Looking for advice in Madison

Hello Wisconsin forum!

I am new here and trying to find out information about bariatric surgery in the Madison area.  UW Health has a bariatric department and I am hoping to get to their seminar next week.   But I am wondering if any of you have had your surgeries done there?  By who?  How was your experience?  Can you give me any words of wisdom or advice?  What kind of surgery did you have?  How has it worked for you? Thanks much! Sarah

I am a patient of Dr's Garren & Gould.  I had Lap RNY done 9 months ago.

They and their team are pretty wonderful.  I have had no real problems, and tease them that I don't believe that they did anything to me.  I feel great.  I felt very safe in their care.  I have no problems with any foods (I do not try foods that I should not have---especially sugar). I am a bit of a slow loser, but I do not think that the team has any responsibility for that, it is just my slow metabolism.  I also started out as a lightweight and that means I had less to lose.

I can participate in life now as before, I was sitting on the sidelines.  It was the best decision that I ever made. Good luck on this journey!

Dr. Garren and Gould's team is awesome!! Everyone is very helpful. You will find the seminar very informative and comfortable. I wish I could make it to more of the monthly support meetings myself. Everyone offers good advice, especially the patients who have been there - done that. My advice would be to follow the guidelines they give you pre-surgery, if you cheat - so to speak- you're only making it harder on yourself post-surgery. Good luck!

Thanks for the great advice!  What kind of insurance do you have and did it cover the surgery?  I have Unity presently and they don't cover it at all.  It is frustrating to know that this surgery could be a preventetive measure for many future problems for me but isn't covered.   Thanks for taking the time to reply.....I appreciate it so much! Sarah

I have Midwest Security. The plan my company has (they are self-insured) does pay for the surgery, provided you meet certain criteria which are the same as the UW Bariatric clinic has. I too decided to have the Lap Band to help prevent future health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure that runs in my family. I have always been overweight my whole life, and knew in another 10 years I could possibly diagnosed with diabetes like my mother. I am on my way, and so far very healthy - hoping to continue that way in the future. I hope all goes well with you, and hope that more insurance companies and employers will realize how important it is for people to have access to the tools they need to become healthy, and prevent future health problems that would in turn cost them more money in the future.

Hi Sarah, I just wanted to wish you well. I did not do my surgery in the states since I had to self pay and I went to Mexico. I am so glad I did the surgery and am thrilled with my results thus far. I still have a long way to go. But I feel so much better and healthier. It is a huge step and life changing. Words of wisdom---take it day by day and stick to the plan. Don't expect to lose the weight overnight as you more than likely did not gain it overnight. I had the VSG surgery. It is purely restrictive without any big mal absorbtion issues. Good luck to you and I do wish you well. I love your nickname 4xblessed! Cathy

Congrats on your success so far!  Amazing that you went to Mexico to have it done.....not sure that is in the cards for me.  With 4 kids relying on me it has to be in town or not at all.  Good luck to you and your health journey! Sarah

I, too, was a self-pay in Mexico, 2 years ago. Just last week, however, I was in the care of Dr. Gould and team due to a slip of my band. They did a great job. My healthcare will not cover the cost of the surgery to repair the slip, which is somewhat upsetting due to the fact that it was a medical emergency; my stomach was completely obstructed. Still, even if I have to pay for that out of pocket, having the band is the best thing I have EVER done. My original goal was to be a size 12, I'm wearing a 6 or an 8, something I never, ever thought I would be able to do. I'm down 110 from my all-time high, and 75 since banding 2 years ago. It's so worth it - I recommend it to everyone who wants to live life like a "normal" person and never, ever wants to feel ashamed of how they look. Personally, I think that all insurance companies should cover this - it's ridiculous that they will cover treatment for high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, but not a simple laprascopic surgery with 1 day in the hospital. It's so wrong. Much success to you! Laura D.