New to Tennessee....want to have Surgery...

I just moved to Smyrna, Tenn from Upstate Ny where I have been trying to get this surgery for two years!!! I would appreciate any info on the best places closes to me that I can get it and any other helpful info.... new friends would be nice too....I know about two people...

First I want to Welcome you to Tennessee. I myself am partial to Vanderbilt..may not be close but it would be worth the trip. They have an excellent staff and surgeons. Again welcome!!

Wlcome !!!!!!! I went thru Centennial Center for the Treatment of Obesity. My Surg was Dr Dyer They are great !! Laura

Hi Betty-Jean--I had my surgery 3 1/2 wks ago at Vanderbilt. There are also Centers of Excellence at Baptist Hospital, Centennial Hospital and St. Thomas Hospital. I think there is a hospital in Franklin, or somewhere near there, that does this surgery. For me, it depended on where my insurance would cover it--Vanderbilt was the only choice I had, but they were excellent. I did have a complication and had to have more surgery on Tuesday, but I'm home from the hospital now and doing better. My complication was just a fluke and had nothing whatever to do with my surgeon or Vanderbilt. (See my posting about it.) I live in Brentwood and would be glad to talk to you if you want to call me or come over. I'm not driving right now because of the surgery on Tuesday. I don't know if you can get my phone number from this site, but you can email me at [email protected] . Hope to hear from you soon! Linda Rudy

Hi Betty-Jean, Nashville area has a lot of surgeons that do this surgery. You should have no problem finding a surgeon that is best for you. Welcome to out beautiful site and state. We're proud of it. May God travel with you on this new journey, Kathy

Hi Betty-Jean, I would have to recommend Vanderbilt in Nashville. I have had multiple surgeries there dating all the way back to 1981 (intestinal, thyroidectomy, kidney transplant and now gastric bypass). They are a top notch facility! Check this out too http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/root/vumc.php?site=bariatric&doc=6250 So, how in the world did you wind up in Smyrna. I graduated from Smyrna High in 1997 and am there all the time.

I have to add my 2 cents for the Metabolic Surgery Center at Baptist. They do live and online seminars (go to www.spawmd.com). Unlike Vanderbilt, you get to choose your surgeon (and meet him) prior to scheduling your surgery. I believe it is very important to feel comfortable with your surgeon for this type of surgery. Remember, you are going to be doing follow up care with him for the rest of your life. I've had several surgeries at Baptist and they have always taken excellent care of me. Also, when you have any lap surgery at Baptist the bandages are shaped like little hearts. You can't help but smile when you see them. Susan

I would have to vote for Vanderbilt because that is where I had my surgery. They were great!! Also I did choose my surgeon at Vanderbilt and it is Dr. Melvin................Terry

Thank yous all so much...I have checked out alot of the websites. I am going to call and see at the different places, if I can make the first appt and how much it would be while Im waiting for the insurance to kick in. I have just been going through the process for so long that I just want to get it done and over with!!Grrr....lol....Pray for me!!