Question:
Can you give me the name of a very experienced LAPAROSCOPIC surgeon near VA?

Hello. I am looking for a surgeon who has had plenty of good experience with laparoscpic surgery, and whose operating time for the lap Roux-eN-Y w/ gallbladder removal is under 4 hours. (Some really fast ones are under 2 hours, and speed increases with practice. Not to mention shorter operating times decrease complications!) I'm pre-approved for the surgery with Trigon BC/BS, and am in a hurry to get it done. Can travel if need be, but outside VA/DC would require special approval. Still,for a Trigon PPO provider who is fast and skilled, I'd travel! I will be in FL early this year, so that location is a possibility, too. Thanks, JM    — [Anonymous] (posted on December 12, 2000)

December 12, 2000
I think Dr. John Kellam in Richmond does it by lap. Then there is the Doctor in NC who coined the phrase "mini bypass"...And for the life of me I cannot remember his name. I am sure that someone will write and tell you who his name is! I could kick myself for not remembering LOL Hugs,
   — Marni

December 12, 2000
If you're willing to travel, Dr. JK Champion of Marietta, GA, is one of the pioneers in the area of lap RNY and is internationally recognized for his experience and expertise. Patients travel from all across the US to him. I can't speak to his operating time for lap RNY with gallbladder removal, but my lap RNY with lysis of extensive adhesions (from a previous gall bladder surgery) was only 1 hr.10min. If you would like more information, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. Good luck!
   — Diana T.

December 12, 2000
Hi...I'm from NC and my surgeon is Dr. Dennis Smith,Jr. in Marietta, GA. He does the LAP so you might want to check him out at www.ObesitySurgeryCenter.com and you can also reach him at [email protected] (he will reply).
   — TJSmith

December 13, 2000
I am getting my DS done Lap by Dr. Elariny in Northern Virginia. I just talked to him today and he said he did a distal RNY in under 2 hours. He is a Lap specialist and I feel very comfortable with him doing my surgery. He takes a little longer on the DS's. It's probably going to take him 3 hours to do me.
   — Anne D.

December 15, 2000
Dr. Kellum, Dr. DeMaria, and Dr. Sugerman all with Medical College of Virginia (MCV) here in Richmond perform Laproscopic surgery. (804)828-8000
   — [Anonymous]

January 8, 2001
Try Dr. Thomas Magnuson, Chief of Surgery at Johns Hopkins Bayview.
   — Toni T.

January 8, 2001
Try Dr. Elariny in Arlington, VA. He is the best! You can get his number from the website under doctor search.
   — Angela J.

April 6, 2001
Try Dr Michael Schweitzer in DC. He is getting ready to move to MD but he is really skilled and teaches this all over the country. He has a web site www.smallscar.com.
   — llcornwell