info groups/surgeons in Macon area

Hi everyone, I am new to OH and recently decided to begin researching WLS. I have found this site very useful, but have not found much information on surgeons in the Macon area. Of course, this could be because there aren't any, but I thought I would give it a shot on the message board before deciding on an out-of-town doctor. Thanks for providing such a great resource! Stacy

Hi Stacy from Macon, I'm Barb from Macon! Welcome! You've already found what a useful site this can be. You are sure to find the support and probably a few new friends too here As for Doc's in Macon... there are none! One of the closer Docs is mine, very easy to get to his office and has a great personality and a great office staff is Dr. Clarence Hixon. I can get you more info if you decide you'd like to check him out. I am a preop, I've had my consult with Hixon and have started on all my preop appointments that are required. I didn't pass my stress test tho so I am at a temporary road block. I go for a heart cath. on Tuesday to find out exactly what the problem is. You'll also want to try and visit the support group in Warner Robins called minimees. They are a friendly bunch with lots of experience. They've all either had the surgery or are preops, like us. I can get you that info too. They meet the 1st and 3rd tuesday of the month. Its means alot to do your research with this surgery to be sure it is the right decision for you. I'm so excited to get my surgery done and move on to my new life. As a Loser... I hope you continue to post and email me anytime if you have any questions or just want to chat. Let me know where in Macon you are. Best Wishes, Barb

Hi Barb! Best of luck to you on your journey! Thanks so much for your reply to my original inquiry. I went to the minimees meeting on Tuesday and it was a great resource! I had found a bunch of negative information on the surgery the night before and was feeling much more hesitant before I went to the meeting last night. Now I'm doing more and more research... I live in south Bibb County, closer to Warner Robins actually. Although I was a little disappointed to find there are no doctors in this area performing the surgery, I'm sure I won't mind driving to Atlanta to feel comfortable with a surgeon. Thanks for sharing your info! Stacy

Hi Stacy, and Welcome.... As Barb said, they aren't doing this surgery in Macon or anywhere in Central GA now. It is truly best to go to Atlanta. There are alot of good surgeons up there. My surgeon was John Daly, and I recommend him highly. Other surgeons names you will hear are Dr's Duncan, Champion, Macik, Appell. (And others I can't think of at 6am) Just make sue to check them all out and ask lots of questions of their office before you make any appts. Good Luck to you as you start your journey. Hollar if you have any questions. Susan Lap RNY 12-1-04 285-222-155 (-63)

Susan, Thanks so much for the info! Stacy

Stacy, There was a group in Macon that was performing the surgery. However my friend died at the hands of those surgeons. So I cant say whether they are still doing the surgery or not. What I can advise is that better Doctors or those that I entrusted my life to are in Atlanta. I used Dr. Hixon. Love him and his staff. Welcome to the board and on your journey. Be glad to assist you anyway I can. Lynn 243/148

Understand that I really feel for your loss. Its very unfortunate that your friend passed away.I pray that your friend was a christain and ready to meet the Lord. It is quite unfair that the Dr is to blame .. there are many reasons and complications that can come up that we are all made aware of and know before agreeing to take the chance and have this major surgery. Your friend made the choice to take this chance. I am one of many ... and repeat many that used the Dr's with great success in Macon and the community has a big loss due to insurance rates and the world of sue the Dr. God Bless Everyones Journey, Sheila -115# Very Healthy & Best care from the Dr's in Macon

Lynn, Thanks so much for sharing your info and your friend's story. Every little bit of info helps. Best wishes to you, Stacy

Hello from Byron! I just had my WLS (RNY) on Feb 10th by Dr. Appel (he is up by Atlanta too). I do not think there are any certified WLS surgeons here in middle Ga. I belong to the support group Minimees - why don't you come join us? We are meeting tomorrow night at 7 pm - at the Flint Electric building on hwy 96. Feel free to email me if you wish