newbie with questions

lol, i don't know about that! I've read quite a few stories on the R&R boards. Not sure that some of them would recommend their surgeons.


edited: to remove info

Just a quick welcome, can't offer any doctor advice, as i'm up in NOVA.  You will find a lot of knowledgable, smart people on this board. WELCOME!  lys

I can highly recommend Commonwealth Surgeons.  I have never researched anyone at MCV.  I do not know too many folks that have had the awesome results with a lap band as they do with RNY and you might want to talk to JHickey on this board about a band before deciding 100%.  I used Dr. Hutcher for my surgery but he does not do the band.  Dr. Bautista is awesome...he did some of my follow up when I was in the hospital.  I STRONGLY RECOMMEND staying far away from Richmond Surgical.  I have my own personal reasons but I would NEVER recommend anyone to go there.  Good luck!

Good pm,

Procedures and technology have both progressed/made great strides and many surgeons now have expanded their list of "will perform's." I'm a patient of Commonwealth Surgeons. There are some surgeons within the practice that will do Lap Band. My surgeon is no longer with the practice however, I continue to see the nurse practitioner there. In my opinion, its wonderful to obtain suggestions from others but there is nothing better that the person to person meet & greet. Attend an informational meeting which are given by the surgeons. Meet with the surgeon you feel will best meet your needs. I wish you all the best.

Thanks to everyone for their opinions and input.  I am gonna give a few offices a call on Monday morning to find out when their next seminars are.

I will keep my personal page updated with my progress.

Thanks so much
Tim

Hi, Tim:

I am sorry I am late responding to your post. 

I am not going to be much help in recommending surgeons because I am in the Northern Virginia area, but I wanted to wish you the best of luck in pursuing WLS.  I am sure you have had all sorts of recommendations and suggestions, both positive and negative, regarding the surgery.  Keep in mind, this is YOUR decision, to include what surgeon you use, and the type of surgery.  There are some wonderful success stories out there -- to include many for Lap Band.  There is actually a Lap Band board on this site (OH), and they may be able to offer some suggestions in the area, too.  Take the time to ask questions of surgeons, WLS patients, to research WLS (there are several good books out there) so you go into it with your eyes wide open, as they should be for any major decision in your life!

Good luck, Tim!  :)

I think Dr. B. at Commonwealth Surgeons is your man. I had the open bypass by Dr. Hutcher. He does not do the Band, but I hear from staff that it is because you can't teach an old dog new tricks. And with his surgery you get the "Hutcher Special" Gall Bladder removed, some nerve cut to prevent heart burn and liver biopsy.

I was only out of work from the Monday of surgery until the next Monday. It is just been over 2 months and I have already lost 70 pounds and have had zero problems.