Question:
Has anyone had to travel to another state for Surgery?

I live in the Tampa Bay area, in Florida. There are no AGB surgeons in my area and I don't want to go to just ANY surgeon, simply beause he is "closen to home". Has anyone had to travel and if so where do I start???    — Smellycat (posted on September 2, 2002)

September 2, 2002
Yes, I used a wonderful Program Called Compass. I traveled from NM to Baton Rouge, LA. My surgery was done 8/23/02 and I traveled home 8/29/02 feeling very good! In fact I feel great. I am already feeling a change in energy and have a desire to walk and exercise (something I lacked before). I went to Dr. Andrew Hargroder and had LAP RNY Medial. I am so far more than happy with it! I was scared to death to travel but with the Compass program all the complicated stuff was taken care of for me! Jessica
   — jessmessen

September 2, 2002
I went through Compass as well. I traveled from New Mexico to Texas. Not much of a trip, but it was all taken care of by Compass. I felt the same way: I want to have someone dedicated to this surgery and not just in the neighborhood. Check out www.compasswls.com to get the ball rolling.
   — Carolynn J.

September 2, 2002
I am still pre-op but am traveling to PA for my open RNY. I live in NC. I don't really have any advice on how to find the surgeon you are looking for except to not give up. It was easy for me because I found BTC. Good luck with your search and God bless! I'm sorry I couldn't be much help
   — Rebekah A.

September 2, 2002
I went to San Diego, Ca because I specifically wanted Dr Wittgrove (he did Carnie Wilson)... I live in Las Vegas, NV and we only had one surgeon who did this type of surgery, he wasnt the right Dr for me so I ventured out, finally deciding on Dr Wittgrove. What I did is started calling around for prices of hotels and started making sure I would have enough money to cover a 10 day stay there, which was the required amount of time I had to stay there. Dont choose a Dr just because he is in your area, pick one you know you can be happy with and trust. Basically you will want to save save save...and research alot.
   — Deanna Wise

September 2, 2002
I traveld from GA to WA to have my last surgery. I would go to the find a doc section and insurers section and research the docs that way. I also went to peers section and emailed patients of my doc that had my same insurance and asked questions about the doc, his practice, etc.. aftercare, before care.. Take care.. good luck on your journey.. If you want to .. feel free to email me privately at [email protected] Hugs,
   — Gina Landers

September 2, 2002
Florida has some EXCELLENT WLS surgeons; Hocking & Rout at UF/Shands, Thoburn and McGregor at North Florida Regional in Gainesville, Marema in Ft Lauderdale ($$$), Jawad in Ocala, Liem in WPB... their patients all swear by them. I had Dr Hocking in Gainesville- he was great! Good Luck!
   — Rebecca T.

September 6, 2002
For one year I hit 'roadblocks' everywhere in my own state[WV] and the surrounding states[OH<KY<VA]. I found Dr. Hocking via the internet and really feel it was just meant to be this way. I live 800 miles away from Gainesville, FL., but the Lord makes a way.
   — Georgianne Faith W.