Hello out there! New-comer here with questions and thoughts!

Helly out there! My name is Rebecca and I have been considering the Lap Band for over a year now. Lasy year I went to a seminar and a consult with central caolina surgey in greensboro. I really liked the surgeon, but I was having such a hard time with the office staff. I didn't feel supported or cared about at all... so I put my journey on hold in hopes time would offer me some guidence. I've decided over the past few weeks that it is time for me to re-start my journey towards the band. However - I really do not want to go back to the local office that does the procedure. I'm very interested in the Dr. Bauman in Concord...it would mean some travel time - but the feedback from patients on the office staff and their support is exactly what I'd like. The drive would be about 50 minutes each way. I am a mother of three young children, so this would not be a simple task....but one I believe would be worth the challenge. I read briefly here that Dr. Fernandez in WS is doing the surgery now? Is this true? Last year when I called his office I was told he was unable to to do it due to a pull of BS at wake forest. Has this changed? I'm hoping for some feedback from those of you who are further in the journey than I....feedback on the offices you use...feedback on what you think about the travel I may be facing..etc...

I don't think that Dr. Fuzz is doing the Lap Band. He is my surgeon. I am having RNY on the 23rd of January. I also started out wanting to do the Lap band, then I looked into Mini Gastric Bypass and I am happy that I decided to do the RNY at Baptist. I am no trying to talk you into anything but after going to the seminar at Baptist with Dr Fuzz and his assistant Susan I was sold on the RNY. I also wasw able to talk and meet alot of people that had both types of WLS. I found that there were more satisfied people with the RNY than with the Lap Band. I have also talked with other people that have had the surgery with other surgeons other than Dr. Fuzz and they were satisfied with the RNY. I know 3 of Dr Fuzz's patients personally and one of then had the Lap Band. It wasn't the right thing for them. They came to Dr Fuzz about 2 years ago and had the RNY procedure. She is much happier now. I guess the key is to find a surgeon that you are comfortable with and choose a procedure that suits you. Good Luck! Christina

Hi Rebecca, I to am beginning my journey to making a major change. I am in the research and shopping for a MD. I am leaning toward the Lap Band but I am also looking at the RNY and the Fobi Pouch which I know that Dr. Bauman in Concord does. I plan to attend one of his seminars as soon as I can. This is a lot to consider, but do the research, and be honest with yourself regarding your food issues as I am. (I must say it is a hard look) I know that I am a sugar junkie and if I don't change that part of me I know that the Lap Band would not be for me. So I want to wish you luck on your path to weight loss success. God Bless!!!!

Merry Christmas, Rebecca! I am a patient of Dr. Fuzz Fernandez, also. I just had lap RNY on Dec. 15th and am doing absolutely GREAT! At our support group meeting on Dec. 21st, Dr. Fuzz made the announcement that he IS NOW doing Lap Bands and I know that the mess with BCBS and WFUBMC has been taken care of (I also have BCBS). Please contact his office and at least go to one of their seminars - I promise you WON'T be unhappy!

I just can't tell you how HAPPY I am to hear this!! I had wanted to go with him last year when I started the journey, and when I called his staff and they told me that he couldn't do it....they knew I wouldn't be their patient...but they were still so kind to me and helpful... I wished so much that the staff at CCS would be like Dr. Fernandez's staff. Now - just a year later - I CAN use them?! Isn't it funny how time has a way of making things better?? Thank you for your replies... I was so relieved to open my inbox to them this evening. My Thanks! Rebecca

Hi Rebecca, I live in Cary and just started researching about weight loss surgeries. I am really into lapband option but I do not know exactly where to go here in NC for the fills, after I get banded in Texas, by Dr. Benavides, one of the most famous lapdand doctors. I just need to find a place that will do the fills for me. I am a begginer on this issue, but have researched a lot on the procedure and professionals. I am really afraid of touching my internal organs and having problems later, with the lapband I know the mortality rate is near zero. ( I have 3 beautiful daughter to raise) =) I think we will look so beautiful after the weight is gone, I can't wait for this surgery. You may also contact me by phone, my number is 919 468-3168. I am Luciana. Good luck, Luciana

Hi, Rebecca. I have Federal BCBS and WFUBMC does take BS now. for a while they didn't, but the contract was renegotiated. Dr Fernandez is the best. He's the sweetest thing and is an excellent surgeon. Give him a call back and talk to Susan, his nurse. He really cares about his patients and has a good reputation. Good luck to you!! janet