Lap Band doctor's in Wisconsin?

I live in upper Michigan and am interested in having lap band surgery.... my doctor told me about Midwest Bariatrics in Neenah, WI.  Dr's Wasco and Georgen.  I am just wondering if anyone has used them and how they felt about them?  In doing my own research I also found a place in Green Bay called New Surgical Associates... with a Dr. Kemmerling.  I am trying to find something reasonably close to Escanaba, Michigan.  There is a doctor in Marquette, but he only does gastric bypass.  Can anyone give me their thoughts?

Hi Roseybud5, There is a wonderful LapBand surgeon in Steven Point at St. Michael's Hospital, and attached Rice Clinic.  His name is Dr. Calvin Selwyn Jr.  He arrived in Stevens Point last fall from Cincinnati, Ohio. Just type in his name in your address bar and I think you will be impressed! He did my LapBand surgery this past January.   The phone number at the clinic to the surgery department is: 715-342-7765.  Ask for his nurse coordinator "Pat".  Pat is a sweety.  You will first come to a free meeting about the WLS's that he does (he does them all). You can also find him in Bariatric surgeons in Wisconsin and probably still in Cincinnati, Ohio on this obesityhelp.com web site. Dr. Selwyn is not only a very nice man, but is very intelligent, excellent at what he does, and is very approachable.  In other words, he does NOT seem to have that doctor complex.  You feel totally comfortable when in his presence, and asking questions. When you call, tell them "Marshmallow" says Hi.  - M. Mallo

I live in Point and had no idea there was a local lap band doctor until after I had my surgery in neenah!  no big deal though, even if I have to drive an hour I'm happy with my surgeon too.  That's cool though that lap band is in the area.  I work at wausau hospital and I'm sure it's only a small amount of time before they start doing them there.

Hello there.  I haven't had my lapband surgery yet, but I have been gathering lots of information. Might I suggest you submit this question on the Lap-Band boards as well. After going there I have gained so much information. Just go to Forums...click Lap band..then go the left and click message board. Good luck with your journey!!!

Hey Roseybud! I had Dr Wasco as my surgeon and I absolutely LOVE him!  He's awesome!  I had surgery back in february and have lost over 40# so far.  Are you self-pay or insurance?  I was self-pay and I think Midwest bariatrics has one of the best deals in the area.  I have free fills for life....that alone is a deal.  They also give you a binder that tells you everything you need to know, tells you what you can eat for each phase and gives you examples and how much.  The nutritionist works for Dr W &G and is at all my follow up appointments.  They have a nurse practitioner who is great too.  I think Dr. Wasco's bedside manner is wonderful, and he's so personable and easy to talk to.  It's like he really cares about his patients and wants them to succeed.  I actually saw him today for a fill appointment.  You also get to attend 12 free support groups and acess to a personal trainer for a year. Go TO: http://www.mwbariatric.com/ You can sign up for a seminar on their site.  It's required to go to an informational seminar, many places require it before you even see the docs.  The seminar goes over lapband and RNY surgeries and tells all the info you need.  At that time they give you a packet to fill out and send back to them to get the ball rolling for surgery.  They'll send you a letter telling what you need to do after they review your packet.  Even though I was self-pay I still had to do a psych. I went to Dr. Groh out of the Appleton/Neenah area.  I was surprised that I got in within a week for that appointment.  From the day of seminar to surgery day was about 3 months for me.  I could've gotten in sooner but was on a family vacation in january. If you have ANY questions, just ask. Malia

Dr. Selwyn is my surgeon also. I just got insurance approval and I can't wait! Anyway . . .I can't speak highly enough about Dr. Selwyn and his staff. Dr. Slewyn is one on the most compasionate Dr.s I have ever meet. Pat Schulist R.N./Bariatric Co-Ordinator is the best to work with. She leaves no stone unturned to help you get approved. I feel I am in the best hands possible with this medical team. Best wishes in your prusuit for health!

Jeanne N.

Here's the website for St. Michael's Bariatric

http://www.ministryhealth.org/display/PPF/DocID/27810/router.aspx

Dr. Georgen, from Midwest Bariatrics Solutions, is my surgeon. Although I am having RNY, not lap band. One thing that I can say is that MBS is a Center of Excellence in Bariatric Surgeries which I don't believe that program in Green Bay is. I am having surgery 7/3 and the whole process has been well organized and I've felt supported from step one. Their whole staff is easy to work with and genuinely want to see their clients succeed. Dr. Georgen even led the support group meeting I was at on a Saturday AM! Theda Clark Hospital in Neenah is an excellent hospital with an excellent reputation- I've worked there in the past and had all three of my babies there- can't say enough good things about them! Good luck with your decision! Joelle

Hi there, I had Dr Kemmerling and I love him. He is a really great doctor and very easy to get along with. His staff is very great as well. I email the bariatric coordinator and she responds so quickly and if she doesn't know the answer she will find it out for you. They have a website that you can go to and even email them if you have questions. I know a lot of people from Michigan go to his office. Take care! Jody

JOJO76, thanks for the info.  Since I posted this message I have gone to a Weight Loss Surgery seminar... now I am wondering if I have have RNY instead... if I do then there is a new doctor up here named Dr. English... he is in Marquette which is only about an hour from where I live.  I liked the idea of lap band over RNY because it is reversable should I need to go that route someday.  I noticed you had lap band surgery... how do you feel about it so far?  Have you had any issues or complications with it?