I moved this from pre-op to post op based on some good advice there----I'm trying to find out who has lost 100 pounds or more. Also, who was your doctor and how far out since surgery are you? Also, what was the doctors personality like? Last part, how long did it take you from intake to surgery date? For these question, Im mainly looking for responses from people who have had surgery inside the United States.

The reason why Im asking is because now that I have insurance, its time to pick a doctor. I want a doc that has a proven track record for success, and not from reviews on their website, but from real live people on the boards. I do know that I will have to also extensively research on my own, but Im trying to find out who has worked for YOU!

Im hoping that I get LOTS of responses! I am on here EVERY day and hope you all can guide me in the right direction!

Thanks in advance!!

I moved this from pre-op to post op based on some good advice there----I'm trying to find out who has lost 100 pounds or more. Also, who was your doctor and how far out since surgery are you? Also, what was the doctors personality like? Last part, how long did it take you from intake to surgery date? For these question, Im mainly looking for responses from people who have had surgery inside the United States.

The reason why Im asking is because now that I have insurance, its time to pick a doctor. I want a doc that has a proven track record for success, and not from reviews on their website, but from real live people on the boards. I do know that I will have to also extensively research on my own, but Im trying to find out who has worked for YOU!

Im hoping that I get LOTS of responses! I am on here EVERY day and hope you all can guide me in the right direction!

Thanks in advance!!

I have lost over 100 lbs!! 115 actually. I am 7 months post-op. I lost 40lbs pre-op during my 3 month "physician supervised" weight loss. My surgeon was Dr. Pinnar in Jax, Fl. He was quiet, no nonsense type of guy. But at the same time he has a couple of jokes up his sleeve (its kinda cute, he obviously only has a couple up his repertoire that he repeats). I felt totally safe with him. He is very, super, ultra cautious about leaks. So he does everything he can to prevent them.

I went to my first information session on 4/5/11... my first appt was on 5/4/11 and my surgery was 9/19/11. So I suppose the entire journey took 5 1/2 months.

My best advice on picking a surgeon is to go to an information session or an support group. Most of the time the surgeon is there and that is a really good chance to feel them out and see if you like them or not. They are also generally free, and you can meet people and talk in person.

Good luck!!! Hopefully we'll be welcoming you to the loser's bench soon!