Where did you get your DS done?

I got mine done in Omaha by Dr. Forse. It was done laproscopically and I had a 62-66 inch waist so I was under for about 10 hours. That's someting to consider if you choose to go lap rather than open. I've heard a lot of great things about another Omaha doc, DR. Athnone, who I believe does them open. Of the two he seems to have the better aftercare.
I think the reason it's so hard to find someplace is because how difficult the procedure is. Overall, I think these DS surgeons are kind of like the fighter pilots of the bariatric surgery world. They are the best because they have to be.

I also live in KY! I went to Dr Margaret Inman in Carmel Indiana. My BMI was very high, 55.7 and she would only do my DS open. She does do them lap also. It's a case by case thing. I traveled 4 hours one way. Stayed local for a week. I do NOT take her vitamin regamine or eat her RNY diet. That is why I have OH. I researched. I  read here everyday. I bookmarked EVERYTHING I thought might be useful anytime during this journey. I read every page of dsfacts.com. The search function doesn't work the greatest on OH but it is useful. I got copies of MY surgical report. I get copies of ALL MY labs. I have friends who help me read my labs as I am learning. I adjust accordingly. I have lost 112lbs in 8 months. I eat real food. NO sliming, sticking, foaming, dumping, BM issues. I am greatful EVERYDAY!! I can truly say I think I made the best decision of MY LIFE! I can't wait to see what each new day holds for me now. But just know, it is alot of work and dedication to live a healthy DS life. Please, research and learn as much as you can. Then decide if you can live the DS life responsibly! Good luck to you in your journey!!!!


Ruby

Hi Ruby...thanks for all the info...I actually live in Science Hill, so not far from you at all...LOL Small world!

I'm actually 1 to 2 miles from Science Hill. On 1247. Yes, small world indeed!!!!


Ruby

I just figured out that you are all of 2 hours and about 12-15 mins from Knoxville and Dr. Boyce.

Considering you were thinking of the Cleveland Clinic and it's over 7 hours away, Dr. Boyce is VERY doable.

Liz

That is great to know!  Does he do lap or just open?

I had no insurance and was SELF-PAY, so I got my DS done in Brazil by Dr. Joao Marchesini.  He is a brilliant surgeon and my WHOLE ENTIRE EXPERIENCE there was wonderful.  The entire cost was around $12,000 (EVERYTHING from exams to flight to surgery, etc.)...Now (5 years later) I hear it is about $15,000.

That is way farther away than I want to travel...omg!  I cannot even imagine going that far and being so far from my family.  Glad your experience was a wonderful one.

Dr. Boyce in Knoxville did mine. We're not that far from you. He's an excellent surgeon, even though his office staff can be a bit nutty sometimes.