I had to switch because my insurance wouldn't pay for my original choice, Dr. Olsen at Centennial in Nashville. I chose to go with Dr. McGrath-Weaver in Memphis, and I am so glad I did!

No offense meant to folks who had Dr. Olsen as their surgeon, but I just wasn't very comfortable around him, once I had my consult with him. He didn't have a very positive attitude about the lap-band, and even made a comment about how people getting the band weren't as committed to losing weight as people who chose RNY. To be quite honest, his bedside manner sucked. Plus, he didn't have much experience with bands, only about 25 or so, according to OH. I was really quite relieved to learn that my insurance company wouldn't pay for him, because I was having some severe second thoughts about having him as my surgeon.

Dr. Weaver, on the other hand, is a wonderful woman. She has a lot more experience with banding, having performed over a hundred when she was doing her fellowship. I met her for the first time this past Wednesday, and I was very impressed with her. She went into all of the possible side effects of the band, without basically telling me that I wasn 't committed, like Dr. Olsen did. She really seemed to care about me and my success, which means a lot. I mean, bedside manner (or lack there-of) isn't a deal-breaker, but it helps a lot.

Laurend,

I love a good bedside manner too. I glad this worked out for you.

I'm looking foward to reading about your journey. Getting into smaller size clothes is always a thrill for all of us.

edie

I love a good bedside manner too. I glad this worked out for you.

Yep, it's important. Not as important as their experience, but if I had to choose between two equally experienced surgeons, and one was nice to me while the other one wasn't, I'd go with the nice one.

Getting into smaller size clothes is always a thrill for all of us.

I can't wait.

I'll definitely post some updates. It may be several days after my surgery before I will be able to post, though. My mom wants to baby me since this is my first surgery, so I might not have access to the internet for a while.

I saw Dr. Weaver today for the first time. I switched doctors because of his bedside manner too! I am so glad for the switch!!! Cool that we are going to the same doc! Have you attended any of the support groups yet?

No, I haven't. I live about 6 or so hours from Memphis, so I am doing this long-distance.

Dr. Weaver's great, isn't she? She really seems to care about her patients. There are some other patients of hers around here, too. Lee in the Mississippi forum is one of hers.

i found out how to get the ticker!!! how cool. I am new to this site and am excited to find out all of the benefits and support from it! I would love pointers!