Looking at surgeons---Help please

Hello,

I am new to ObesityHelp a few months ago. I asked the same question when I became a member but my surgery date is getting closer. I have seen a surgeon. My doctor said to look at 3 surgeons.
I would like to get some opions on them, if anyone has used the listed surgeons:

1) Dr. Scott Pennington from Advanced Surgeons in Bham
2) Dr. Freeman at RMC Anninston
3) Dr. Jay Long at St. Vincent East (old medical center east)

Like I said I did see one surgeon but would like to get some feedback on those listed above so I can make a final decision on who will place my LAP-BAND.

Thanks so much for all your responses.
Mike

I did not use these doctors but know that some of the folks on this board have--hopefully they will respond.

Welcome, and let us know if we can help in any way.

Kim

Thanks Kim,

I will post if I am in need. I can tell you I am getting very nervous about my sugery. I am almost scared of the pain and a regret in the LAP-BAND. I have lookd at the VSG but many people say its not safe and insurance will not pay for it. I do not want to alter what GOD gaves us, I believe that is going to mess the body up in the way it funtions in the long run. I think the reduction in capacity is the way to go with overeaters.  I plan on placing more info as it get closer. I would like to do a weight loss bar and statistics posts on my progress. Maybe we all can make a difference in people to consider WLS if many other attempt have been tried and get this country back on its feet again, health wise. Of course, there are many other issues with our country, but this os not the place for them. 

Thanks for the great welcome. Have a great one.

Mike

Mike I used Dr. Freeman for my surgery and would use him again if I had to do it all over.  Like I told you when I replied to you before you get  2 for the price of one,  Tim  his surgical assistant is wonderful and will be there along with Dr. Freeman each step of the way.    I do not know any thing about the other 2 doctors, can't help you there.  If you should choose Dr. Freeman you will not be sorry.  

Hi Mike
I didnt use any of these either but I know many that have used Dr Freeman in Anniston.  I believe that he himself has has gastric bypass as well .   I could be wrong but  I heard that from several people in the community ..
Good luck and nervous is normal ..:) 
Have a great Memorial Day weekend..
Shirl

Hey Shirley how are you?   Haven't heard from you in ages, hope that you are doing good.   You are correct Dr. Freeman did have gastric bypass. 
Have a great Memorial Day weekend.

Hey Louise
I am ok girl ....I read about everyday , just dont post much ...As you can see our board just about has closed up shop most of the time.   Kim is faithful though and I say a big hand clap for her as I would have started lurking much like I do :)
I thought he had the surgery but didnt want to post that without being 100% so thanks ,  NO I KNOW :) 
Hope your week is great and summer too.  IT IS ALREADY  HOT HOT HOT ..
Hugs
Shirley

Mike,

I don't know anything about Dr #1 or #3, but I love Dr. Freeman and I haven't even had my surgery done yet.  I am waiting on approval from my insurance.  I have met with Dr. Freeman twice plus he did an EGD.  I am having a revision to an RYN from an VBG.  I didn't lose all the weight with the VBG plus I have gained weight thru the years.  Now I have severe GERD and other health problems.

Whichever doctor you choose, you need to be comfortable and have a good feeling about him.  I felt that way about Dr. Freeman in the first 5 minutes.

Best of luck!

Dianne

I hope you will do more research than just surgeons.  The lap-band is the WORST possible choice out of the four available Weight Loss Surgeries.  It has the worst stats for results and the worst stats for complications. 

Have you been to the Revision forum and read all the stories of lapband complications and failures?

Here also is one surgeon's comments about three of the four surgeries that I found quite compelling:

www.dssurgery.com/procedures/compare-surgical-procedures.php

If you are certain you want a restrictive only (and not a malabsorptive) procedure PLEASE research the Sleeve procedure!!!  There is a Sleeve forum right here on OH.

~Becky

I have done a lot of research. I originally wanted the sleeve. Many tell me that it is dangerous do to the removal of the stretchy portion of the stomach. Also, the neck of the sleeve has potential for bursting open and causes leakage, which makes you septic. On the other hand, I have seen real success stories with the sleeve. I do not want to alter my digestive track. So, it looks like the BAND or sleeve. The problem with the sleeve BCBS AL will not cover it. It looks like BCBS will not cover the sleeve for a long time due to the studies done. I do see other BCBS states covering the sleeve. You know as well as I do, Alabama is slow in getting up to date with things.

If I could get the sleeve, I would. Now, the risks with bursting open I think is the way the doc does the procedure. I have see some on YT that the doc, cuts, staples, stitches, then glues it with some medical glue. Now thats sealed. So, If anyone know about the sleeve here in Alabama please let me know if BCBS AL will cover it and I will get the sleeve.


I would would like to get some feedback from sleeve patients, please!


Thanks for all the responses.

Mike