who to see

Hi I am very interested in getting lap band done, the only problem is i need to find a doctor that will perform that kind of surgery on someone who is 17. Does any one know of any doctors in Louisville KY that will help me before i turn 18?

I wasn't sure about my surgeon, but his profile says that his minimum age is 16. He's Dr. Wheeler in Ashland, KY at Kings Daughters Medical Center. April

U could check out David Geller or Mark Shina. Dr Shina is my dr, not sure on his age limit. Their number is 502-899-7620. They both are great drs and do the lapband.

I highly recommend the Bariatric Center at Georgetown--Doctors Weiss and Oldham. Their practice is wonderful, and the staff are so helpful. I don't know about their minimum age for patients, but you could call or e-mail them and ask. See www.georgetownbariatrics.com for info. Kathy

May I ask what mad eyou decide to get lap band instead of bypass? Just curious? Miranda

Kristen, At the Norton affiliated hospitals, downtown and at Suburban, we are looking at the surgical treatment for adolescents, but at this point, we do not perform bariatric surgery at either hospital on anyone less than 18 years old. I know of a dedicated pediatric bariatric program in Cincinnati. I hope this is helpful. David Geller, MD Bariatric Surgeons of Kentuckiana Medical Director Norton Suburban Bariatric Surgery Program 4001 Dutchmans Lane, Suite 1E Louisville, KY 40207 (502) 893-7151, fax 893-7020

Hi Kristen I sent you a personal email, please let me know if I can help you. Thanks, Tonya