On to the next phase...got my letter!

So I'm interested in attending a meeting in Fairbanks...does anyone know when the next one will be held? I'd like to

My physician said he'll write the letter, so at this point I'll need to wait for my insurance approval. 

I've got tons of questions of course.  First off how did most of the Fairbanks area folks get to Anchorage?  I'm a new transplant here to Alaska, so I'm not experienced with driving down to Anchorage. 

Is flying an option?  I'm assuming I will need someone to accompany me to the surgery correct?  I think it's a long shot but does the insurance company pay for the transportation costs for surgery? How many trips to Anchorage is minimum for most? I would expect this to vary from person to person, but I'd like to figure out those cost now.

I currently deciding between Dr. Todd and Dr. Searles.  I believe Todd is more experienced, which I like, and Searles is more hands-off, which I like also.  I don't want to continue to jump through hoops for the sake of doing so. Any extra feedback that hasn't already been mentioned throughout the website?


Thanks everyone!

Hello! What wls are you having? To answer your question about insurance paying for your trip to see the Doc in anchorage it depends on what you have. I have Tricare prime with the military and they pay for my drive or flight down, how ever i decide that I want to go.  Yes you do need to have a person down there with you for the week when you get the wls. and for me tricare paid for that person to be there too. 

I have never seen Todd. I hear that he is good and many people see him. Searles was his partner at one time. I went with Searles because I was on time crunch and needed to have my surgery fast because my husband was leaving/. Todd could not get me in when I needed it. I also did not like that Todd requires you to do a lot of after care and that was just not me. I dont have time for it.

Yes Searles is more hands-off with his band patients, but I dont know how he is with ones that have had gastric.  Searles did a great job and I have had no problems. there have been a few times when I have felt he should give more info when it comes to the band and really have a lot for faith in it. But I think you get out of Searles the care that you want if you are the type of person that does not need a lot of after care. I get what I need from the net, oh boards and books. I havent gone to a support group yet and I was banded 14 months ago.

I really think that it is up to YOU as to who you want to cut you open. They are both good and I think it just depends on what type of after care you want and need.

as far as getting to anchorage, the drive is fine but I would not do it in the winter. I have only went by car twice. once for when I was going down for the surgery and the other this past summer because i took the kids with me. Other wise I always fly. See the doc and do some shopping. I always take an empty carry-on bag with me lol

What brought you to Alaska? if you have any more questions just ask....

I really should go to a support group meeting sometime!!

Rebecca