choosing a surgeon

I am so confused! I went to Dr. Duncan's seminar and he seems like a competent doctor but there was 300+ people there and you don't know if he is going to be the one doing your surgery and it doesn't say much about his associates. Then someone at the seminar recommended Dr. Hart who is also on my insurance. (he works out of Emory Dunwoody Hospital which is supposed to be "the ritz") He is in Suwannee which is about an hour drive so I am wondering about follow ups and support groups. Can you attend a different support group that is closer? When I talked to BCBS representatives they said Dr. Proctor was great but he is up in Gainesville and I live in Marietta. It seems alot of the customer service reps at BCBS have driven from Columbus to Gainesville for him. I have no idea what to do.... any advice?

Hey Kimberly, Have you thought of using Dr. Scott out of Rome, it is not that far from Marietta. I went to his seminar a week ago and he was great. I did not choose Dr. Duncan because he has so many to do. Dr. Scott is very honest in his seminar and he also tells you exactly what you need your PCP to write to get approval. I was put on his waiting list the beginning of October and was told I would not have the seminar until the end of November but guess what she called me on a Monday and I was there on Wednesday. So, you might want to consider him. I really liked him. My next step is my PCP is sending me for the sleep apnea so it will speed things up in Rome. Also, there were only about 20 of us in the seminar which was great because afterwards we got to talk to him and Ginger to see if there was anything else that might help us. You just might want to look at other options. Especially because you have to work out 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after surgery. At least he does let you go to the Vitality Center and they show you how to work out at home if the drive is to far. Also, he only requires you to do 5 after sessions with the group in one year. That is not bad, so at least you wouldn't be in the Atlanta traffic. Hope this helps.

You should find out the details about each surgeons procedures and the details about their programs. You might also want to visit the Yahoo group for WINGS Around Atlanta. //health.groups.yahoo.com/group/WingsAroundAtlanta/ Drs Hart and Proctor have excellent reputations. Good Luck, Marrilee

Hi Kimberly, I used Obesity Solutions, which is Dr. Proctor's group. (I however, used Dr. Richard). I CAN tell you that Obesity Solutions has their own Bariatric wing at Northeast Regional Lanier Park Campus. The nurses there are COMPLETELY committed to the bariatric patient, as that is ALL they work with! I cannot say ENOUGH about my nurses, care, overall amenities while I was at the hospital. I had a fantastic experience. -Tami

Dr. Hart's support group meetings are once a month (the 1st Wednesday) at Northside Hospital comples. He does his surgeries at Emory-Dunwoody and at Northside (I had mine at Northside). He's a great doctor. Of course, I live in Duluth so he's pretty close to me anyway. Good luck!! Ann in Duluth

HI! I use Dr. Proctor, and have met and talked to many of his patients. He is an awesome surgeon, and a wonderful man. I felt completely at ease with him, and he was very open and honest with me. My take is...this is your life you are talking about. I know these days it is hard to travel a great distance when you are so busy...but aren't you worth it? Tami is right about his bariatric wing...they are dedicated to us, and know all about it. Several women there have had the surgery.. It may be worth your time and the drive to check him out! Once you get past the Atlanta traffic, it is a nice drive! If I can help in any way, please let me know. Good luck Kathy Lap 11/8/04

Hi Kathy, I had surgery 10/5/04 and am doing great. Have you thought about Dr. Champion. He is the best, one of the top 3 in the U.S. He uses Emory Dunwoody and they have their own Bariatric Wing and it is wonderful. The nurses are all really good there. You should check his website out if you haven't already. Good Luck, Kathy

Dr. Proctor did my surgery, and it's been very successful (lost 170 lbs). He's truly a gifted surgeon. However, the office staff has been rude, short, and nearly impossible for me to deal with and because of that I do not see him for my post-surgical care and follow up visits, I see another doctor for that.