Can you recommend a surgeon in Memphis?

This is all new to me and I've just begun to seriously think about bypass surgery. My BMI is 43.9 and, at 52, I want to get back in shape, before my grandchildren are too old to enjoy! I have hypertension, arthritis and chronic back and joint pain. I also suffer from depression, but I know a lot of that is due to my lack of self esteem, due to my weight. Does anyone know any good surgeons in the Memphis area that I could check out. Also, how long does the process of getting approved take, from start to surgery date? I know that probably varies, but any indication will help.

I've done a lot of research. All doctors in Memphis area belong to same biartiric group: Memphis Biatric Surgeons - lthough they do NOT all practice at the same hospital. Determine where you want the surgery then the picking is easy. Suggest you contact your insurance carrier(s) as first step for your jump off point. You want to make sure wherever you have the surgeon & whoever performs the surgery are on your plan. Wrong choice & the costs to you will run into the thousands.

Hi Peggy and welcome to OH! Check with your insurance and if they accept Baptist Dr Woodman is the best. I started my journey by attending one of his seminars in January and I received my approval last week. Now I am waiting on having my pre-op work scheduled. Good Luck to you Karen

HI PEGGY, I had my surgery at the MED.My surgeon was DR.ATUL MADAN with the UTMG group.It usually takes about a year it depends on what your insurance company requires of you.There PH# is901-448-6635.............GOOD LUCK! paulene

Good morning Peggy I live just down the road from you lol Why dont you go to Nashville ?? try Centennial hospital thereis Dr houston Dr Dyer and Dr Olsen all on the center of excellence all very exprienced and Centennial is also on center of excellence Nashville is only 2 hours away and much quicke.. also at least go to Centennial seminar and see what you think ..there is never any charge all information is totally free as it all the support groups good luck i am supposed to get lap band surgery in oct but now the found gall sotnes so have to call my Dr when he gets back next week and see what has to be done arianna

If you would consider coming to Nashville, then I will highly recommend Dr. Torquati @ vaderbilt. From start to finish was only 5 months! Good luck!

As I am in Murfreesboro, I can't personally recommend a surgeon, but my sister lives in Marion, Arkansas and she used a surgeon affliated with Midsouth Bariatrics.....She is very pleased with his professionalism and his staff....She had lapband surgery 18 months ago and has lost 100 pounds...... Just be sure and check for yourself whoever you choose.....a surgeon who may be right for one person, might not be right for you......

Hey Peggy, Start to finish may be different for everyone. For me it was about 6 months and for my hubby it was like 2 months, same insurance company - figure that one out. Some people are approved in a relatively short time and others have to fight with ins. for aproval and it may take them upwards of 1yr or longer to get aproval. George Woodman is my doc in Memphis, and you have to go to a seminar before you see him. It's free to attend, you just have to call the office and find out when the next seminar is. 901-869-2000 is the number if you are interested, at the end of the seminar they are set up to give you an appointment to get in to see him and get started on your paperwork and everything you need to do to get ready to submit to ins. HTH, Trisha

Hi Peggy, I use Dr. George Woodman. He is the BEST in Memphis. My pcp told me if I was going to do this be sure to use the best and he is. Also before I started seeing him I went to my surgeon who did my last surgery I had 5 yrs ago. He had Dr. Woodman as an intern and trained him so I know he is very good and of course my surgeon told me to go to Dr. Woodman. Some people are having issues with his office staff, I personally have had a pretty good expereince so far only one person I do not care for is ANN one of his nurses she has never been freindly but if you can get passed her everyone else is AWESOME!! 2 of his nurses have had the surgery and look great. So Good luck check around and I go in Friday for my surgery talk to ya when I get out. Let me know how you do. God Bless, Sarina

Thanks, everyone. I have checked out MidSouth Bariatrics and they seem to be THE place to go to in Memphis. I will be attending one of their seminars tomorrow night in Southaven, MS. Talk about desperate...on the internet, it says all of their seminars last from 7 pm until 3 am...and I was STILL willing to go! Ha! Anyway, when I called to sign up, they told me it only lasts between an hour and an hour and a half, so that's much better. I've had a lot of replies to my post, with over half of them suggesting Dr. Woodman, so I'm anxious to get the ball rolling. My one concern, though, is my insurance. I have Cigna, so I don't think it's going to be smooth sailing to get it approved. Wish me luck!