Dr. Bolar? or other surgeons?

I was going to go with a bariatric surgeon in Nashville. But yesterday I was told by my insurance company that it would be easier if i went with a surgeon in Kentucky. I wouldn't have to jump thru all these hoops that I am now. But I am sooooo impatient. Can anyone tell me their experience with Dr. Bolar in how long it usually takes from appt to surgery, saying that insuance approves you in a timely matter? my insurance company sounds very confidant in approving the surgery if i do what i have to do. I would even take opinions of other Ky surgeons. I want a good surgeon, but I told work i would be taking time off this winter for surgery and I would love to have it soon... thanks for any help... Kim

Of course I am prejudiced but I like the Center for WLS in Lexington. They have three very highly skilled surgeons, their psych guy is on the grounds as is the exercise therapist and nutritionist. The after care program is wonderful and they make a lifetime commitment to you. Two of the docs have been very well thought of general surgeons for at least thirty years and along with my surgeon, Dr. Steiner have been doing gastric bypass . They try to do everyone lap but sometimes have to open you. They do not do the lapband. The wait is not very long once you get the ball rolling. As far as all this insurance stuff, they do everything for you. No need for you to be doing all the calling and trying to get things done. Dr. Bolar and the guys in Georgetown seem to be very well like, also so you probably won't go wrong with any of them. Good luck and let us know what you decide on.

Dr. Bolar is no longer in Georgetown he is in Lexington. He also tries to do everyone lap. He has performed over 3000 surgeries and also offers a life time of aftercare. He would like to see you often the first year and yearly after that, he even gives you his HOME phone number to reach him if you need to. He uses Samaratin Hospital and my stay there was terrific.

i know that. i can see where my post sounded like I meant Dr. Bolar and the "other" guys at georgetown but that is not what I meant. i was saying Dr. Bolar, AND the guys at G-town. LOL. I know dr. bolar well. Long before he went to samaritan. I imagine you did recieve good nursing care at samartian (sp). I used to work there. Many years in ortho-neuro and a lot of the same nurses are still there after all these years. Speaks well for a hospital.

Drs. Weiss and Oldham in Georgetown are great! They do the lap-band and the RNY, both Laparoscopic. To date they have never had to convert to open surgery, and they've done it on patients with BMI's well over 60. They've done over 500 surgeries just since July 2003, with one fatality (blood clot). Both doctors work together on all patients and they take turns being lead surgeon. I'm not a nurse so I don't know medical terms for some of this. If you want it quickly, this is the best part. Most people I've talked to have gotten sceduled within a month of their insurance approval! It took me two months from the time I went to a seminar to the date of surgery. Everything went fast. A lot of the people in our support group are shocked at how quickly they can get a date, yet the docs stay busy constantly. I attribute this to the wonderful staff in their office. They work hard as a team to help everyone who comes to their door. Their next seminar is Wednesday, December 15th at 7pm (Embassy Suites on Newtown Pike in Lexington, Kentucky). Call the office to sign up: 888-868-0008. I admit I'm biased for my docs, but if you'd seen them you'd totally understand! I certainly don't mind going to see them for my follow-ups! BTW, Georgetown has a support group online, and all WLS patients pre or post op are welcome. With no www or .com, just type the following in your browser: groups.msn.com/TheBariatricCenteratGeorgetown/ Good luck whichever doc you choose!

Lots of luck but I caution you to have patience. Having surgery this winter could be out of reach. I was over 9 months waiting and I first tried to see Dr.Bolar. I eventually went with Dr. Allen in Louisville. I am very pleased and I am now 3 weeks post-op. My insurance was approved the first time. Please keep in mind that wherever you have it done or with whom, you will be visiting them several times prior to surgery and quite often afterwards. If you don't think you can take that much time off work, you might want to go with someone closer than Nashville. Also depending on what type of surgery you have, allow time for rest afterwards. Best of luck to you and keep me informed on how you progress. [email protected]

I had no wait at all getting my consult appointment with Dr. Bolar, except for a week or so.

I also had my surgery at the Center for Weight Loss Surgery in Lexington (Dr. Steiner). I originally pursued having Dr. Bolar do it, but a friend who'd had a bad experience with him steered me towards Dr. Steiner. I couldn't be happier with my choice. For me, it was 32 days from the day I attended my introduction seminar (required before you can enter the process) to the date of my surgery. I was extremely pleased with how quickly they moved me through once they knew that I wanted it ASAP. Good luck! Rhonna

I had Dr. Bolar. After the initial visit, he has all patients do a sleep study and a psych exam, then he sends your info to the insurance. Once your insurance is improved he usually schedules within 3 weeks. I had my surgery done with him on 11/17/04 and I feel great. I am no longer in any pain and just feeling wonderful.

I had surgery with Dr Bolar Sept 29 and I personally think that he is one of the best!!! He is a great surgeon and has a wonderful bedside manor. He treats each patient with respect, concern, and compassion. His staff is very pro-active instead of re-active and that made a big difference to me. If I have a question, I just call and I have an answer right away. As far as getting an appointment, I called on a Friday and saw him the following Tuesday---no problem getting in at all. He doesn't overbook so there is plenty of time to ask question and get the full answer. I feel that there are some Dr out there that overbook and you end up waiting forever to see the dr and then have to time to get answers. If you have any other questions, please e-mail me. [email protected] love and hugs lynn