I am in Rogersville, TN (Hawkins Co.) and wanting/needing to be banded. My doctor admitted that the nurses usually know more than him as to who is good. The nurses at my doctor's office suggested Dr. Kapplan in Kingsport. I haven't heard anything about him. The only local doctors I have heard anything about on this forum are Drs. Watson and Hodge in Johnson City, TN. My doctor also mentioned a surgeon in Chattanooga, but didn't give a name yet. That is a little far for me, but I'll go wherever I need to get the best care. (Heck, some folks go to Mexico from what I'm reading.) If anyone has any advice to offer, please let me know.

Thanks in advance!

I had my surgery done by Dr. Jeffrey Kappa in Kingsport! he is an excellent surgeon and uses the newest Realize Band. The surgeon in Chattanooga is most likely Dr. Jamie Ponce, he is the "expert" on the Realize band, he works for the Realize company and actually was at my surgery to "proctor" Dr. Kappa. From all I see Dr. Watson likes to do bypass and talks people into that surgery.

I don't tell many people around that I had this surgery, but I will be happy to talk to you about it. It is a good move and I highly recommend Dr. Kappa!

I had my surgery with Dr Ponce and I live a little more east in tn than you do. I originlly contacted Dr Watson and did not like the way they acted when I told them I would be a self-pay.(I do have ins. but they dont cover weight loss surgery) went to Chatt. on 5/23 for seminar and pre-op 6/5 and returned for surgery 6/13. The great thing about them is Lapband is all they do. feel free to PM with any questions.

have heard that watson's bedside manner not so good, but he is good surgeon...his partner hodge very nice, good surgeon...nobody i worked with had heard of Dr. Kappa, so i am guessing it is just the area...

I have an appt. tomorrow with Dr. Kaplan in Kingsport. I've heard good things about him. I don't know how much LB surgeries he has done - do you?

I went to Dr. Watson's office and did NOT like the staff at all. I felt like I was being herded through the process.

Dee

I have an appt. tomorrow with Dr. Kaplan in Kingsport. I've heard good things about him. I don't know how much LB surgeries he has done - do you?

I went to Dr. Watson's office and did NOT like the staff at all. I felt like I was being herded through the process.

Dee

I'd love to know how it goes. I am waiting on bloodwork before I get the appointment with the surgeon.

I actually saw Dr. Kramer. (I was originally scheduled to see Dr. Kappa but heard that Kramer's bedside manner was more more easy-going. I think Kappa is a good doctor, just different personalities.) I really liked Kramer and his practice. He has recently had WLS (bypass) but didn't reveal which surgery he had until after I had told him I wanted LB. I was very encouraged by what I heard and also understand the reality of the surgery (permanent lifestyle change required). I'm hoping I can have LB before the end of the year. My employer's insurance changes from BCBS of TN to Cigna which has more "hoops" to jump.

Keep me posted on your progress.

Well, my nurse faxed my stuff to Kappa/Kramer in Kingsport on Thursday, and she's waiting to hear back from them with a consult date for me. I'm excited to finally meet with a surgeon.

Does anyone know if these guys only do surgeries on certain days of the week or anything like that? I know it's probably premature to start thinking about that, but I am just thinking about how many days I will be out of work (which varies, I know). A perfect scenario for me would be to have it on a Thursday and go back to work on Monday or Tuesday.

I'm optomisic that everything will go well. If not, I'll wait until it goes wrong to face it! :girl_hug:

Aivey,,

Sorry I don't know which days they do surgery. Do you know if you will see Kramer or Kappa? Please keep me posted.

Dee

Hello Folks:

I had surgery with Dr. Kramer on June 6. I also saw Dr. Kappa in the beginning. I was one of the first 3 to get the Realize band, that is why Dr. Kramer did my surgery.

You will love all the people that work in that office. Dr. Kramer is excellent and has had WLS himself!

I have lost bout 26 lbs since surgery and doing well. Let me know if I can answer any questions.

I didn't hear from the nurse today about an appointment date. I'm starting to get frustrated. Should it really take three days to schedule my first appointment? Is this par for the course? I will certainly post when I hear something. I'm probably just being impatient. I just so want to get on with it.

I think it took a couple of days before they called me back. I do like the staff there. Please keep me posted.

Aivey,

Do you have an appt. yet with Dr. Kramer or Kappa?

Dee

If I do, I don't know it yet. I called today, and I got voicemail. I left a message but it was already close to 4:30, so maybe they'll call me Monday. All my info. has been faxed to them for over a week now. I'm getting anxious, and I really want to hear something NOW! I'm really ready to get all this started.

I was also referred about a week ago to Dr. Kramer in Kingsport. I haven't heard back from his office yet either. Once you are referred are you guaranteed an appointment with him or is there a chance he could look at your referral and turn you down for an appointment? I'm really anxious to get started with the process and keep thinking of all the what ifs!! My BMI is 36 with a 5 year history of uncontrollable high blood pressure. I'm 28.

I was also referred about a week ago to Dr. Kramer in Kingsport. I haven't heard back from his office yet either. Once you are referred are you guaranteed an appointment with him or is there a chance he could look at your referral and turn you down for an appointment? I'm really anxious to get started with the process and keep thinking of all the what ifs!! My BMI is 36 with a 5 year history of uncontrollable high blood pressure. I'm 28.

Well, I don't think I have any co-morbities (unless high cholesterol counts) but my BMI is like 49, so I doubt he would turn me down. I suppose you never know though. Keep me posted, and I will too.