My employer added a new twist to bariartric surgery this year and that it can only be done at a "Institute of Quality". What that means is my husband cannot use the local doctor and hospital that I used in December and we will now have to travel to either Huntsville, AL (115 miles) or to Atlanta, GA (148 miles) to have surgery. Has anyone had their surgery at either Crestwood Medical Center in Huntsville, AL or Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, GA. Who was your doctor and would you recommend them? Thanks for any insight. The local hospital is suppose to be submitting their paperwork to become credential. They are already a Center of Excellance with Medicare and Blue Distinction with Blue Cross/Blue Shield. But my insurance is Aenta and their is "Institute of Quality". Since we may not want to wait until they get approved-who knows how long this will take, we are looking at all of our options.

I had my surgery done in Marietta, GA (which is very close to ATL). I am 99% sure it's considered an institute of quality. My mother and I had our surgeries done by Dr. Dennis C. Smith who is absolutely AMAZING. That man knows his stuff and he is so serious about everything. He's really good though. I had my surgery done at Kennestone Hospital.

I was in the same situation so I changed my surgeon to Dr S Scott Davis Jr. he came recommended by my first surgeon and a member on VST. He is associated with Emory University -Midtown Atlanta. I met with him and really like him and his office. I think his scheduling did not meet my expectations though. I was approved by insurance on 2/17/11 and it took a week for the doctor's office to call and schedule my pre-op testing for 3/16/11 (three weeks later). I still need a 2nd's surgeon's appt and then they will schedule surgery. I have no idea when my surgery date will be. It just seems to be taking a long time.

I had a great surgeon in Knoxville, TN and I am sure they work with you being out of town to do as much as possible in as few visits as they can.

His name is Dr Stephen Boyce @ New Life center for Bariatric Surgery, and they are a Quality Center.

2/7/11 pre-op - 254

2/22/11 surgery - 243

Today 3/6/11 - 228

down 26 lbs

I had my surgery Monday at Crestwood in Huntsville. It's a smaller hospital, but I have absolutely no complaints about my time there. The nurses were wonderful and my surgeon (Facundus) was great. I highly recommend!