ATL area RNYers....Need recommendations for my dad

I think I may have mentioned this a time or two, but my dad was/is a "failed" bandster.  He originally had his band implanted in 2004, but had it removed several years ago because it had prolapsed and corroded and was causing him way too many problems.  He was successful in getting the weight off with the band (he lost over 100 pounds) but since the band's removal, his weight has slowly creeped up in spite of exercising daily (he walks 5 miles daily at a pretty vigorous pace).  He has managed to keep about 60 of the 100 pounds off that he lost,but I'd estimate that he probably has about 80 pounds of EBW to lose to get to a "normal" BMI or as close to it as he could possibly get.

Complicating this is that he is a RAGING diabetic.  His blood sugars are very hard to control and I've watched his insulin dose increase steadily.  My parents are retired and every year because of his insulin, he falls into that dreaded donut hole and has to spend thousands of dollars on medicine which he cannot go without which really puts a stain on my parents fixed income.  I have to fight with him because he will skip doses to try and stretch his meds because he can't afford to get his insulin.  So I started "funneling" money to my mom who puts it in their joint account so that my dad will get his meds and his pride won't take the hit that his kid has to give him money... *sigh*.

Any who, last night I was talking to my dad and he expressed that he wished he had gotten RNY originally instead of the band because it really didn't help him at all.  I had been trying to figure out how to broach the topic with him anyway because I really think that RNY might help with his diabetes.  For me and my mom, his most pressing concern is the diabetes...if he loses weight then its an added bonus.  So I was happy that he came to this realization on his own because my mom had been pressuring me to talk to him about my surgery.  So we had a nice long conversation about a lot of things that ended with me offering to get some suggestions on doctors in the area that he may want to investigate.

So I'm looking for recommendations for surgeons and hospitals in the Atlanta area.  If you have a surgeon who you LOVE please send me his/her name and contact info.  If you are a revision from a band to RNY then please DEFINITELY send your info.  If you don't want to respond directly to this thread then feel free to send me a private message with the info.

My dad and I both thank you all for your help!

Can't help, sorry.  You might need to post this on the main board also.  Best wishes

Thanks.  I posted it on the Georgia board but it looks like a ghost town over there.  I think I saw a few tumble weeds blow through.

I think I will cross post this on the main board as well.  Thanks for the suggestion.

i'm a newbie (surgery was 2/23), but my surgeon was Dr. Qammar Rashid at Surgical Associates in Decatur.  She's in practice with Dr. Scott Steinberg.  I'd heard good things about Dr. Steinberg, but his surgical calendar is busier (he's been in practice longer).  So, when they held their introductory seminar - I had a chance to meet her, ask some questions, etc.  After reading some of the reviews here on OH (search for her name), I decided to go with her instead.

So far, it's been great - relatively quick & easy recovery, lots of education (there are at least 2 pre-op seminars you have to attend, which helps with your questions), and her bedside manner was spot-on.  I'd recommend her

Note:  I am not diabetic, so my health issues were different from your dad.  I'd definitely try to attend their seminar and talk to them about his issues before deciding.

Dr Macik, Dr Hart and Dr Johnson are the tree that come to mind for me. I had Macik and know people that have the others.  As for Hospitals If you are close to the City you want to look at Northside Perimeter if you are north of the city or don't mind the drive I like Emory Johns Creek.

I was so hoping that you would chime in Paul! So you had your surgery in ATL not Augusta (Isn't ******* near Augusta)? I was going to ask you about Medical College of GA and if they had a good program.

I keep hearing Emory Johns Creek over and over again which must be a good thing! Paul my parents are in Conyers, but are willing to travel to get the best doctor/hospital. Adding these to my list as well.

 I live in the Alpharetta/******* area.  Augusta is my big race this year 

Ok I don't know what I thought you lived in Augusta.

Thanks for the recommendations.  I'm going to compose a list of doctors/hospitals that I get and them do the detective work and give him my "top 3-5" list.  From there he'll go to the seminars and see which one(s) he likes better.  I told him that when he schedules his consult that I would fly down and go with him and my mom.

 I also recommend Dr Macik and Emory John's Creek. He also works out of Northside. Neither of those are convenient to Conyers, but I had a very smooth course with both this surgeon and hospital. (EJC)