travelchick

Hi everybody. I'm in Atlanta. I'm 34, never married, no kids. I do have a Jack Russell named Elwood. I'm not banded yet. I'm meeting several doctors in the next couple of weeks, searching for the perfect one for me. I'm self pay, so I'm hoping to have the surgery in the next month or so. Saturday I crossed a big hurdle when I called my dad and asked him to help me pay for this. I was concerned because my weight has been a sensitive issue between us my entire life. He's heavy, too, but is a firm believer in the double standard. I was afraid he'd say this was the "easy way out." Shockingly, he was supportive and agreed to help me pay for it. (If he hadn't agreed, I still would've paid for it by myself.) Now there's nothing in my way to starting a whole new life!

Hello everyone, I just started researching lap-band about four weeks ago. I'll be self-pay, so I'm shopping around for doctors in the Atlanta area. My first seminar is next week at the Atlanta Bariatric Center at Johns Creek. The next week, I have an appointment with Dr. Champion in Marietta, as well as a seminar in Albany, GA for Dr. Bagnato's practice. I'd love any advice or tips on this stage of the journey.

Hi ugagirl, I just made an appointment with Dr. Freeman's office for a seminar in two weeks. Their 4-hour session sounds pretty extensive. That will be a mighty early morning with the drive from Atlanta and the seminar starting at 8am! I'll let you know how it goes.

Hi ugagirl, I just checked out your doctor's website, and he and his staff sure do look friendly. Is it possible for you to give me a ballpark figure on his cheaper costs? That definitely piqued my interest.

Thanks, Diane. That is a very interesting website. I'll discuss this with some doctors and see how I feel about what they're advising. Ironically, one of the reasons I'm obsessing over a goal weight is for my ticker at the bottom of my messages!

Hi hopefulgirl, I just found out about Dr. Champion yesterday from a friend of mine who's being banded next week. She said she had done all of her pre-op testing, etc. at Emory, but was dissatified with their follow-up and lack of a "personal" touch. Dr. Champion was referred to her, and she loves everything about the office staff and doctor. They remember who she is every time and return calls/emails very quickly. I filled out the preliminary paperwork for Dr. Champion and faxed it in today. His office called me within an hour and booked my appointment to see the doctor. The staff person was very sweet and personable, definitely a Southern charm kinda thing. ("Sure thing, hon...") It made me feel like they care. I am also impressed by his experience that I read about on his site. I'll let you know how it goes after my appt. in a couple weeks. Please tell me your impressions of the doctors you've been researching, too. The more information any of us have, the better.

Hey everybody, I'm a newbie and started researching lap-band about a month ago. I have several seminars and appointments scheduled for the next few weeks. Can you give me any tips on what to expect or your opinions of the various doctors/clinics? I'll be self-pay, by the way. Next week, seminar at Atlanta Bariatric Center at Johns Creek. In two weeks, appointment with Dr. Champion in Marietta. 21/2 weeks, seminar in Albany, GA at Palmyra Medical Center. I'm so excited that I found out about this possibility for weight loss! For the first time I feel like there's actually hope!