Hello everyone! I've got a problem that I can't believe is an issue. I plan on having my lapband done by Emory surgeons near Decatur, GA but when I go to meet the surgeon for the first time, IT IS MANDATORY THAT I BRING SOMEONE WITH ME!!! This in and of itself seems ridiculous, but it is their policy. My problem is that I've chosen not to tell anyone about the procedure. My family would be critical about it, and my good friends don't live in the Georgia area. Can anybody help me? I'd be happy to be your surgery buddy if you would be mine. It is a shame that I have to ask, but I'm left without a choice. If all goes well, surgery will be sometime in February...

Even if you can't help, thanks for listening

Hello Angelsoul. My name is Charise. I had my surgery done at Emory as well. Dr Edward Lin was my surgeon. Yes it is mandatory that you bring someone with you. I took one of my closest friends, who is very supportive of my decision. I would love to be your surgery buddy. Email me at charise76@gmail.com. I was banded on November 27th and it is the best decision i ever made in my life.

Hi angelsoul,

what ever any of us can do just let us know.

I was going to do Emory but switched to Northside Hospital Atlanta Bariatrics.

I am not banded yet, but I have just finished completing my preop requirements today.

Hoping to be banded soon.

Thanks 4jin, I really appreciate it. Why did you switch to Northside? Was is a rule that you had to have someone be with you on your consult with the surgeon?

Thanks 4jin, I really appreciate it. Why did you switch to Northside? Was is a rule that you had to have someone be with you on your consult with the surgeon?

I switched to Northside because I felt like Emory was giving me the run around. They sent me to an Optifast seminar, and a training seminar(dietician program seminar) before I got upset and then they finally scheduled me for the right one. Once they did she scheduled me for one in November, but then called me back to reschedule that there was a mistake and they are booked for November that I had to wait until beg of December I think it was the 5th or something like that. Then in the meantime, I could not see the surgeon until I went to the informational seminar. Then my DH travels so I was not going to be able to have him come. Plus i have told him about the surgery but not exactly what it is for (fatness)(lol).

I don't want to involve any1 else and the only person I could would be my mother and she lives out of state.

So I got mad...and said heck with them...I am not giving up...I will take it like a grain of salt and see it as a test of how bad I want/need this.

I switched over to Northside. They had a seminar open that following Wednesday from the date I called, but I choose after thanksgiving 11/28. I wasted a whole month with Emory.

But don't get me wrong I have heard they are great....I just happened to fall in the crack and figured I did not need to jump extra hoops and waste time & gas $$-oh and parking you have to pay for parking there.

With Northside, you can see my experience on my signature. It has been less than 30 days from the date I went to the informational seminar and I am waiting all records to be compiled and at the latest next friday they should be sent to the insurance.

Again, that is my experience, you research, and choose whomever is best for you. But I have absolutely loved Dr. Johnson and his staff, and even Johns Creek Hospital(which is where he performs his surgeries) I also choose to do my lab testing there....got that done all on 1 day in a couple of hours....it has been great...!

:clap2:

Angelsoul-- When are you going for the seminar? I am going on January 10, and no one told me that I need to bring someone with me. Thanks!

Hey maybe you guys can go together as each others buddies!