Alaskan

I need to get a second opinion about my lap band from an excellent surgeon who believes in the band. I go to Seattle frequently. Can anyone give me a name? Colette Grower

Hi Colette, I would definitely suggest Joseph Chebli in Seattle. He sees band & rny patients and was recently voted one of the best bariatric surgeons in western washington. You can check out his website:

www.northwestobesitysurgery.com

Good luck!

In Edmonds there is two Dr.'s that work in a clinic.  Puget Sound Surgical Center.  I spent a year doing research on Dr.'s and aftercare.  I also spoke to patients of theirs.  They come highly recommended.   www.pugetsoundsurgicalcenter.com Hope that helps Julie

Thank you. I sent an e-mail to the recommended Dr. I really need help.  I wonder if you have had any experience with dilated esophagus??   About 1 year ago I started coughing at night with reflux. I have a 4 cc band and I had 3.7 cc filled. After struggling for months I went in and had 2 unfills. The coughing stopped. I started a dry cough again. Finally he did an UGI and my esophagus is very dilated, hardly anything gets through. I went in right away and he did a complete unfill. He wants to wait 6 months. He would really like to take it out and do a bypass. But there are some insurance problems and I don't know if I want someone messing with my bowel. He says I am negotiating and the band is making me sick. The Doc said that I had good esophageal motility. He thinks that if he tries to fill in 6 months I won't take a fill and it is worthless I won't lose weight. He says the band is making me sick and needs to come out. I did not lose what he thought I should lose. Initially I lost 26% of my weight but I have trouble exercising because of severe arthritis. I gained weight when I couldn't eat because I got into ice cream. Thank you Colette

You might check with Dr. OH in Federal Way. He is the greatest!

Thank you. Your help is very much appreciated.

Keep us posted and if you need help let any of us know.  In WA there are some great Dr.'s and a 2nd opinion sounds like what you need.  Good luck.