Hi, I just wanted to introduce myself. I am 27 years old and live in the Durham area. I have been on this board almost everyday for past couple of months and finally decided to post. I am presently considering the lap band procedure. Well I guess I am past considering. I had an appointment with my Dr on March 3rd and she recommended I do a sleep study. Once I complete my sleep study and get my blood work back, she will write my recommendation for the procedure. Hopefully, my insurance co. (UHC) will cover the procedure.

I just have a few question/comments:

1) Surgeons- I would prefer a surgeon near me, but I don't see very many experienced surgeons in this area. One of the surgeons my doctor gave me recently retired and the other is in Pinehurst. I would like to first look at my closes options & the go further away. I will drive if I have too. I want to a great surgeon.

2) Time off pre-surgery- From reading Duke's website, I could finish all the preliminaries in less than 2 days. I want the least amount of time off work as possible. What were your experiences with this?

3) Another Surgeon ?- How do I go about researching surgeons? I found a few websites that tell the # of surgeons completed, etc. Are there any good sites with a lot of info? Where can I find the info that the doctors won't tell me about themselves? I am interested in anything open to the public.

I don't mean to go on forever. I think this is really all I have for now. I appreciate any helpful info you all can provide. And thanks!!!

Welcome!

Depending upon the company that sponsors your insurance, UHC is usually among the most liberal where WLS is concerned.

I'm not familiar with doctors in the Durham area, be there are a couple of good, well known and respected doctors in the Charlotte area. Dr. David Voellinger at Southeast Bariatrics in Charlotte, and Dr. Roc Bauman in Concord. Otherwise, I believe Inamed's website also provides doctors by geographic location?

As for pre-surgery time off, most doctors/insurances require a psychological and nutrition evaluations before they go to your insurance. In addition, they may require blood work, EKG, chest x-rays, etc. prior to the actual surgery. Some tests may be determined based upon your consultation. I haven't had to take a full days off for any of these; they've all been done in office settings and it's been an hour or two here and there. I'm sure it may also depend upon the doctor & hospital where your surgery is being done.

Beyond the Inamed site, I got a lot of information right here from other patients who have experience with the doctors. I'm sure there are others on this sight from your area, but can't recall who they saw for their surgeries.

I hope this helps? I imagine some of the other folks will chime in too.

Again Welcome!

Mrs Sabre,

Thank you so much for replying. I am going now to check out the Inamed website.

Dr. Bauman & Dr. Voellinger's name has come up a lot. I will definitely check look into them as well...

Thanks for the warm welcome!!!!

Welcome Skyblu79....I am so glad you posted...there seems to be more trianlgle people popping up. Maybe ya'll could start a monthly get together like we do here in Charlotte. I can't say enough about the support you get from here. It's like close family.

For you questions...couldn't agree more w/ Karen. I am Dr. Voellinger patient here and I have been VERY happy with him. I too don't know any doctors up that way. Maybe some one from that area will pop up w/ a couple for you.

Good Luck....and please ask as many questions as you need.

Hi Gordonfamily3,

It would be really nice to have group here in the triangle. Hopefully I will get a chance to check out the Charlotte group.

Thanks!!