Total Disappointment

Im having the exact same problem. I still cant find a surgeon who meets all my qualifications....they are all so far away..its so hard to see a doctor repeatedly if u have to travel many hours one way....some of them are good about providing good out-of-state options...but thier stil not very easy. I hope ur search goes well in the end and u find someone u can get to.

don't let travelling for a surgeon stop you from getting your DS.  I was afraid of that at first but, after researching all of my options the 3.5 hour drive to my surgeon is nothing compared to settling for another surgery because I wanted a local doctor.  My surgeon is very up front with my PCP and willing to "educate" him so he can help me.  Don't give up Dawn keep looking you will find what you are looking for.

I'm not gonna let it stop me. Hopefully my husband will be as supportive, lol....I think I will check out the one who comes into the Dallas area, I'm about 4 half hours from there. I will research some more and get the ball moving soon hopefully. Thank you, Dawn

I understand that everyone would like to have a surgeon who has done hundreds of DS's but you know, if the number of surgeons who do the DS is to grow they have to start somewhere.  I used a surgeon who has 15 year with RNY but about a year ago started doing the DS.  I was very impressed with his orientation and  I am very satisfied with him as a surgeon.  He did good for me.  Talk to patients who have used the surgeon and  take it from there.  I did and I am very satisfied with my choice. Regina

I'm somewhat of a Rabkin groupie--and he hasn't even cut me yet-- so I'm going to San Fran to have my surgery. He comes to many cities monthly and does info sessions/support groups/individual look-sees. In between, he works closely with your PCP to get your labs, etc. done to minimize your trips to San Fran. I saw him last night in Chicago and he did a quick, private check on someone's LBL incisions (he does reconstructive surgery too). I checked his site and he comes monthly to the Dallas area, I don't know how far that is from you. Here's the info I found:

Dallas 2nd Saturday of the month. 11am-1pm. 2427 Carrick St, Farmers Branch. Call or email Ellen Yates, 1-972-968-4379.

I'd call or email Ellen (who is a local) and ask questions. I'm sure she can help you. If anyone else wants info on Dr. Rabkin's out of town stuff, you can check out his site at: www.paclap.com I hope this helps. Nicolle

Just wanted to say HI Dawn.  Stormy is stopping in Katy today to buy a necklace.  I'll make sure to let her know you're in her area.  (btw, she flew to Baltimore to have lap with Dr. Schweitzer)

I flew from Alabama to San Francisco for my revision with Dr. Husted.  Dr. Robert Rabkin assissted him.  Both have 100's of surgeries under their belt.  Dr. Husted is now on his own and still in San Fransisco and does a wonderful job with over the  phone follow-up, works closely with your PCP and responds quickly when you email him.  His email address is j[email protected] if you want to contact him..

Hi,   Wow you did fly a ways. I'm sure it was worth it. THank you, Dawn

It's sad, huh? My best friend lived in Houston - I went with her to Spain for her conversion from failed VBG to DS almost 5 years ago.  Her feeling was - did it once and found out the WRONG way to have it done, why not go where it's done the RIGHT way! If you have to travel it's really not that big of a deal.  (Seriously - I know it sounds daunting, but it's so doable!)  The first part is making sure you have  PCP who is in your court - who will be an advocate for you, who is willing to learn, and willing to cooperate with your surgeon.  The next part is finding the surgeon you feel is for you - don't let geography scare you.  Just choose the surgeon you feel is most qualified to handle your case and start the process of communicating with him/her about what your particular situation. THOUSANDS of us go out of the country for surgery.  Pretty much 99% of us never go back to our surgeon for follow-up - we have PCP's who handle (in cooperation with our surgeons) our post-op care. It's totally doable.  Let me know if I can help at all, okay? Blessings, dina

I'm with Dina on this one. I LAUGH at a 3 hour travel time! I flew to Brazil and paid for the DS myself rather than have the RnY paid for, 10 miles from my door! Just keep searching. You've decided upon a surgery type, now you just have to find your surgeon! Dianne from FL