Hi,

I'm in such despair. I started at Dr. Mitchell's over a year and a half ago, and switched to Duke because of the distance to travel (I live in Raleigh), and b/c they were pressuring me to have the RNY.

Well, now I've been at Duke for over a year, paying for all of the tests again when I can in, then AGAIN after they lost my file for three months and the test results "expired." Plus, even though I told them that I was switching to them because they supposedly are happy to do the lap-band, they are pressuring me to have the RNY.

Now, they are saying that my thyroid is too high (though it's 3.9, and under 5.5 is supposed to be okay.)

I really don't think that anyone wants to give me the lap-band since my insurance will pay for either. Is there a higher profit margin on the RNY? I've done everything they've asked, and I'm no closer.

Does anyone know of a Dr in NC who will do the lap-band without giving me incredible bs about the RNY being better?

I really need help.

Thanks!

I wish a knew of a good doctor in NC. What is a RNY?

I hear that insurance companies are starting to pay as little as $900 to surgeons for the Lap-Band. RNY and Gastric Bypass are $4-6k to surgeons.

This guy is one of the best, but he is located in Greensville. I don't think we are supposed to put phone numbers on here, but his name is Ken MacDonald and he specializes in lap banding. Why not shoot him off an e.mail at macdonald@ecu.edu and ask some questions. You might also check out the N. Carolina thread on here to get some more input.

If it's not too far a drive for you, Dr Voellinger (Southeast Bariatrics) in Charlotte and Dr. Roc Baumann in Concord regularly do Lap-Band surgeries. They are both held in high regard around here.

Dr. Voellinger did mine and many others in the area. Although RNY still seems to be the # 1 choice, he has been very honest with me about the band. I feel very comfortable with him, he is an honest man who will help you make the best choice for you.

Good luck.

What is a RNY?

Gloria, RNY is short for Roux-en-Y, one of the Gastric Bypass surgeries.

I went through Dr. Bauman in Concord and have been very pleased with his office. They do have a nutritional program that they require for a year post op....but I think it has helped me and for the most part has been worth it.

I am a Dr. Voellinger patient here and with him it's your choice what you want to have done. He tells you just like it is...but when you put your heart and soul into you can make the lap-band just as successfull. So if it's want you to do then I agree find a doctor that doesn't talk you into one over the other it's your body and your choice. Also Dr. Bauman in Concord is good from what I hear..and I don't think he tries to talk you into one over the other.

Good Luck....Please keep us posted on what is going on. If you are in Charlotte please let us know we would love to meet you.

For Dr. V you can request info @ info@southeastbariatrics.com

They have more experience doing the RNY and I'm sure it's more profitable with less risk because of that experience level - but this is your body and it should be your choice.

Having said that, your doctors know your medical history, I do not. Your doctors are making recommendations taking your medical history into consideration (at least if they're ethical they are). Get another couple of opinions and compare. If you keep getting the same reaction it's probably accurate.

Good luck to you on your weight loss journey whichever path you walk.

Here's my two cent's. I had a rny with dr bauman last week. When I think back to my consults which you are required to pay a fee upfront.

He discusses what surgeries he performs. He will not make any decisions or recommendations. If you are not a candidate he will tell you up front.

He doesn't do any sales pitches or anything like that. He presents the facts and then allows you to proceed. One word of caution, I was looking into lap band with dr bauman and the fee's for fills are billed at full cost and the submitted to the insurance company and they will reimburse you.

The other ladies on here would be better able to explain how this works.

I am a very $$ focused person and I did not want the extra fills to deal with that's why I felt RNY was best for Me.

Jen

The fills you pay for upfront at Dr. Baumans office, and it can be a bit pricey at least initially since he does his mostly under fluro at the hospital. I had a fill on the tenth and I pay dr. B's office 200. and was suppouse to pay the hospital another 198....but no one asked for anything there and I didn't go "hey you forgot to take my money" lol, so I assume they billed insurance. After this I will only have to pay my copay to dr. B's office and hospital fee if they make me. From what I understand the initial consult fee with Dr. B will be covered by MOST insurances you just have to pay up front and file for reinbursement...(they may file for you). I was unique in that I had already been approved by insurance when I went to Dr. B's office so I didn't have to pay this fee.