Looking For A Doctor

Hi, I'm new to this board. I have done lots of research about WLS and up until recently the insurance that I had did not cover WLS and it has just been a far off dream. Now my employer has changed and we have CIGNA which looks very promising for coverage of WLS for Medical reasons. I am looking for a Doctor that does the LAP RNY. I would realy prefer the Laproscopic surgery for obvious reasons. I just need a doctor that would be willing to do the LAP if possible. My Husband and I are seriously considering the surgery and recovery time is of great concern. Time off of work and not having income while away from work. Well if anyone has any comments on specific doctors doing the LAP Surgery I would appreciate hearing from you. Thanks

Debra, I used Dr. Gibbs in Little Rock and he does lap. It does depend on your size though. He did a great job with me, I am six months out and some of the scars are almost invisible already. I can only imagine that in another 6 months they will be even better. I was back to work 2 weeks from my surgery day. I had very little pain from the surgery. Good luck on your quest. Bobbi

Hey Debra, I have surgery next week with Dr. Gibbs! Your BMI has to be under 50 and have no history of any other abdominal surgeries (due to adhensions (sp?). I have been scheduled for surgery for about 3 mos. BMI 53, I lost 20 lbs, BMI now 48. Dr. Gibbs gave me the ok TODAY at my preop testing for LAP. Good luck to you. Tonia

Thank you for the information. Good Luck on your surgery next week. I will be sure to look for updates to your profile. My Husband and I are seeing our PCP on Thursday. We are signed up to go to the seminar at St Vincents on July 20 and we are hoping to be loosers very soon. I talked to CIGNA and they said that with Medical Need they will cover this surgery. I can not wait.

FYI-- You cannot have the procedure LAP at St. Vincent, they are not set up for it, not sure why, but that is what I heard. Another wls member who use to post a lot to the site Cheryl was disappointed in that she went with Dr. Gibbs expecting Lap, and St. Vincent was not set up for the procedure. Tonia