diabetic, have hypertension, and have polycistic ovarian syndrome, and I know if I was able to lose the weight (which try as I may, is seemingly impossible alone) it would help my overall situation.

I'm trying to start again from scratch, but have no idea how to go about the process anymore. I moved to Kingsport not that long ago, and am not established with any Dr in the area, and am not really sure who to go to for surgery. Does anyone know if I'll have to go through everything again with the insurance? Or where I should start?

Because of the deadline of my insurance ending next year I don't really have a great deal of time to be working with.

Also, does anyone know the recoup time it takes after sx? Because of my job it's not unlikely for me to be lifting 75+ lbs on a regular basis, something which I know is impossible right after sx, but about how long would it take to get there again?

If anyone has any information that could be helpful, please let me know!

Thanks!

[excarolinagirl 0]

I'm very happy with Dr. Kapplan in Kingsport. His colleague, Dr. Kramer is also very well-respected.

As far as recovery LB surgery, I would ask the doctor. (I'm still trying to decide between LB and gastric bypass, so of course the recover time for me would also depend on the surgery. And I don't have a job that requires heavy lifting so that would also make a difference.)

Good luck to you.

Dee

[Who'sThere 331]

Zemzerlily, I would go ahead and get started as soon as possible. I'm sure you will have to jump through all the hoops again because they will want the information to be as current as possible. Also, it is likely that you will have to do a 6 mo. preop diet, so you will want to get started on that ASAP.

I have been seeing Dr. Hodge in Johnson City, but that is just a personal preference. I don't know about the lifting though. I think it may be several weeks before you are allowed to lift no matter which surgery you have. I know that any time you have an incision, you are succeptable to hernias and lifting raises that risk.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

[rrose1968 0]

If a doctor tries to steer someone in the direction of RNY, why not just quote statistics and disadvantages, etc...

I'm a disabled vet from '91 Gulf War and the VA has offered/suggested twice now that I have it done and they cover it. I think it's done in West Virginia but I don't recall. LIke other surgeries, they won't do it at a VA facility, it's contracted I suppose. For example, if I ever had to have heart surgery I would go to Vanderbilt.

They (VA docs) were doing bypass, but recently I was told they opted to go with Lap Banding because of the advantages and fewer complications compared to bypass. I don't have any other health issues, and they are doing tests over the next few weeks (psych, blood, ECG, ultrasound of abdomen) and I have to go to 12 weekly meetings on diet & exercise.

But if I were having it done and a doctor tried to steer me to a bypass and I didn't want it, I would just remind them of statistics between the 2 methods. That and maybe check another doctor lol.

[rrose1968 0]

Crap I just noticed the age of this thread...