Gulf coast area, trying to find Dr.!!!!!

Hello everyone I am trying to find a sur. in the gulf coast area. I have mediacid now but I might be going on to Blue Cross Blue Sheild so I am ready to start looking. Please help if you can.....Paula Wade

Paula, Dr. William Avara, South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center in Ocean Springs, did my lap RNY, and I highly recommend him. I had my surgery in August at Singing River in Pascagoula. His whole crew were great. I've had no surgery-related problems and only dumped two or three times, only one of which resulted in vomiting. I did just what you're doing....read everything I could find about the various bariatric surgeons in Mississippi before I made my decision to use Dr. Avara. It was inconvenient for us to travel to Pascagoula for my surgery, but well worth the trip. I hope you find a surgeon who you feel comfortable with and will soon be on the road to the "loosing" side. Pam P.S. I almost forgot.....I have Federal Blue Cross (Basic), and my out-of-pocket expense was $400. Good luck!

Hi Paula, I also had Dr. Avara and had Surgery the same day as Pam Corulla. I have had no post surgery problems and I feel great. His staff is wonderful and the treatment I received at Singing River Hospital was the BEST!!!! -Pam

Hi Paula, There is also a new doctor out of Picayune that is now doing the surgery. He spoke at our December meeting. Best of luck CindyW

Hi, Do you remember his name I live in Picayune and I am also looking for a surgeon that does the gastric sleeve. I would really appreciate the information. EVeryone is so helpful to each other, that is great.. Thanks, Sheila

I believe his last name is Johnson, I have his card at home so will e-mail his phone number to you this evening. CindyW

Just wanted to wish you luck Paula. I am on the gulf coast also.... but I traveled to Pensacola to get my surgery =) Connie

I just wanted to thank everyone for all the replies I have recieved. Thanks agian--Paula

Hey Paula. We're in Gpt. My daughter and I finally got approved for the surgery, we're just waiting till the financing comes thru. We went thru the medical center in Jackson. I don't know if they take medicaid or what all they take. They've been very thorough with all the testing ad what all. Wish you well.

Hi Paula, I had my surgery 4 weeks ago in Picayune. Dr Alfred B. Johnson performed my surgery. I am a military dependent and was given the option to be placed on a waiting list for Keesler or have it done out in town. At first, I was a little nervous (I didn't even know Picayune had a hospital). But the Dr. quickly put me at ease. He answered all my questions and I felt really confident in his ability. The hospital wasn't the fanciest, but it was clean, and all of the people were very helpful and nice. I had my own room and my son was able to sleep in the room. Good Luck, Blanca