I'm just getting started. I've done my research. My PCP has sent a predetermination letter to my insurance. I see a weight loss specialist on Thursday. (PCP thought it would make a better paper trail.)

What are your thoughts on doctors in the Charlotte area?

I've heard Dr. V is quite slow?

Has anyone had surgery with Dr. Timothy Kuwada? If so, what did you think?

Other Recommendation?

Hi Karen,

My advice (still pre-op) attend the seminars and just get a feel for your dr and their philosophy. There are not many in the Charlotte Metro area. There's one I wouldn't recommend but that would be based on my opinions and that's just not right to sway people.

I'm scheduled to see dr Roc Bauman in Concord, you can do a search or look at obesityhelp.com there are very candid reviews on there.

Alot of people on obesity help have used dr v. I would gage he's rather busy filling the demand than being slow. There are only so many hours in the days.

A great surgeon is worth the wait. I have a coworker who had a full bypass with dr bauman and she is doing awsome. She tried to talk me out of lap band, but i want somthing not so dramatic.

Good Luck,

Jen

Karen, yep, I think Jen is right about Dr V. Not so much slow as busy. But I know a few folks who are chomping at the bit to be banded by him and are having to wait months.

I also know a few of Dr Bauman's patients here on the board. They will show up here, I'll bet. Those are the "Big 2" in this area that I'm familiar with. Check out the other threads on the NC forum. There's a group of us gathering and it would be great if you could join us! Welcome to LBT!

Hey Karen,

Welcome....I went to 2 different seminars and meet several doctors. I choose Dr. V because for me he was caring and didn't push you into any other desicions. I will say he is very busy but for me again it was worth the wait. The wait wasn't long at all for my surgery. Others have had different experiences with waits so I guess it just depends.

I have never heard of Dr. Kuwada - sorry I can't offer any information on him. But it's good to know that there is someone else in the area that is doing the lap band. I think the more the word gets out there the more people will want this procedure to help them.

You are the only one that will be able to choose the one for you. Whatever your choice is we are all here for you if you want us to be. We have a great little support group going and plan to keep it going. It was formed from us meeting here, when we first met there was 4 of us...this last one there was 7 of us including Angela from Dr. V's office (She handles the support group from the center and we were looking for some guidance. We are all going to try to attend her meeting this month since EVREYONE is welcome, not just Dr. V's patients.)

I wish you the best of luck with your search and as you begin this journey. It is truly the best thing I have ever done for me.

FYI - we are meeting Sept 24 @ 11:30 I think at Fridays in the university for our informal get together and the one at Presbyterian is Sept 17th I think thats the date. We would love for you to join us.

Ok now that I have written a book....if there is any other questions we can answer please feel free..I think everyone will be very helpful and just want you are looking for.

Thanks for all of the input, and I really appreciate the support! I checked my schedule, and barring the unforeseen I may be able to make the Sept. 24th meeting at Friday's.

Does everyone eat with reckless abandon before their surgery? At the rate I'm going, I may hit the BMI 40 mark before I get to surgery.

Does everyone eat with reckless abandon before their surgery? At the rate I'm going, I may hit the BMI 40 mark before I get to surgery.

Heh, yep!!! You learn to get a little less panic-stricken when it comes to food, but that tnedency will most likely follow you for a good bit. I STILL do it sometimes. Eating is a stress-reliever, ya know. But it's OH so much easier to deal with when that little band that you love so much and want to take care of is in there slowing you WAYYYY down. it's great. A whole new world.

Please come to Fridays, at least! It will do you good to see "bandsters in action" at each step of the game. You will learn lots and we are nice, aren't we girls? hehe

I've put it on my calendar and will definitely try to make it. If everyone eats with reckless abandon before surgery, then I'm also sure I'm not the only one who fills embarrassed at what/how much they eat?

I am already looking at my food differently. You know how Chinese restaurants always have really BIG portions? I sat eating my lunch yesterday thinking how one box of Chinese take out could last me an entire week after being banded. I'm going to save a ton on food, and hopefully spend it all on new clothes

We will all be excited to meet you!

I saw on obesityhelp.com that Dr V was leaving the area. I am sure they are correct.

It is on the gastric bypass message board under the NC location. Most of them have already had their surgeries with him.

I saw on obesityhelp.com that Dr V was leaving the area. I am sure they are correct.

It is on the gastric bypass message board under the NC location. Most of them have already had their surgeries with him.

Yes, Dragonwilo confirmed this today. She is being referred to Bauman.

Does anyone know about this Dr Timothy Kuwada that Karen referred to? Hey Karen, where is Kuwada's office?

Also, does this mean that Presby is no longer doing Lap Bands at all? Was Dr. V the only doc doing them? Geez, well, someone will pop up and get into the Lap Band game. Charlotte is an open market and it looks like Bauman has it cornered for now.

Where is Dr V going?

Iam Familiar With The Dr.tk In Charlotte,nc. All I Can Say Is I Would Not Let Him Treat My D-gs!!!!!!

FruitieGal -

Really? Please do tell; Dr. Kuwada is the surgeon to whom my PCP is prepared to refer me.

Doing research I couldn't find any info on Dr. Kuwanda other than his practice is looking to hire someone to specialize in baratric surgery. Dr Bauman has been in baratric surgery for years. He ONLY does baratric surgery so think I'll stick with him. The only thing that worries me about going to him is the additional cost out of pocket...but I don't doubt his medical ability and there is plenty of info about him from patients on the net already. Since Dr. V's office refered me to him, thats who at the moment I plan to go with. I could waste alot more time trying to find another surgeon and research him as much as I did dr. V and Dr. B.

Melissa

I got a call from the (I can't spellthis) anastesiologist's office today. I am not sure about this but the girl who was setting up my apt told me that Dr Malkonia and Lowe do the lapband also!

I had never heard that before! I'm going to call tomorrow and find out. I'll let chaz know