<p>I have scheduled seminars w/ 3 different docs here in GA. I want to find out all I can, am an avid researcher. The three docs I am considering are Dr. McKernan, Dr. Lin, and Dr. Dennis Smith. I was wanting to hear from former/current patients and hear your stories!! Any info will be helpful.</p> <p> Thanks!!</p>

Hi, If you are speaking of Dr. Edward Lin at Emory, he is awesome. I am hoping to be banded by him this month or next month. I met him in April and since then we have spoke often. He is very supportive and his listens to you. Unlike other surgeons who just tell you what they want you to know. I have had 2 consults with him and left feeling like i was making the best decision i will ever make in my life. Just waiting on BCBS to approve me and I hopefully i will be banded soon.

Good luck with you decision.

Thanks buttercup for your response. One of my best friends was banded by him approx 1-2 yrs ago and she is doing great, has lost 70-80 pounds so far with not much more to go. I was just trying to see if anyone else had any experiences here in Georgia. I go to one of Dr. Lin's seminars in November and can't wait. If you don't mind me asking, what kind of BCBS do you have? I have the POS and have a written exclusion policy but my friend has the same exact policy and her band was approved. I hope I'm that lucky!! Keep me posted on your experience. Where do you live??

Good Morning. I also have BCBS POS. The lapband is covered in my policy, so hopefully i won't have a problem getting approved. I live in the Brookhaven area. Literally down the street from Lenox Mall. Are you in Atlanta? By the way, I'm Charise

Hey Charise, I live in Monticello, GA (out in the country), I guess approx 50 miles SE of Atlanta, not sure I'm a terrible "estimator." My friend really liked Dr. Lin. I look forward to his seminar in November. Keep me posted on your progress!!

By the way my name is Michelle.

Hello, Michelle and Charise. My name is Shirley and I am hoping to be banded in December at DeKalb Medical Center in Decatur. My surgeon will be Dr. Scott Steinberg. DeKalb is a bariatric center for excellence and I was so much more impressed with their initial seminar than the one presented at Emory. DeKalb has two surgeons and I had trouble choosing between the two of them.

All I am waiting for is the actual date of surgery. All tests done and all approvals received. Should find out today or tomorrow.

By the way, I live in Lilburn and know the Brookhaven area and have been to Monticello.

Hello, Michelle and Charise. My name is Shirley and I am hoping to be banded in December at DeKalb Medical Center in Decatur. My surgeon will be Dr. Scott Steinberg. DeKalb is a bariatric center for excellence and I was so much more impressed with their initial seminar than the one presented at Emory. DeKalb has two surgeons and I had trouble choosing between the two of them.

All I am waiting for is the actual date of surgery. All tests done and all approvals received. Should find out today or tomorrow.

My name is Kathy and I live in Alpharetta. I have my seminar today with Dr. Steinberg and am so excited!! I have heard a lot of wonderful things about him and really loook forward to meeting him.

My name is Lynette and I was banded by Dr. Jaime Ponce in Dalton GA. He is great!

I was banded by Dr. Johnson at Atlanta Bariatrics. I doing fine 3 weeks out. He's really great.

Hey!

I saw that you were looking for doctors in GA, and felt as if I would put in a good word for my doctor. Dr. James K. Champion banded me Oct. 31 and he's great! Doctors I've mentioned his name to (my nurse practitioner, general practitioner, endocronologist, other bariatric surgeons, etc.)know who he is and always have excellent things to say about him. His office is located in Kennesaw, and his surgeries are performed at Northside Hospital. His website is Bariatric Surgery Georgia - Gastric Bypass - Weight Loss Surgery by Dr. J.K. Chapmion- you should check it out if his office locations aren't too far from where you live. I promise you won't be disappointed with him!! Good luck finding a surgeon and continuing with your lap band journey-keep us posted!

Hi everyone I am in Dacula, GA. I have choosen Dr. Johnson. I hope to be banded sometime during of before May of 2008. I am at the beginning process.....if earlier great..!

Dr johnson was really great. His whole staff is hepful supportive and very efficient. The hospital is wonderful and you stay is great. GOOD LUCK!!!!

Sghti,

I have just stared the required doctors visits and will be banded with the Dekalb Medical Centers once everything is approved. I, too, am having trouble deciding who will do my surgery. They both are very likable. Who did you decide to go with.

Sincerely,

Tunisia

Kathy,

I was at the same seminar as you. I really enjoy Dr. Menachery's presentation. What did you think? How far long are you in the process?