Dr. Champion

I just faxed all info. to Dr. Champions office with my insurance and etc. Also I went ahead and sent in the letter my Dr. wrote for necessity. I am wanting the Lap Band done.... Has anyone here had him do the lap band...???Thanks for any advice...

I think that Dr. Champion has discontinued the lap band due to inconsistant results. I had a friend checking on it and I believe that's what she told me. I had the RNY 7 months ago. I've lost around 90 pounds. From all the reports and profiles I've read on this site, I believe that the Dr. did not just happen by his name. He is highly competent, no nonsense--a true Champion in the field. I would check on the RNY with him if the LAP Band is no longer being done. I have been very pleased with my choice.

I believe it is Dr. Macik (who is part of Dr. Champion's group who does surgery at Emory-Dunwoody) who does the Lap Band, but when I checked a few months ago he had not done very many. SusanN postop 2/10/2004

Dr. Champion has a partner now named Dr. Williams. He has been with Champion about a year I think. He may still be doing them. I don't know anything about Macik? I did have my surg. at Emory Dunwoody. Hey to you Susan. Your adventure has just started. I hope you are doing well!!!

Thanks so much for the help.....

Dr. Champion did my RNY on 1/20/04. I had gallbladder removal & RNY on Tuesday and returned to work the following Monday with no problem. I haven't had any complications and can eat anything but grits. He is a great surgeon and person. He really seems to care about his patients post-op as well as pre-op. I felt like he would have sat there all day answering questions. There was no pressure to hurry up. When you leave the hospital you have a cell number which is answered after hours by either Dr. Champion or Dr. Williams. How many doctors do you know that give you a cell # to reach them nights, weekends, etc? When I was looking into surgery in October 2003 Dr. Williams had only done about 30 surgeries even though he had assisted Dr. Champion on a lot of surgeries. If they suggest Dr Williams to you be sure and find out how many surgeries he has done. I've read the first 250-300 surgeries have the most fatalities and complications. I waited for Dr. Champion and feel that was the right decision for me. Give his office a call and ask if they do Lap Band. I found his personnel to be very knowledgeable and helpful during my journey towards surgery.

Dr. Champion does not do the band anymore but they said that Dr. Williams is still doing the band but he has only done a handful.... which is the scary part..so I am just waiting for them to call me for my appt. to go from there.. they have all my info faxed to them...There is a Dr. Ponce in Dalton GA but that is so far away he has done over 800 bands which that sounds real good.... thanks for the advice...