Eau Claire Wisconsin area

Who is doing lap-band surgery in the Eau Claire, Wisconsin area. Has anyone had it done? Do these surgeons have much experience? I would prefer either Luther Hospital or the Surgery Center...not Sacred Heart. My other option would be the Mpls./St, Paul area. My main concern is finding a surgeon with a lot of experience with this procedure. I definitely want lap-band rather than gastric bypass.l

Hi Diane. I don't think anyone does lap band in Eau Claire yet. Only 2 surgeons do the surgery at all. Dr.Pitchford and Dr.Hower. Not sure where you live but have you tried Marshfield at all? How about Wausau? I know the Baker group at Unity Hospital in Fridley MN have a great reputatuion. Dr. Hower is with Midelfort system so maybe give him a call I don't know much about him. I wish you luck on your journey. Cheryl

Thanks for your reply. Are you talking about Deb Hower? If that's the one, she just quit her practice to spend time with her children. I'll check into it. There's a Dr. Drew from the Mpls. area who has done more than 700, so I'm going to check him out, too. I'm not fond of Marshfield Clinic/Eau Claire. I had a total knee replacement four years ago and have terrible results. In fact, I'm having the metal knee removed on the 23rd at Mayo and they're putting in a new one. I'll also check with the Baker Group in Fridley. We're so close to Mpls. that it may be my best bet. When I asked about lap band surgery at Mayo two years ago, they weren't doing it. I really appreciate your reply. Diane

Duluth is only 2 1/2 hours away. Dr. Medlin is an experienced docter at SMDC. He did my lap band surgery in February. I thought he was great. I think he has done about 150 lap bands and he also does gastric bypass. He is considering getting the lap band himself. I highly recommend him.

Thank you for your reply. Would you let me know how your lap band goes? I'd love to keep in touch. Duluth is very close and wouldn't be a problem. Diane

Hi Diane, I am currently waiting for approval to have Dr. Chris Hower do my surgery. He is Deb Hower's husband. Luther Midelfort is just starting the pilot program for bypass surgery - I may be the first they do here at Luther - hopefully in May. I am not aware of anyone in town doing LapBand. Keep in Touch. Lori Engel

So you're doing the complete bypass. I would do that, but I want to wait until someone is doing it through a scope. I"m excited for you!! I have a real good friend who had it done in Mpls. maybe 7 years ago. She lost a lot of weight and got married. Please let me know what's going on with you. Very exciting that Eau Claire is starting this type of surgery! Diane Nelson

Hi How about Stevens Point? Dr. Selwyn is the local expert. I've read good things about him from his patients from Cincinnati, and I know him from his residency. That's who's doing mine. (hopefully if all goes well with my pre op stuff.)

So you're having the lap band? Would you let me know how things go? Do you know how many lap bands he has done? Best of luck to you. When are you scheduled?

Hi Dr Selwyn has done LOT's of LapBands and gastric bypass. He actually did these robotically in Cincinnati. I am not scheduled yet. I'm still working on qualifying. Hopefully in 2-4 months. Karen