Bariatric Physicians - anyone been to these doctors?

Hi all, I'm a newbie :wave: I'm asking around to find if any of you have seen (or know someone who has seen) Dr. Derek Lindsey or Dr. Sheldon Milner? I live in Baltimore County and I'm searching this site and comparing it with doctors who are in my health insurance's provider directory (PPO plan at CareFirst). Any help or info would be appreciated! Just looking around to find out if they're helpful doctors. Thanks! :thumbsup:

Hi Allison - Welcome to the MD Board! Although I can't offer any info regarding Dr. Lindsey, I do know that Dr. Milner has long been involved in the weight loss world, as far as weight loss medications. Although I don't know him or know of anyone who has gone to him for weight loss issues, I know he was/is a general practitioner in the Essex area for a long time. I have a friend who went to and liked him, but again, for general reasons, not weight loss. I personally love my surgeon, Dr. David Von Rueden, at GBMC. I have Blue Choice, CareFirst's HMO, and literally have had no insurance issues, but I don't know if his office accepts the PPO. Their office number is 443-849-3779 if you want to give them a call. Hope this helps, Teresa

Hi Teresa, Thanks for the info! I really appreciate it. I'm not sure if I will end up having surgery or not. That's why I wanted to go to a regular physician instead of jumping to conclusions with a surgeon. I checked the provider directory to see if Dr. Von Rueden participates in my PPO and the site says he does (obviously I'd ask if I made an appt. to see him first just to make sure). Do you know if it's true that I'd have to attend some sort of forum/speech before making an appt. to see him? I read that on some weird medical site where it listed info about him. But since you have the HMO you probably got a referral to see him from your PCP right? (I :cough: may :cough: or may not be an employee at CareFirst BC BS ;-) ) I'm just wondering if my PPO would cover a visit to Dr. VR without me having a referal since it might not be "medically necessary" ya know.

Hi Allison - I'm glad to see you're doing some research before deciding, that's the best thing to do. When I called his office in January, 2005 to obtain info, I was told that I could sign up to attend an info session in February at GBMC. They also sent me a packet of info and forms to fill out, which I then turned in at the info session. Once I decided that DVR was the surgeon for me, I called to make an appointment for my first consult, which was in March, 2005. At that time, I received my surgery date, and a list of everything (big list) that I would need to do prior to that. So, yes, I do think you will be required to attend an info session prior to getting an appointment with him. The info sessions are usually quite informative, and I actually spoke at one as a post-op about two months ago (and talked and talked!). You're correct, I did receive a referral from my PCP prior to my appointment with him. Since you "may" or "may not" be an employee of the hated BCBS, you might want to check with them, although I know from personal experience that you may have to speak with several customer service reps before you get an answer you like!!! BCBS laid my Mom off after 17 years of employment - they automated her receptionist position, and I have NOTHING good to say about them!!!!!! You poor thing, you!!!! HTH!! Let me know if I can answer any other questions. Teresa

Teresa, Thanks again for all of your insight - I appreciate you taking the time to type it all! I'm going to do some more research and try to make an appt. to see a bariatric physcian (if I can get a hold of someone in their office tomorrow). maybe even a nutritionist, too. from there i guess hopefully if they think its necessary, they could tell me i should have a surgical proceedure. i will keep Dr. DVR in mind though - I've read nothing but good things about him! btw, sorry to hear your mom was laid off :-( i can imagine your perception of the company will always be negative.

My surgery was done by Dr. Vanguri who is off of Bel Air road and I actually had my surgery at St. Joseph's hospital in Towson! I love my surgeon and had no issues with my insurance either...BCBS PPO! He does an initial visit where you meet him personally then he does a group dicsussion of the different types of surgeries ( the group is @1-2 others) all in one night. You will know right then and there if he thinks you are a good candidate for the procedure! If you want his number I can give it to you!

Jamie, Thanks for your reply, too. Glad to hear you didn't have any issues either. Did you see a doctor who said you needed the surgery before going to dr. vanguri? I'm assuming so because I doubt I could just show up to Dr. V's office and ask for a consultation without getting a note saying it was necessary. just curious!

I had been going to my PCP for a lot of problems and told her that I was thinking about the surgery and she said it was a good idea. But honestly I think I just called his office to schedule an appointment and they sent me out a lot of paperwork before hand. He has been doing this for several decades now and has a really good reputation. I met someone last year that had had RNY 5 years ago by him and was still doing great...so I was happy to see that he had been around for a while. Recently at his office I met a woman who had had RNY like 18 years ago and he was the assisting surgen...the surgeon has since passed away...but to know that he has had many years experience made me feel better. It's nice to see that you are researching before hand because it a major life changing procedure!! Good Luck, Jamie

Hi Allison, I had struggled with the decision to pursue surgery for about 2 1/2 years before I actually went through with it. I was fortunate that at the time the insurance plan that covered me did not require a referral. I went to Barix in Langhorne PA for a consult but at the time they did not have a contract in place with the 'Blues' and I was not sure about going the self-pay route. I found a wonderful surgeon in Salisbury who was in my Carefirst/BCBS network and had a good bariatric practice going. I did all of this without my PCP being involved at all, but that was because of my plan. I'm now in a plan requiring referrals, so every time I go for a follow up with Dr S I have to call for a referral Best wishes on your WLS journey what ever road it takes. Hugs, Mo

Mo, Thanks for your great information. For now, I'm looking into seeing a nutritionist or bariatric physician first to see what he or she has to say. Then I'll look into surgery if they reccommend it. I'm glad to hear you had such a great WLS experience through it all!