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Post by actiongirl on Dec 26, 2011 15:13:27 GMT -5
I am at the very early stages of working with a nearby bariatric group, but have been knee-deep in dsfacts.com all weekend. DS isn't listed as an option on my current doctor's site and nobody has mentioned it until I read about it here. The more I read about it, the more it sounds like a more reasonable procedure for me as a better tool to help me maintain longterm. I'm still researching, but I need to figure this out before plunking down any money at my current Dr and that's coming up mid-January.
Dr. Elariny is listed on the dsfacts site and is located nearby. I have calls in to both his and my current Dr's office. Hoping to hear back soon. Does anyone here have any experience with Dr. Elariny?
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Post by sandyv63 on Dec 26, 2011 15:28:58 GMT -5
MajorMom used him and I am sure she will chime in soon.
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Post by ratkity on Dec 26, 2011 20:07:01 GMT -5
I used him for my VSG, but not the 2nd part to the DS because of cost. He is an AMAZING surgeon. I think his office people have improved a lot. Don't know much about his current dietician. You will be in good hands if you chose him for a surgeon.
Hugs,
Ratkity
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Post by jillybean720 on Dec 27, 2011 11:32:38 GMT -5
Dr. Elariny is a great surgeon. I will warn you about two things:
- First, insurance is a problem with his practice. Even if he is listed as in-network for your insurance, he is OUT of network for the DS. He purposely bills through a third party for the DS since insurance pays such crappy amounts for the longer, more complex procedure. Most folks end up with anywhere between $2k and $10k out of pocket for a DS with him, depending on your insurance policy's out-of-network coverage.
- Second, he may try to convince you to have a band placed around your VSG stomach. He will place either a permanenet band or an adjustable band. He does this because he has little faith that the VSG stomach will not stretch without something in there to hold it together.
But, as I said initially, he's a great surgeon. If I knew then what I know now, I would have gone to him instead of my in-network surgeon, despite the cost.
I'm in northern VA, and even though Dr. E was not my surgeon, I attend the monthly support groups run by his dietician, Emily. She is GREAT - she's learned much from Gina (majormom) and Vitalady. They can be taught!
The next support group meeting is next Tuesday evening (January 3) at his office (on Maple Ave., I think?). They are usually at Fairfax Hospital, but the next few months were overbooked at the hospital, so we're moving to his office temporarily. Let me know if you're free that night, as we'd love to have new faces at the meeting! I started attending support group meetings MONTHS before my actual surgery, and I found it very helpful.
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Post by majormom on Dec 27, 2011 12:20:56 GMT -5
I am at the very early stages of working with a nearby bariatric group, but have been knee-deep in dsfacts.com all weekend. DS isn't listed as an option on my current doctor's site and nobody has mentioned it until I read about it here. The more I read about it, the more it sounds like a more reasonable procedure for me as a better tool to help me maintain longterm. I'm still researching, but I need to figure this out before plunking down any money at my current Dr and that's coming up mid-January. Dr. Elariny is listed on the dsfacts site and is located nearby. I have calls in to both his and my current Dr's office. Hoping to hear back soon. Does anyone here have any experience with Dr. Elariny? JillyBean spelled everything out and I will add that he will not twist your arm about the band around the sleeve, just stick to your guns. Let us know if you'd like to meet up with us on the 3rd. The meeting will be at his Cedar Lane office and we will likely meet for dinner some place close (Merrifield Sweetwater Tavern) at 5PM and drive over from there. Also, he will want to make sure you know what you're getting into as a lightweight DSr. You and I need to talk..I was 36.8BMI when I saw him. --gina |
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Post by jillybean720 on Dec 28, 2011 11:39:31 GMT -5
The meeting will be at his Cedar Lane office and we will likely meet for dinner some place close (Merrifield Sweetwater Tavern) at 5PM and drive over from there. Yes, this - I don't know where I got "Maple Ave." from...wrong tree! |
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Post by actiongirl on Dec 28, 2011 13:08:57 GMT -5
JillyBean and MajorMom -- Yes, I'll be there! I can't wait to meet you both. 5pm at Sweetwater Tavern, yes? This is exactly what I was hoping for, to find some vets in my own area. See you on the 3rd  |
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Post by jillybean720 on Dec 30, 2011 21:58:26 GMT -5
JillyBean and MajorMom -- Yes, I'll be there! I can't wait to meet you both. 5pm at Sweetwater Tavern, yes? This is exactly what I was hoping for, to find some vets in my own area. See you on the 3rd Hurray! Make sure you go to the one in Merrifield, not Centreville! |
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Post by pamrocksworld on Dec 31, 2011 0:20:24 GMT -5
Actiongirl -- i think they meant 5pm at the office and then the tavern afterwards.
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Post by actiongirl on Dec 31, 2011 0:46:51 GMT -5
 majormom or jilly, please clarify? |
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Post by majormom on Dec 31, 2011 5:19:33 GMT -5
5 PM Sweetwater. Jeff and I are usually at the bar waiting for Jill and others to arrive. I also sign in as Gina at the front so folks can find us.
7-9 PM is the meeting.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 31, 2011 7:04:11 GMT -5
Dr. E did my DS almost 9 years ago. He's a great surgeon. His office has had its ups and downs but I feel that things are working pretty smoothly there now. Curtis is at the front desk and IMHO is awesome.
Not sure about the whole band thing so I'll leave that for others to address. Because my surgery was so long ago, I can't give you any advise on insurance matters. Even 9+ years ago there were issues (but insurance covered my entire DS). I get followup now with Emily on my labs, etc.
As for his skills, I have nothing negative to say. If I had to have any kind of emergency surgery (related to the DS or not) I wouldn't hesitate to use him.
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Post by ratkity on Dec 31, 2011 8:44:39 GMT -5
Dr. E did my DS almost 9 years ago. He's a great surgeon. His office has had its ups and downs but I feel that things are working pretty smoothly there now. Curtis is at the front desk and IMHO is awesome. Not sure about the whole band thing so I'll leave that for others to address. Because my surgery was so long ago, I can't give you any advise on insurance matters. Even 9+ years ago there were issues (but insurance covered my entire DS). I get followup now with Emily on my labs, etc. As for his skills, I have nothing negative to say. If I had to have any kind of emergency surgery (related to the DS or not) I wouldn't hesitate to use him. Hijack - JANET!! *pounce hugs* Good ta see ya, Ratkity |
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Post by jillybean720 on Jan 3, 2012 12:08:58 GMT -5
Actiongirl -- i think they meant 5pm at the office and then the tavern afterwards. No. Support group doesn't start until 7pm. Dinner first, then the meeting. |
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Post by actiongirl on Jan 3, 2012 15:18:27 GMT -5
I called his office and registered for his seminar tonight at 5, so I can't make the Tavern tonight after all, but I'll try to make the group afterwards. I'm looking forward to meeting you guys!
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Post by majormom on Jan 4, 2012 12:09:18 GMT -5
It was great meeting you last night! ;D
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Post by actiongirl on Jan 4, 2012 16:40:45 GMT -5
It was great meeting you last night! ;D Great meeting you! Made my consult appt today for 2 weeks away. I can hardly wait! |
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Post by actiongirl on Jan 6, 2012 15:30:08 GMT -5
PMed majormom and jillybean, please check!
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majormom or jilly, please clarify?