Question:
I'm a self-pay trying to find a surgeon where I don't have to wait 3-6 months! Ideas?

   — John D. (posted on February 26, 2001)

February 26, 2001
You could check out my surgeon, Dr.Dennis Smith at www.ObesitySurgeryCenter.com He does the RNY and the BPD/DS. Hope this helps.
   — TJSmith

February 26, 2001
It really depends on which surgery you want. The results are different with each surgery, with each post-op plan. My husband and I have maintained our goal weights for several years now with good health. Our docs are Fox (Tacoma, WA) and Oh (Federal Way, WA).
   — vitalady

February 26, 2001
My daughter was private-pay, and was offered a date within 3 weeks of her consultation appointment. Our surgeon is Dr. James K. Champion of Marietta, GA (just north of Atlanta). Web site: www.drchampion.com. Good luck!
   — Diana T.

February 27, 2001
Try Dr. Bruderer in Bismarck, ND
   — Cindy H.

February 27, 2001
I had two friends who have used Dr. I. Nazarian, a member of the American Bariatric Assoc. They were/are very pleased with him. He does the surgery out of Temple Hospital in Las Angeles, CA. They each had their surgeries within a month's time----and that included the insurance approval time! You state you'll be self pay so it shoud really go quickly for you. The coordinator of that program is a very competent gentleman who's also had WLS. Just give him a call at Weigh to Freedom and he'll tell you anything you'd like to know. His numbers: (213) 387-0643, cell (562) 260-1109. Best of Luck!
   — kat P.