newbie with questions

Do any of you have any recommendations on surgeons in the Richmond area that do Lap Band?  I am just starting my research and figured might as well ask .  Thanks for any information you provide

Welcome to the VA boards. I had rny, but Dr. Batista(sp) out of Commonwealth surgeons does it. My friend went through him and absolutely is loving her results. Maybe some people that actually had the lap band will be able to chime in. The number to the office is 285-3225. They will have you go to a informational meeting. I would suggest doing this with a couple different drs and see who you like best. Commonwealth surgeons is out of St. Marys hospital. Good luck and let us know how your search goes!

Thanks so much for the info, i will be sure to check them out, i think i talked to a Dr Hutcher there about 6 years or so ago, but was too afraid of the surgery to go through with it at that time.  Thanks again.

yeah, I checked him out and met with him 2 times before I just dived in. He made me nervous because he only does open rny and that scared the heck out of me. But I survived and recovering was not too terrible. Please let me know what you decide. It's one of the biggest decisions I made in my life.

If you choose Dr. Batista his nurses are Maya and Jeanine. They are the same as Dr. Hutchers nurse. These women will be the ones really taking care of you. They are AWESOME! The always answer all your questions and are so fast at getting back with you on email.

Good luck

Hi there! As Brooke mentioned, I had Dr Bautista of Commonwealth Surgeons, perform my surgery. I had lap RNY and yes, absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE my results. He does perform the lap band. I am not sure if he is performing the Realize Band as it is a newer procedure. Most people pick their surgery first and then find a surgeon, however, I had several referrals for Dr B, including a sister in law who works on the bariatric surgery wing at St Mary's and was previed to good information, lol. I met with him and we both discussed things and then we both decided on the surgery that was best for me.

I recommend calling their office and asking to speak to Hilary Surratt, the bariatric coordinator for Commonwealth Surgeons. Their first steps are to request their WLS packet, fill it out & also to attend an informational session. That is a great way to meet the surgeons and hopefully help you decide if they are a good fit for you. Then call to schedule an appointment with their office. questions, please feel free to pm me. I will help as much as I can. Good luck in your journey!!

I have heard Dr. Gregory Schoder(sp?) is excellent. He is at St. Mary's and I was going to use him for Lapband 3 yrs ago. I since had decided to have Lap RNY and was referred to my surgeon by my PCP.  I also have a friend that had Dr. Bautista for Lap Rny  but unsure if he does Lapband or not. 

Welcome to the boards and good luck!!

Dr Bautista does, well did as of my surgery on April 30, perform lap band. I honestly haven't had to see him since he released me from my surgery as I just see the nurse practitioner for all my follow ups. But I'm guessing to say that he still performs both lap bands and open & lap RNY's.

Of course I'm sure we will all highly recommend our own offices.  LOL.  Should you like to look up either our practices surgeons, Dr. Maher or Dr. Kellum:
http://www.vcu.edu/lesspainsurgery/obesity/
828-8000, speak with Jill Meador.

Good luck on finding a good surgeon match for you!

My sister went to Dr. Maher for an experimental surgery called v block. The office is nice. She has had some negative experiences with them, but overall I think its more her to be honest. I know Lauren has done awesome.

Like I said call and go to the seminars. Usually we click with a doctor and know when its right. Good luck!

What kind of negative experiences?  Has she addressed her concerns with them?

We learned about vblock in one of our support group meetings.  No way would I have been able to do that.  She won't find out for 5 years if she was the placebo case (I think if I remember correctly?).  It's amazing technology, but I would have waited since trials take so long.  Your sister is paving the way to new and better surgeries that are less invasive!