who to use?

I have recently made the decision to have WLS and have found out who my insurance will cover. Now I just need help choosing a surgeon. Who do ya'll suggest, and who should I stay away from? Irronically I'm having good "gut feelings" (lame joke but true feeling) about Drs. Burrows, and Daniel Smith, I have no info on them, just a feeling. Any thoughts? Thanks for all your help!!! Jessica

Jessica, I've heard good things about Dr Burrows. I would gather info here and then make an appt with several Surgeons or attend there seminars and then make your decision from there. GOod Luck and keep us posted! Tonya

I agree with Tonya, I think it is a good idea to consider a few surgeons before you make this very important decision. Maybe gather a list of questions to ask each doctor and make a choice based on their answers, and the feeling you get from the doctor and their staff. Also consider which hospital they do surgery at. Good Luck Debbie J Duncan patient 01-14-02 lap-rny 01-15-02 leak repair surgery (non smoker, non steroid taker) 01-29-02 surgery to see if I had another leak, NO thank goodness SEVERE COMPLICATIONS 45 days in ICU, 33 days kept alive via ventilator 30 days in a rehab hospital, had to learn to walk again Now, one happy girl.........LUCKY to be alive

Jessica, I agree with the rest of the group. My MD is Dr Hart from Suwannee, which is not far at all from where you are in Stockbridge. He is wonderfule. But I had to research myself before I chose one. He has had great success. the main thing you want to look for is nice consistant office staff as well as the dr himself, statistics for success and failure, problems experienced, etc. Good luck on your journey and we will help how ever you need it. D'Lynn

IT UP TO U BUT I CHOSE PEACTREE SURGICAL DR DUNCAN AND HOBSON THEY ARE WONDERFUL SURGIANS AND THE MAIN REASON I CHOSE DUNCAN WAS THAT HE DEVELOPED THE LAP PROCEDURE FOR GASTRIC BYPASS HE IS A WONDERFUL MAN ARE WANTING OPEN OR LAP THATS ANOTHER DECESION YOU WILL HAVE TO MAKE ALSO

Hello. Dr. Paul Macik did my surgery and I am very happy with him. He is a wonderful surgeon who is really caring and takes plenty of time for you. His office is next to Northside Hospital. He does surgery out of Northside, North Fulton & Dunwoody Emory. He is chief of surgery at Dunwoody Emory. Good luck with your WLS journey! ~Bonnie

Dawn I must ask you this, where did you get the information that Duncan developed the lap procedure for gastric by-pass??? Color me confused?? Debbie J

I believe I heard this too. Or, he developed a tool when doing the Laproscopic surgery...I think that was it...a tool that cauterized (spelling?) and cut at the same time. I think I remember him stating this at the initial information seminar, am I right, Dawn?

I used Dr Hart also and drove from Dallas, GA to use him. I have several friends who used him and recommended him to me and after a lot of research, I chose to use him also. He is actually pretty quiet. He does not say a lot, but he is a wonderful surgeon and that is the most important thing. Carol

I went to Dr. Burrowes because I wanted the Fobi pouch and he studied directly under Dr. Fobi. Second reason, I didn't want a lap procedure. I wanted 'open'. I know that's against the current norm, but I've had two laps because of endometriosis and never wanna go thru laps again. The gas they fill you up with is more painful than the surgery (my opinion, of course). Good Luck. Kerry