Sleeve Doctor in Charlotte? Know one?

Hello everyone! I'm a newbie here and I am in process of finding a surgeon to do a VSG aka the Sleeve. The doctors in the surgical group in Asheville have only done 7 as a group. I'm considering traveling for more experience. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

I know Vollenger (sp) does the DS.. which is very similar (think sleve + malabsorption).. so I'd check with him and see.

When I had my first viisit with Dr Kuwada he mentioned the Sleeve to me, and I was told he was the only Dr in the group I go to that performs that Surgery.  It is the Surgery that I am looking into but currently my insurance requires me to go through a 6 month weight loss program.  I am just starting month #2 so I have a way to go.

Hi Mom!
I live in Charlotte and am in the process of getting the sleeve surgery. I'm going with
Dr. David Voellinger at Southeast Bariatrics. So far, I'm very satisfied with him and the girls in the office. They are very caring and nice. He is nice too. He did a coworkers RNY 2 years ago and she recommended him.
If you want it, the tel # is 704 347 4144.
If you have BCBS, they may pay for the sleeve if Dr V does it.
Let me know if you have any questions or want to chat.
Pam

Thanks everyone. Pam do you know how many  Dr. V has done? I am going to call them today. I am wondering if they will accept the prereqs I have had done here. I should have never started the process here probably but I was intially going for the band and they have done lots of those. Live and learn.

HI!
I'm not sure how many he's done. I had prereqs from last year when I had the Lap Band done.
(Roc Bauman did the lap band. I developed a leak and it had to come out. So I'm trying it again but wanted to stay here in Charlotte. )Dr V has accepted alot of the prerequs from last yeat but I still have to do the Nutrition and Fitness, Psych and Bone Density and gave lots of blood. He also is making me do an Upper GI and Endoscopy to access the damage that the leak caused.
Due to the leak, the sleeve is the only surgery he will do on me since a  leak can cause so much damage. Good luck!

Dr. Pirrello of Carolina Weight Loss Surgery in Concord does the VSG.  I do not know how many he has done.  Their web site is carolinaweightlosssurgery.com and phone number is 704-786-5700.

FYI:  I had a VSG with Dr. Voellinger.   My 2yr anniversary will be in November.   My total wt. loss (including the 95lbs preop) is 185lbs.   I love my sleeve.  I was scheduled for a DS but due to adhesions from previous surgeries Dr V had to abort doing the small bowel resection.   I am thankful now that I have the sleeve only.