Hi Everyone

I just thought that I would introduce myself to everyone. My name is Melanie and This is the beginning of my journey (if I can afford it and my insurance will cover it). I am currently 22 years old, 260 pounds and 5' 9". I am hoping to lose half of my current self, but I will be happy with just losing 100 pounds. Tomorrow I am going to call and set up my first appointment with Dr. Charles Garner in Georgetown SC. I am hoping that this is a good idea as weight loss surgery is so controversial (and I thought that I would add that all of the people who say that it is "controversial" are skinny, is it just me or have others noticed this too?).

Hey Melanie, You will love Dr. Garner, I do. He did my surgery on Feb. 25 and I have done excellent. I am very glad I chose him. He is very nice and takes time with you and will answer all your questions so go prepared. Georgetown hospital was great, clean, professional and if I ever have to go to another hospital it will be Georgetown. Brian is the doc's office manager and you will work with him on your insurance, he also is very good and is very on top of his job. My recovery has been very good, I lost 25 pounds the first week but I also weighed more that you. Good Luck and I wish you well. Take care, Steve

Thanks you very much for your input! Do you know if Dr. Garner is still with Winyah Surgical? I am going to set up my appointment today, I can't wait!

Alright everyone, I got an appointment for the 26th of March. The lady that I made the appointment with said that I will be meeting with the surgeon and the office manager along with other people interested in the surgery. Can someone tell me if I will have to pay my part of the surgery that the insurance don't pay up front, or can they bill me?

I was going to tell you yes he is with Winyah, buy ya beat me to it. You will be working with Brian on your ins. stuff. I don't know what type of insurance you have but I am sure they will work with you. Congratulations on the appointment. Good luck. Steve

Thank you so much for your support, you are great. It took a little research to come up with their new number but I found it. Do you know if they make you pay upfront for the surgery or do they bill you after the insurance pays?