help trying to get info

A friend referred me to this site since I am considering surgery. The surgeon she recommended (whom she and her sister both had the surgery with,) isn't registered here so I can't contact him (right?) but I have a found someone I am interested in. I was trying to figure out how to contact a surgeon (or his staff or whatever) to see where I even begin with this process. I'm not looking for the surgery for at least a year so I'm not in any rush but would still like to get the ball rolling. Any help on contacting a surgeon? (And I work all day and it's hard to get away to make a call so I was hoping for email.) Also, for those of who have been through this or going through it, how important is it to have a surgeon who lives somewhat close? There doesn't seem to be anyone within even 60 miles so I would have to drive a bit but I was hoping it wouldn't be too often. (Car seems to smoke more than my boyfriend does.) Any help someone could give me would be GREATLY appreciated! Thank you so much!

The first thing you should do is check on your insurance coverage. This may detemine where you can go for surgery. Also check to see if you need to complete 6 or 12 mo. of supervised diets. You could also begin seeing your Dr. regularly for these, if necessary. After all this, the best way to pass the time is to research, research and more research. Read everything you can on both the main and MI boards. Congratulatiuon for making this life changing decision and welcome!

Hi Mary Jo D, You can go to any surgeon you want to go to. s/he dosen't have to be registered with this site. Do your research, before you choose your surgeon/program. I know more than one person that has complained about making the wrong choice in this process. I researched several surgeons pre-op. I ended up going to the hospital my insurance company sent me to. It turned out to be better than any of the places I researched. I went through Henry Ford Hospital Main Campus on West Grand Boulevard Detroit. They are #1 in the state, and are in the top 20 hospitals in the nation. All you have to do is call. (313) 916-9782 Talk to Wanda (or Chantal). You can send an E-mail to [email protected] Henry Ford has excellent care all the way through this journey from the begining to the end and after. They offer two support group meeting's a month, and are starting an after care program for the needs of their patients that are further out and are struggling with Issues that don't really effect the newbie's (yet). They also offer an on-line support group for their patients. They truly care about their patients and want them to succeed. You asked "how important is it to have a surgeon who lives somewhat close?" This is posted on a wall in the Hospital "How far would you go to save a life" with a picture of Henry Ford Hospital in the background. The question should be How skilled is my surgeon? I would travel across the country to go to my surgeon. I hope this helps. Best wishes as you take the steps to a healthier, happier Life. God bless you, Annette