Hi again.

I'm Mary Ann.  I haven't posted in a long time.  I was researching surgery options when I was told that my insurance wouldn't cover ANY weight loss related surgery or appointment.   I have since gotten new insurance (BCBSNC) and went to a Seminar @ SouthEast Bariatrics in Charlotte with
Dr. Voellinger.    I have my consultation appt. with Dr. V on Tuesday.     I'm really excited to know that I have the option to have surgery this time.   Now, I just have to figure out which surgery.  I'm really leaning toward the DS.      Have any of you guys had Dr. V? If so, what's your opinion and experience been like?   He seemed really experienced, straight forward and nice, or that was my first impression of him. 

Hi Mary Ann,
I am a patient of Dr. Voellinger. I had my first appt with him last week. I am seeking revision surgery. He has put me on a 3 month "Lifestyle Management" change. I go see the nutritionist, exercise person, and psych person once a month for the next 3 months. This is because I'm seeking a revision. I have my first appt with them next week. I've read good reviews on him.
Good luck with your appointment.

Hi Mary Ann!

I am a patient of Dr V's. I love him. He really took alot of time with me and made me feel very comfortable. I had a lap band in 2007 by Dr Bauman in Concord and got a leak and it had to come back out. I was very depressed for a year and had to see a physcologist. He encouraged me to pursue WLS again.
A co worker had the bypass 2 years ago and by Dr V and she recommended him and he
immediately accepted me as a patient. He's really great.

Now for the pre warning lol. They are extremely busy there and it will take a long time to go thru the process and get your surgery date. I started the process last August and my surgery
was on March 9 2009. The only surgery he would do was the VSG due to the damage
done by the leak. He was able to get BCBSNC to approve but they don't normally pay for the sleeve. He has a special way to do that.

Good luck with whatever surgery type you choose.  Even though they are busy and take a long time, all of the girls are great and having everyone there at the office to do all evaluations, including the physcologist, is very convenient.

Just let me know if you have any questions.

HUGS
Pam

 Thanks so much, Pam!  I'm glad to hear that you have had a good experience with him.   I've heard that they stay busy.  I've got BCBSNC, too, so I'm hoping all goes well with that. ..

That's good. You shouldn't have any problem at all getting approved quickly.

Well I've had MOSTLY good experiences lol. I sent quite a few stern emails during the waiting process, even emailed Dr. V once because it was taking so long and he got them on the ball.

Then I went on Monday for my  3 month follow up and the lady at the desk told me my appt
wasn't until Tuesday, 6/30 and that they were booked up and I would have to come back.
 I promptly pulled out the card that they gave me showing appt on 6/29 at 4:30 and told them I felt sure they could find someone to see me and parked my ass in the waiting room.
They called me back within 5 mins lol

But they are very encouraging and supportive. They give you so much great material.
When you go to your pre surgery class, they give you a book they make up that guides you along each phase. I used it like crazy. Even took it with me to the hospital. 

You can also email anyone at the office and they are good about getting back to you. I think you will really like the support you get before and after surgery. Just that waiting that's the worst!

Hi MaryAnn,

Welcome to the NC forum. I look forward to getting to know you as you make this incredible, life-changing journey.