So, after 12 months of dealing with insurance requirements, I had an appointment with the surgeon yesterday. I never really chose a surgeon, they kinda just stuck me with one. Last year, I had an appt with his nurse practitioner and she went over the band and everything, so there was no surprise what surgery I was choosing.

When the surgeon came in, he made me feel so bad about my decision to get the lap-band that I was actually second guessing my choice and thinking I should maybe get the sleeve. I get that lap-band statistics aren't as strong as bypass and sleeve, but he was being so ridiculous. He said my BMI was WAY too high to get the band, way higher than his 45 BMI cut-off.. (i'm 7 lbs away from 44.9) so he was being very dramatic. Finally after his lecture of how I wouldn't be successful with the band, he refused to continue to be my surgeon and told me see the other surgeon at his office and see if he might give me the band. So, I left the office a wreck and crying and had to come back in 2 hours to meet with the other surgeon.

Luckily, that surgeon told me he thinks I'd be a great candidate for the band because I'm young and have a lot of motivation. So, within the next 2 weeks, I should be hearing about surgery date! Hopefully i'll be a March bander!!! I hate that the original surgeon made me doubt something I've been SO SURE of for the last 12 months. I knew I didn't want the evasive sleeve, and I really think the band will be the best thing for me. So, even though the day started out rocky, I ended up with a much better surgeon, that actually believes in me. So happy.

Wow! You would think people in such a capacity to make a change would be a bit more sensitive. I guess no matter how long you go to school to obtain a degree, it doesn't change one's personality. What a but-hole!!!!! I'm glad he at least had the decency to suggest you see another surgeon. Glad it turned out well for you. Good luck.

no haha richmond va

I'm in Richmond VA and about to have surgery on April 10. What doctor please!!!!!

Was it by any chance Dr. Schroeder at Short Pump?

Did you ever go to Dr. Schroeder Annette?

Haha. Dr. Bautista was my surgeon (2007). His bedside manner is lacking, to say the least. He's a great surgeon, but when I go for visits, I only see Jeannine, the NP, or Maya. They are both wonderful and see you as a person.

Did you ever go to Dr. Schroeder Annette?

Yes he did the original lap band surgery for me. I had to switch to Dr. Carmody to get him to repair the damage Dr. Schroeder did. I only see Maya for my adjustments now. I absolutely love her!

Yes, I love Maya. She did my first initial appointment last year. If only the rest of the office staff (minus carmody) could be a little more friendly. I cant stand the PSRs.

Haha. Dr. Bautista was my surgeon (2007). His bedside manner is lacking, to say the least. He's a great surgeon, but when I go for visits, I only see Jeannine, the NP, or Maya. They are both wonderful and see you as a person.

The initial surgeon was Dr. Bautista. I'm now working with Dr Carmody.

no haha richmond va

I'm in Richmond VA and about to have surgery on April 10. What doctor please!!!!!

Edited March 17, 201412 yr by betty_s

My daughter got brainwashed into having the sleeve. Her surgeon told her she would most likely fail with the lapband. Well, my daughter did not know I had lapband so I told her. She was shocked I had WLS. However, her surgeon told her he stopped doing lapbands because of the high failure rate with his patients. That got me mad and I told her that her surgeon was wrong because there are success stories in all WLS.

My daughter has lost a lot of weight with the sleeve but I worried about it because it is more invasive. Thank God I have a surgeon who is pro-lapband!