Hello everyone,

I live in the DC & MD area, has anyone out there had the lapband surgery here. If so can you recommend a good Doctor. I have done some research on a couple of doctors and I would like to know if anyone have tried Dr. Marc Rickford at Providence Hospital. If so please let me know. Thanks:help:

Thanks for the information. I am looking at the band as a tool to keep me from exactly what you are saying. To remeind me that it is there and I need to stick to my commitment. I have yoyoed so many times, I really just want to lose it and keep it off. How can he eat like that? I thought if the band was tight, it would not allow for food to travel through or you would get full and vomit if you abuse it? Regardless, if you go through this, you have made a big commitment to change. I final one for me!

How have you been eating? Did you have it in March? I was confused with the info? I am getting excited about it. three weeks to go!

He has stretched everything out so much that he can do whatever he pleases. It's crazy. I am scheduled for my surgery on May 25. I don't have any pre-op diet to follow, so I'm pretty much eating whatever I want. But, I'm trying to start making some of the changes that I'll have to make post-band like cutting down my sodas so I can give them up, taking vitamins, working in protein, etc. I'm also trying to get some exercise in, but these days are pretty hectic and it's usually the first thing to drop off the schedule. One big thing I have to work on!

I live in Southern Maryland and I had my surgery with Dr. Barry greene at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital. I worked at Southern Maryland Hospital and I would not get my surgery done there. You need to go to a hospital that has dedicated bariatric staff like Shady Grove, GW, Georgetown or Inova Fairfax. You also need to go to a Bariatric Surgeon and not just a general surgeon.Dr. Greene and his staff are wonderful and the Hospital couldn't have been any more friendly and caring.

Tweetygirl,

Glad all went well at your doctor's. I live in northern Virginia and I am going to a hospital in Richmond, Commonwealth Surgeons. I picked them over Fairfax group due to others that went to them. No one for Band but gastric bypass. I met the doctor in person last week and he was a bit dry and had a slow response to humor, but that is a sergeon. His staff that does much of the people work are fantastic. St. Mary's hospital have a floor, or section of a floor, for weight loss surgery only. The nurses have gone through special triainings. I guess there is a new certification for hospital nurses now that they told us about at one of our meetings. Not sure since my date is June 7, that will be impacted. But it does mean they are all dedicated to one area of medicine.

when is your date?

I am not sure anyone would go to a generic surgeon.