Interested in Dr. Paul Macik(sp?) performing my surgery-any advice about him?

Hi guys, I have been approved for the lapband surgery , but the doctor I initially wanted to perform it, Dr. Jamie Ponce in Dalton, Ga., is not in network, now I have to research other doctors. I went to Dr. Titus Duncan's seminar earlier this year, but it seems to me that he leans more toward gastric bypass, which is not an option for me . So now I want to learn more about Dr. Paul Macik. Any comments would be greatly appreciated-thanks in advance . Love, Rachel

Congrats! I'm so happy for you! I had lap-band on Sept 12th and have been completely happy with the decision. RNY was not an option to me either. I don't know anything about Dr Macik but I can tell you I"m totally happy with my Dr and his staff. Their website is obesitysolutions.com and they are in Gainesville. Phyllis

Oh thank you so much Phyllis! I will definitely check them out. Rachel

Hi Rachel, I know a couple of people that have used Dr Macik but they had rny surgery. He does have a joint monthly support goup meeting with Dr Daly at the Northside Meidcal Building.(980 Johnson Ferry Road) It is about a block North of Northside Hospital. The next meeting is December 14th at 5:45. It is going to be a holiday party with a mini meeting. RSVP to 404.845.5457. You may also want to check out Dr Christopher Hart and his partner Dr William Johnson. They both perform lap band surgery. 770.232.2911. I had rny surgery with Dr Hart 3 years ago, my sister rny 6 months ago, and my niece lap band 3 months ago. Our support group meetings are the first Wednesday of the month at the Atlnata Bariatric Conference Center. (4500 N. Shallowford Road) It is across from Emory Dunwoody Hospital. Also Dr Lin and Davis with Emory Bariatrics do lap band but dealing with Emory is very frustrating. Good luck in your journey! Marie

Marie...you have been more help than you can imagine. I am new to the area, so I have to rely on the experiences of others to help me with my choice. Thank you so much! Rachel

I do not know what insurance you have but mine was the same with the out of network. However, I found out and was approved for in network coverage because there were no in network providers within 30 miles. Check into it. Its worth a shot GOOD LUCK

Hi Susan, Thanks so much for that info. What do I need to do to try to get in network coverage? Thanks again, that was wonderful advice!!!! I will definitely try it...

Call your insurance and tell them your situation and that you want to apply for a GAP. Hope this info helps!

Hello!! This is my first visit to this board and I saw your post. My name is Sandy, and I had the Roux-En-Y gastric bypass with Dr. Macik on August 6, 2002. Dr. Macik is a WONDERFUL surgeon - I cannot say nicer things about him and his staff. They are very professional and understanding, and Dr. Macik is a wonderful human being. I did my research very carefully and choose this particular practice based on what I considered the "mortality" rate, meaning that of the surgeons I looked at, this practice had the least number of surgery/complication related deaths. Morbid I know, but that made me feel a little more comfortable with my decision. Hope this helps!! Sandy

Wow Sandy! You have no idea what a feeling of comfort you have given me !!!!! Thank you so much. Whenever you tried to contact their office for anything, did you have any problems getting through to a live person????? I want to be able to reach a nurse or someone that I can talk to instead of a recording. Thanks again Sandy!!! Good luck on your weight loss journey... Rachel