Help Finding a surgeon

Hi my name is kerrie. I am having a very hard time finding a surgeon to do my surgery. I already have an approval. I had a surgeon but due to my high bmi he has now said that he can't do my surgery until I lose 60 lbs. I am afraid my husbands insurance company will quit covering this surgery at the end of this year. Does anyone no a surgeon that takes Blue Choice HMO and does not have a BMI restriction. I know I am going to die without this surgery. Also if anyone has any sugestions on weight loss doctors in the Marietta area that would be helpful.Thank you. Kerrie

I sent you an e-mail...I hope you get it. If you didn't send me an e-mail directly at [email protected] and I'll send it again to you! Dee Dee

My doctor has operated on some of the highest BMI cases in Georgia - BUT - I have heard lately that he will soon not be seeing any cases of patients over 300 pounds due to the liability insurance premiums. Get hold of him quick and hopefully you can get in! (ps he doesn't require any weight loss before surgery) Dr. Appel (surgical weight management associates) 404-501-7081 His operates in Dekalb (next to Atlanta) Good luck !! Kia 284/202/155

Kerrie, I had to lose 50 pounds before surgery. I used Emory Bariatrics and they helped me every step of the way. I saw the nutritionist to plan how I was going to get the pounds off and they were great. It took me about 5 months but I had no post-op complications and they were able to do my surgery lap. I also have Blue Choice HMO. Good luck to you! Teresa

Dr. Ryland Scott in Rome may be able to help you out. If you decide to call, talk with Ginger his assistant. She could give you the information that you need. He is an excellent surgeon too.

Hi Kerrie!! My name is MaryAnn. I live in Savannah and my BMI is 52. I am 330 lbs and I am going to use Dr Champion out of Marietta!!! He has done over 2,800 surgeries and all have been a success. He goes up to 500 lbs I heard just for liposcopic but does surgery on bigger patients. check out his website www.drchampion.com you will be very impressed!! I hear he is the Best!! Good Luck and let me know what you find out. My email at home is [email protected] or [email protected]. Take Care!! and Good Luck!!

Hi Kerrie, My BMI was 68 originally. Dr. Champion was my surgeon, he is in Marietta and is absolutely fabulous, very experienced and very low complication rate and only 2 deaths out of more than 2000 surgeries. I did have to lose 50 lbs before surgery, which was not too bad. Dr. C only does laparoscopic surgery, he does not do open and he does do high BMI's. He has operated on people that weigh as much as 660 lbs. I have BCBS of Ga., he is out of network and they paid him @ 70%, they paid 100% of the hospital bill. We paid $4100.00 out of pocket, for me it was well worth it, my husband says best money we ever spent. There is never another charge, this includes all post-op visits or whatever comes up. Excellent after care, support group, online chat, excercise with certified trainer, all free. He participates in the after care support groups/online chat, so he is always accessible. As they tell you, you are his patient for life. The staff really helps you move through the process quickly. If you are concerned about your ins. making changes for 2006, getting your surgery by the end of the year is quite doable with this office, they don't drag their feet at all. I hear Dr. Smith (seems like his first name might be Dennis) same Marietta/Woodstock vacinity is quite good, he did a friend's surgery and he is in network but the turn around time is slower but you might be able to get through the process by years end. Best wishes to you whoever you choose. HTH Meso