Any patients of Dr. Spaw??

I am going to Dr. Spaw's office week after next and am wondering what to expect.  I've never been told to just show up without an appointment before.  So, what happens??  Do you meet the doctor?? Any information will be appreciated....it will be a 3 1/2 hour drive for me...so I'm kind of hoping to cover some ground. Thank you! Lori

Hi Lori!

Have you already been to a seminar?  What are you going to Dr. Spaw's office for?  Rest assured that there is no reason to be concerned no matter what your purpose is.  Dr. Spaw did my surgery (lap RNY) in July.  He is a brilliant surgeon and just a plain ole nice guy! 

If you have questions about what to expect at your visit, you may want to call the office and talk with Mae.  She is a dear, sweet person who is always willing to talk you through a nervous situation.  I didn't have an appointment the first time I went.  I got weighed, spoke to Ebony (she helps you with your insurance approval) and I met all of the wonderful folks in the office (who are now like family.)  They will explain everything you need to know.

I look forward to meeting you at one of the support group meetings.  If you are considering the surgery, you will want to attend a meeting or two to meet "the gang."

Freddie

Hey Lori,     My Dr. is Dr. Morton which is in the same office as Dr. Spaw. The whole office is wonderful, like the other's said Mae is awesome as is all the others. They make me feel great and are so helpful with everything, expecially when I bug them so much about stuff. I am sure that you will love the whole place also. Hope you are having a great day Cheryl.

Lori ~ Do you know what day you're planning on coming to the office? The reason I ask is because we have our support group meeting on Tues. Nov. 6th. We meet the first Tues. of each month. It's called the Staple Club - hee hee. (I love it!)  Anyway, just thought if you were coming that week, maybe you could make it that day and stay for the support group --- we could meet you, you could meet some of us, and get some great additional information/support. By the way, in answer to your question, Dr. Spaw did my surgery (lapro RNY - like Freddie). My surgery was on Sept. 4th. I cannot say enough about him! Please go to my profile, scroll down and read under "Surgeon Testimonial". (my profile is under the username: myjourney2health) I did a walk-in one-on-one consultation the first week of June. You will fill out some paperwork, and they will first contact your insurance to see if the surgery is covered. I, too, met with Ebony and was given some preliminary information regarding the procedures available, the before - during - after of surgery, a lot of general information that I read several times over during the next 3 months! I also met with a nutritionist, and was sent down to make a phone appt. with a fitness instructor (Kathy) who contacted me at monthly intervals. I'm with the others, though. If you have additional questions, just call Mae in the office and talk with her. Dr. Spaw's whole staff is very helpful and will take the time to answer all your questions - and never make you feel like you're putting them out!  Hope to have you join us!       ~ Tara

Thank you to all of you for the replies!  

The surgery I'm interested in having is the DS.  I'm currently working with a surgeon in Knoxville, but he does only lapband and RNY.  Dr. Spaw does the DS, however, accepts my insurance, and is in-network.....so I'm excited about that.

The support group sounds very cool.  What time do you meet on Tuesday?

The support group meets at 5:30. We would love to meet you. You're going to love Dr. Spaw!!!!! That's great that he is in-network for you since he is the only surgeon in TN doing the DS. He was out of network for me at the time of my surgery but I chose to pay the extra to have the surgeon who was right for me. Hope we get to see you on the 6th.

Hey Loriliane,  I've been working with Amy the Ins. person. She's been Great. Where's the Nov 6th 5:30 meeting at???

The meetings are held in the waiting room of the clinic. I know Cylinda was talking about moving them because our group is getting so large. If they do move it, there will be signs up and it will probably be moved to the Guy Bates Center in the same building. We'll be watching for folks if the location gets changed. Hope to see you there.