I second everything that David said and will add that many insurance companies require a six month diet with your primary care physician before they will even consider approving surgery so its really not about the surgeon that decides how quickly you go through the process.

I had dr. Toder and from beginning to end it was 5 months. That is actually a short time frame for surgery. The only reason it was that quick was because I had already been seeing my surgeon monthly for diet and nutrition and because I am a full time nursing student and needed to have surgery toward the beginning of the summer to have plenty of time to recover throughout the summer and Dr. Toder and her staff completely accomodated that.

I have no experience with Lap band other than to say that most who look into lap band (like myself) and then learn more about each of the options end up going with RNY or go with lap band and end up getting some sort of revision. There are others that are very happy with the lap band decision however. If you are undecided you should talk it over with your surgeon and go with their recommendation.

I think the most important thing is that you select someone that you trust with your life. Someone who will make your safety and health a priority over time frames and insurance companies. This is major surgery and making a decision based on anything other than your health is not wise.

I have no knowledge of Dr. Loggins so I am not saying that he is not a perfectly good surgeon, he very well may be. I am just saying make your decision an informed one and one that you can feel 100% comfortable with.

We are all here to route you on and support you and let us know if you have any questions along the way no matter who you choose!


Best of luck to you!

Kristie

Well, I think it would be inappropriate for me to comment on this program or that program, based on insurance.  It's a fact of life, to be sure (and isn't that sad?), that some insurance programs value this type of procedure, and others don't.  

I can tell you I have some experience with several methods.  Although I (and my wife) both had the laproscopic RNY procedure with Dr. Toder, my sister had a lap band procedure in NH, and my wife's cousin had lap-band with Dr. Toder (both last year.)  Both have been successful.

I can't speak to the sleeve myself, I don't personally know anyone who has had it.

The first step, I think, is making a committed effort to get back in control, and so that starts with diet and exercise, and you can start that now!  :-)  Their program is a little slower to get through at EMMC, but the pre-surgical education is SO important, and they are SO thorough, that I have to feel that it's a real A+ program, and should be the first choice for anyone looking at these SWL procedures...

I wish you the best...I know it is a tough choice...I can promise you this...I don't think there is another surgeon in Maine that I would have allowed to do this surgery on me.  Honestly, I WANTED the program to be tough, and thorough.  It instilled the confidence in the program that enabled me to feel comfortable with going ahead...

Thanks for your reply. I hadn't heard too much about him and know these surgeries can be risky so wanted to ask around. Have you had any complications if you don't mind me asking? I am not sure if we are able to send private emails on this. Did you get through the program pretty quickly? I suffer from hypothyroidism and I am wondering if it would work for me. I have dieted all my life and have been big since I was 5yrs old and yo yo dieted but since the thyroid issues I can not lose anything.
Cindy

Thanks David. I heard Michelle is a good surgeon but it is hard to get through the program and it takes a while to be scheduled for surgery? I am not sure how long we will have our insurance so I wanted to try and complete as soon as I could. Sounds like most people on here have had the gastric bypass? I am wondering if that is the best route or lap band or the sleeve. I just want my life back and to feel good again. Thanks for your reply!

Happy Birthday David! :)