Looking for Dr. in Atlanta, BMI Over 60

[August 0]

I am in the Atlanta, Georgia area. I've seen True Results in Atlanta and at this point plan to do my surgery through them. They originally wanted to send me to their Dallas facility to have Dr. Benevides do my surgery because I have a high BMI (62.5). They even made it attractive to go to Dallas. They said they would pay for the flight and hotel. My insurance covers the surgery. They didn't even have supervised weight loss visit requirements. I have the insurance approval and have done all of the tests, cardiac, sleep study, chest x-ray, etc. My surgery was supposed to be in early October. I had even started the pre-op diet.

Then I get a call from TR today. They said that they are no longer sending people to Dallas and I'd have to have my surgery here with Dr. Hart. The catch? Dr. Hart wants me to lose 30lbs before he'll perform the surgery. He also wanted me to have an upper GI to see if I have a hiatal hernia that he would fix during the surgery, which is fine.

Having to lose 30lbs in itself isn't a big deal. I've done that many times. Obviously I can't lose 30lbs by early October unless I amputated a limb. I was anxious to have the surgery this year because I've already met my insurance deductible and it would mean less out of pocket. Although even that isn't cause for much more than annoyance. Then a co-worker told me later today that our company is changing insurance carriers. I don't yet know who the carrier is and I can't count on them covering the surgery. So the urgency to have it this year is even greater. Even if they did cover the surgery, they might not have the loose requirements that my current insurance has. I didn't even have to go to weight loss visits.

The way I see it I'd need to lose the 30lbs by the beginning of December because I imagine the doctor takes some time off over the holidays. That gives me a little over 2 months, or about 9 weeks. That's approximately 3.5lbs per week. Yes, it's definitely possible to lose weight that quickly but is it possible to do it safely? I gathered that the idea of losing 30lbs was to get me in better shape for the surgery, not in worse shape.

I like True Results and appreciate the fact that Lapbands is all they do. I picked them because they seemed like the best qualified for the surgery and the after-care. However, now that they are delaying things and I have the pending insurance change, I feel like I should at least investigate other options.

I would not consider RNY. I'd like to have a baby one day and I simply don't like the idea of rerouting things. My issue isn't with the type of food I eat as much as it is with the quantity. I overeat lots of organic healthy foods....lol. I really think the lapband would be perfect for somebody like me.

Does anybody know a doctor in Atlanta that isn't afraid of higher BMI patients? I appreciate any input or advice. Sorry for venting so much. I am just extremely frustrated and anxious.

[kmays234 0]

I am going to Dr Proctor in Gainsville. Their website is Gastric Bypass Atlanta Georgia Obesity Solutions Welcome. I went to orientation tonight and really was pleased with what I saw. Good Luck.

[darling_24 0]

I had the Lapband procedure done with Atlanta Bariatrics, specifically Dr. Johnson. There is a Dr. Hart with the practice, but I am not sure if it is the same one. He performed my aunt's bypass 6 years ago. The practice is wonderful and the staff is super friendly. I live about 50 miles from the office and gladly drive it, even through rush hour! They may not be able to do it in the time frame you need, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to place a phone call and talk to them. I wish you the best of luck!!!!!!

PS...If the surgeon wants you to lose weight prior to surgery, it is to avoid complications during the procedure. My ex-brother-in-law experienced the same thing. I believe it had to do with the anesthesia and the strain on the heart.