WLS: Part 2 (surgeons?)

I doubt any of you remember me but I was here about 2 years ago considering WLS. I was working for a small business and found out I wasn't covered. My employer was even willing to get the rider policy to cover WLS but our insurance company wouldn't sell us one. So, plans were put on hold. The plan was to have surgery, wait 18 months then start our family. So, we decided to do things in reverse. After finding out surgery wasn't going to happen we decided to have a baby. Nine months later I was pregnant. VERY pregnant. Ben and Madeline were born on April 10th 2005. With the birth of our babies (12 weeks early) we decided hubby would change jobs, from being self employed to doing security at the hospital where our twins were born. We joke that he spent so much time there they offered him a job which, really, is half true. So, with his job change I get to be a stay at home mom. The job has been great and, the best part, he has insurance that covers WLS. WOOHOOOOO So, I'm back. I'm currently trying to decide on a surgeon. Like everyone else I want someone who is good but I'd like to find someone who is good who doesn't have a 2 year waiting list. Again, like everyone, now that I'm back on track I want it NOW. When I originally was looking into WLS I was going to see Dr Magnusen. Then I went to the support group meeting for Dr Greene. At the time there was a several month wait to even be seen by Dr M. Dr Greene and his staff seemed really great but the distance was a challenge (took us about 2 hours to get down there). So, I'd love to hear suggestions from people who have had, or who are persuing, WLS. I'd like to find someone a bit closer (near Baltimore), who has an excellent reputation, but who doesn't have a wait of a year or two. So, any suggestion? With our new insurance I don't have a PCP yet so I'm going to try to get an appt with my moms doc. Hopefully all will go smoothly this time.

Dr. Kligman is in B-more - i think he and his staff are totally fab. He's doing my surgery on 2 Feb. Bunch of other people on here are seeing him as well. www.umm.edu/weightloss/index.html

Congrats on babies and determination for this life changing event... There are a lot more doctors in the area than two years ago when I had my surgery. I used Dr. Gandsas who is head of Bariatric Program at Sinai. Dr. Li is also excellent and part of the program. They have both an excellent pre- and post-op program. Like any program, taking the weight off is the easy part, changing your habits and lifestyle is up to you and having a program that supports you will help you meet your goals. There are monthly informational meetings.. check out the website at www.lifebridgehealth.org. Best wishes on you journey, Lisa

I'm with Lisa. Dr. Gandsas is the top choice. Mike

Salisbury is a hike from Pasadena, but Delmarva Bariatric Center (Dr Sofronski and Dr Bovard) is excellent. They do their surgery at Pennisula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. Good luck! Hugs, Mo

Congrats on the babies. I bet they keep you hopping. At least exercise won't be a problem post WLS -- just chase them around a bit! I also used the program at Sinai, like Lisa. Dr. Li was my surgeon. Both Dr. Li and Dr. Gandsas share the support staff, follow the same pre and post-op protocols. The last I heard, their waiting list was not too long, but Dr. Li has her OWN baby due any time now, so she'll be out for a month or two. In any case, it will probably take you at least a month or two to get thru all the pre-op testing and insurance folderol. I agree with Lisa that you should attend the information session. You'll get a chance to hear both doctors and the various support team members, and a chance to meet some other folks in the program. Very welcoming, non-threatening atmosphere.

Dr. Mark Kligman is THE MAN!!! He is at UMMC just inside Baltimore. He is wonderful and so are all of his staff. Please let me know if you have any questions. He has a patient forum here on obesityhelp.com and one of his patients even started an online support website. I can send you the links if you're interested...just let me know Also, he came from Ohio and there are many people on here that saw him out there. CONGRATULATIONS on the twins Tanya Lap RNY 11/17/05 327/283/150

Hi , Can't go wrong with Dr. Michael Schweitzer out of Johns Hopkins. Many of the surgeons learned from him. http://www.smallscar.com/ http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/bariatric+surgeon+testimonials+Michael+Schweitzer+pt.html He is very busy..and it takes a while to get a consult date, but if you are going RNY you need the best and definately worth the wait. He does other WLS also. Good Luck!

I also had Dr. Gandsas as a surgeon, and I can't say enough. I understand he's a little busier these days, but my wait time was very minimal. Email me if you have any questions about him!

Michael Schweitzer (Hopkins Bayview, with offices in Greenspring too) did my band (he's done over 100), and he's done over 1.000 bypasses. He is tops in my book, and was one of the frontrunners on doing bypasses laproscopically. Barbara.