Hello to all! I live on the VA-NC border...Richmond, VA and Raleigh NC are about the same distance from my house. I was wondering if anyone have an recommendations. I have a Dr. Bautista in Richmond...but none in NC. I am working on getting all of my insurances criteria covered but I need to start research doctors and talking with them. Thanks for any help you can give me.

I LOVE Dr. Brengman in Richmond. I had my surgery at St. Mary's hospital. I have nothing but good things to say about him. He is in with 2 other doctors. Dr. Shroeder is also wonderful, and I don't know much about Elliott as he's the newest addition to the practice.

I have read a lot of comments about Richmond Surgical and have never heard anyone say they didn't love Brengman. His number is 804-285-4133.

Good luck and let me know what you decide!

I was banded three weeks ago by Dr. Maher at VCU/MCV in Richmond. I have nothing but great things to say about his staff, the hospital, and the care I recieved.

VCU Surgical Weight Loss Center

There program is straight forward, no non-sense, and very attentive. However, it is a teaching hospital, so be prepared to have your surgery watched by many people. When they wheeled me into the OR I noticed about six people lining the back wall....

Good luck on your journey!

I am a patient with Commonwealth Surgeon's at St. Mary's in Richmond which is where Dr. Bautista is. I had surgery a year and half ago. He was not my surgeon but he has taken over my overall care since my surgeon, that was in office with him, moved to another state. I have not had any problems with anyone in the office including him. I primarily see the nurse practitioner, Janine. She is really good.

I am waiting on insurance approval. I currently work in the medical field and Dr. Schroder and Dr. Brengman come highly recommended from the physicians I work with. Dr. Schroder performed my husbands gallbladder surgery and he was very pleased with him. Dr. Schroder and Dr. Brengman have performed over 900 lap band procedures and Dr. Schroder teaches other physicians how to do the lap band procedure. I would highly recommend him. :teeth_smile:

Hello Suzanne,

I read your post and contacted Dr. Bengman's office and am going to the seminar on the 28. Can you tell me if he requires a pre-op diet? If so what is it.

Continued success on your journey!

Linda

Hi Linda,

Congrats on your decision and your upcoming band. My brother is calling them right now to schedule his!

Brengman's pre-op isn't bad at all. Two weeks of Protein shake for Breakfast, Protein Shake for lunch and lean/green dinner. I think it's 4oz lean meat and 1 cup veggies. Post op is 1 week liquids, 1 week mushies, can't remember the rest, but it's not too bad.

Who knows, maybe I'll run into you in the office! :-D

Suzanne,

Thanks for the info. No, It doesn't sound bad at all.

How has your Lap Band journey been for you? I am looking forward to having a tool to help me in this never ending battle to get to a healthy weight. I must admit I am like most folks starting this journey and have some concerns about having surgery. I guess I must look at how serious the health risks of being obese are. mmmm, still nervous. Oh well. One foot in front of the other.

Linda

Linda, My lapband journey has been amazing. Try not to worry too much about the surgery. I am the president of the Big Babies Club and I did fine. I woke up with some shoulder and chest pain (sort of felt like I couldn't breath). It was just gas, but they corrected it as soon as I said something. I took a week off work for good measure (my side kind of felt like something twisting in it when I walked), but within a few days I was back in the saddle. I have another friend that Brengman did and she had surgery at 8, left hospital at noon, and tried to get her ride home to take her to the office! She said her hair didn't even get messed up!

I think since she got hers first (I had to appeal my insurance), I was expecting similar results because we were about the same age/size. I didn't do as well as her, but I'm not complaining. The one week of gas pain was well worth it!

As far as risk goes, it's very minimal.

Please keep in touch! I love following my fellow bandster's stories, especially the one's that live nearby. I live in southeast Spotsylvania, how about you?

SUZANNE, Can you even believe that you now weigh 158?!! My gosh that sounds SOOO F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S to me!!! I will love staing in touch and I really do appreciate your support.

Thanks,

Linda

Thanks Linda. I recently got into size 10, I never thought I'd see that day again! :biggrin2: Makes me wanna kiss Dr. Brengman's whole face! jk

So where in VA do you live? PM me if you would like to continue talking via email!

Hey Suzanne,

What does PM mean? (sorry).

I live in Fredericksburg so that makes us neighbors! I would love to continue e-mailing you if it is ok with you.

Linda

PM means to send me a Private Message.

I am going to be attending the educational seminar on October 22nd with Mid-Atlantic Weight Loss. I was so happy to find this thread. Please keep the stories coming - I'm anxious to get started and hear more!!

~Amy

hi suzanneg i too live in spotsy and am about to have my surgery with dr. brengman my name is stacey i just wanted to introduce my self. i liked your comments and thought it was neat that you were local. maybe we can keep in touch via e-mail if it ok with you...

Edited December 4, 200817 yr by StaceyL
hmmm well i goofed

Hey Stacey,

Nice to hear from a local. Congrats on your surgery and of course I think you made a great pic wtih Brengman.

When is your surgery scheduled for? I can't believe I'm coming up on my Bandiversary, it hardly seems possible.

I'm more than happy to keep in touch. PM me your email address and I'll send you mine as well.