pizzicato66

Hmm.... it doesn't look like they post everything online, but the "free article" this month is the "golden rules of lap band"

Here's where you get it...
Weight loss surgery and non-surgical treatment of obesity, Learn and Live Healthy!

__________________
Banded 8/22/07

salsa1877

I have a question for you ladies that have already had PS consults! What questions did you ask??? I went into the Lap Band surgery consult with zero questions, but I don't think I want to do this with my TT. I would just use the first consult as a guide for what questions to ask, but I am only having ONE CONSULT. If I don't like this guy I have to back out until I can find another way to finance it. So I want to make sure that I have all my ducks in a row when I go in on Friday.

__________________
Karri: Banded Aug 9, 2007: Dr. Neal Olympia, WA Tummy Tuck July 3, 2008: Dr. Linda Leffel Bend, OR Blog: http://salsa1877.blogspot.com/

TexasBecky

Salsa, I got this off the main PS thread. Good luck tomorrow!

Originally Posted by Kelliebelly
Hey,
I had a TT, Breast Lift and lipo of the flanks back and arms 4 weeks ago.
I asked my Dr shitloads of questions, and I still emailed nearly daily with more questions to ask him up until the surgery. Jamie, just remember be CLEAR as possible about what you want. Let them know exactly so you both go into the op with the exactly the same ideas of the final results...How tight, muscle repair, sutures or staples, how high for the nipple, extended vs normal TT, lipo etc...ask it all!!!!!!!!!!!
I am trying to find my questions I asked him at my first consult so I can show you...

1.Can you tell how far apart the muscles are before the op?
2.How aggresive are you with muscle repair?
3.How tight do you pull the stomach down?
4.How much longer is my ETT scar going to be vs a normal TT scar?
5.How long for the drains - how long for the binder?
6.How much are you going to take off with lipo in the flanks and back area?
7.Is the ETT going to pull the top of my thighs up and my pinny - Will it lift my butt a little also if the scar goes further around?
8.Will I wake up in pain or is that controlled already?
9.How high do you do the boobs with a lift and what happens with them if I lose more weight, say 15kgs
10.Will you use my ceasar scar? How do you do the scar, long or curved or??
11.How much skin app will be removed with my TT?
12.Will I have a roll when I sit?
13.Does the ETT involve the vertical cut also?
14.How do you do the belly button - looks wise? Can it be pierced later?
15.How long till I am standing straight?
16.Will my body match with a flat tummy and a waist etc but still fat arms and thighs?
17.Will me having a port with the Lap Band effect where you can do the lipo on my flanks?
18.staples, stiches or glue?
19.Do we use Bromelain, Arnica or lymphatic massage afterwards?
20.Is pain levels controlled by a pump after?
21.Will I lose nipple sensation?
22.What kind of cut do you do with the TT and the breasts.
23.What kind of belly button do you create.

These are questions copied from a plastic surgery forum I am a member of :
Muscle Repair

Most women who are seeking a tummy tuck will require some muscle repair. Childbirth, weight gain, and aging all contribute. The fascia which holds the muscles together to form a strong core is actually what is repaired, not the muscles. To understand what the fascia is, think about the gristley part of a steak. The part between the meat and the fat. That is what the PS's sew back together to draw the muscles back in. For those who need MR, it can be what causes the most dramatic changes in appearance. Most women having a FTT will have roughly the same amount of skin removed, the area between the pubic mound to just above the belly button. The main difference between a good TT and a great TT is in the details of the MR and the incisions. Having the muscles pulled in nice and tight is what brings in the waist line and the sides, so as to 'frame' the body that the skin will drape over. So how do you know which Drs do the better job? Here's a few tips.

* First educate yourself by looking at tons of pics. You can find many right here on MMH -Pictures. Compare one persons results with the other. Visit the Tummy Tuck Message Boards, and follow the recoveries of women. Who was standing straight at what point, how do their results compare with others? What was their initial body type in comparison to yours? Learn to look at pictures with a discerning eye, that's how you'll be able to judge the work of the PS when you visit for a consult. I like to compare a good TT with getting a good paint job. If you take an old rusty car to Maaco and get the $199 special, you'll still be thrilled with the results in comparison to the befores. But if you take the same car to the custom shop, and they remove the bumpers and rebadge and do extra body work, you would be able to tell the difference when compared side by side. In PS, surgeons usually charge about the same in a given geographic area, so make sure you're getting the custom job.

* Ask your PS what his philosophy on MR is.. He won't be able to gaurantee you what he'll be able to do for you until he gets into surgery, but he should be able to tell you what he 'usually' does. Is he aggressive? How close - in mm's - will he try and pull them together? How soon can you expect to stand straight? If he tells you, you can stand straight w/i a week, then he either doesn't do aggressive MR, or you didn't need it. Some PS still don't do any MR, and some do only a modest amount. They have their reasons. There's a longer recovery time, more pain for the patient. It also takes them longer in surgery to do a good job, as it usually requires more layers of stitches to do it tighter and have it hold. Discuss your Dr's techniques and his philosophy with him to make sure your expectations are on the same page. Your case may be one where MR is either not required or where he can't be as aggressive for very real reasons. Make sure you have all the info you need to make the right choice.


