Live in Columbus, GA area...advice on DR

My husband and I are both looking at lap-band surgery. We have young kids at home, so while driving a long distance for the surgery isn't so bad, it's more the pre and post visits and support  that concerns me. Does anyone know of any support groups closer than Atlanta? I've done lots of searches and couldn't find anything. I'm brand new to this group and couldn't figure out how to search a forum, so if this is a repeat, I apologize. We'd also love to hear about Drs. and who you liked/didn't etc.  I appreciate any help/advice etc you can give. Shelice

Here is a doctor in your area... and comments from other OH users who were his patients. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/bariatric+surgeon+p rofile+Larry+Brightwell+cn.html

Thank you. I looked him up and he's not on our insurance...of course. That would have been too easy ;) Anyone else?

Hi Shelice, Welcome to our world. 

the best I can give you on support groups is to look at the top of the page.  In yellow, next to forums in yellow is a button for support groups.  After you go there you can select fiind a group.  Then be sure to check both GA and AL since you live right there.  Now these are only support groups that are trained by OH itself.  To find local ones you can post in this forum (GA and AL) with the title Looking for a support group or something like that.  You may also want to ask the surgeon you have chosen and/or call any local hospitals.  Good luck.

Hi Shelice! Phenix City girl here! I had lap-band last Sept with Dr Richard in Gainesville. It's a 2.5 hr drive but so worth it. The care I get there is awesome!! I know there are some good Drs in the Atlanta area as well. 

Oh...and yes there is a support group in Columbus. We meet the third Thursday of each month at St Francis Health Matters at 630.   

Do NOT use Dr Brightwell!!!!! I think there is a new doc coming on board in Columbus for RNY but dont know of any for lapband.  For me, it was worth the drive to Atlanta!

It's funny you should say that. We met with our family Dr. today and told him we were thinking about lapband and he said the same thing. He didn't have anyone specific to recommend...just said look at Atlanta or Gainsville.  My husband is going to call BCBS and see who is on "the list" and then we'll go from there I guess. I appreciate all the help and info I've gotten so far! Thanks, Shelice

Hi Shelice, I live in Pine Mountain. I had lap band surgery on June 20th by Dr. J. K. Champion in Marietta. About an hour and a half from here, probably 2 hours from Columbus. He also has a support group that meets in Phenix City the first Tuesday each month at First Assembly of God on Hwy.431 north. His # is 404-367-9997, his website is www.drchampion.com. A very caring doctor who will sit and let you ask as many questions as you need to. Never in a hurry. I really like him and his staff is very helpful also. Nancy

WOW...I live about three minutes from that church! Is this primarily a lap-band support group? Have you been to any of the meetings?