Sutures and Closure

Most Dr's will use disolvable internal sutures. Where they vary most is in how they close the incision. Here's the most common types:

* Steri-strips or tape. This is placed over the incision to help the 'top' close cleanly. Your Dr will usually advise you not to shower for several days up to a week, to allow the incision to close before exposing to water.

* Glue. If your insicison has been sealed with glue, then you will be able to shower on or about day 2, as the glue will prevent water from touching the incision. Within a week or so, the glue will begin to peel off.

* There are still a few Dr's that use staples. There is some risk that the staples will cause extra scarring, tho alot of women have done just fine. And the staples will have to be removed during the first week.


Scar Placement

As with everything else, this largely is a preference determined by the PS, depending on your body type, the amount of skin to be removed, and the natural fold of the skin. If you get an Extended TT (ETT), then your incision will go all the to the back of your hips. If you have a mini TT (MTT), then your scar will be low and much smaller than most. You may or may not be able to have much say over where the scar is placed, as doing it other than the way the PS recommends could give less than satisfactory results and cause issues such as 'dog ears'.

* Where does he recommend the inisicion be placed?

* Will it be the smiley face shape or a more straight line?

* Can you wear your favorite panties or swim suit to help determine the placement?

* How far back will the inicision go?


Binders

Here in the states most Dr's use a binder for at least some period of time. It helps close the space that was created when seperating the skin/fat from the fascia, which keeps fluid from collecting. This is to help prevent complications such as a seroma or a hematoma. It can also reduce the amount of swelling by compressing the tissue and forcing fluids out. Some Dr's recommend the Stage 1 binder for a week or two, before graduating you up to a stage 2 garment . A stage 2 garment is usually just a high waisted support panty that you can buy in a store. You don't want something that just comes to the waist, as it can pinch the ab muscles and be extremely uncomfortable. Some Dr's will take the binder away from you in a couple of weeks and not have you use anything. And then there are some - especially in Great Britian - who don't use a binder or garment at all.

* Will you wake up in a binder after surgery? If so, what kind? How long will you need to wear this binder?

* If you're to provide your own, what does he recommend?

* If you're having a combination of procedures, such as a "breast augmentation" or liposuction, how will that effect the garment you should wear?

* Can or should you wear a stage 2, and if so, when can you switch from the binder, and how long should you remain in it?


Drains

Almost all Drs use drains of some type. This is because the lymph system has been disrupted with the skin removal and incision. The drains are put in to assist the body in removing the fluids, so as to reduce swelling and prevent a build up that could cause a seroma or a hematoma. There are some new techniques available now, where drains aren't required. One is a procedure where a sort of 'glue' is made from your own blood to seal the pocket, and another is called pregressive tension sutures, which also closes that pockets. Since they're both pretty new at this point, alot of Dr's are taking a wait and see approach before using this technique for themselves.

* Where does the Dr put the entry points for the drains? In the incision directly? Or in the pubis area? Will there be a seperate scar?

* How long does he typically leave the drains in? Will he remove one first and then the other? Does it depend on the amount of fluid being drained?

* Is there a max length of time that he'll leave a drain in? If it extends for longer than anticipated, does he prescribe antibiotics so as to prevent infection?


Time off work

The amount of time for recovery depends alot on the amount of MR, as well as the general health and condition of the patient. It seems that most Dr's will recommend at least 2 weeks before returning to work, depending on the type of work you do. Even with a desk job. Sitting can be harder than standing, because of the pressure it puts on the MR. If you return to work at a desk job, make sure you get up often and move around to prevent the muscles from cramping up. During lunch, I would often go out to my car and lean the seat all the way back, so I could rest the muscles mid-day.

* How long before you can return to work full time?

* How soon before you can resume household duties? I recommend at least 6 months off from this activity. ; )

* How soon before you can take care of small children if you have them?

* How long before you can resume exercise? Walking? Weights?

* How soon can you drive?



Definitions

seroma
A mass or swelling caused by the localized accumulation of serum within a tissue or organ.

hematoma
A localized swelling filled with blood resulting from a break in a blood vessel.

fascia
A sheet or band of fibrous connective tissue enveloping, separating, or binding together muscles, organs, and other soft structures of the body.
As for weight, you will lose about 6 or so kgs if you have a TT. Thats average, some dont lose any. It will also take a while to see it come off because of swelling etc. My Ps said that you can lose another 20 kgs or so after a TT so it doesnt effect the results. I really have to stress that muscle repair is a huge factor of the final results with a TT. It is an absolute must. Make sure you and your PS are both clear that he performs it, because some dont. Also make sure you look at lot of pics of patients they have done with the same procedure.
I think you are a perfect weight now to have it done and will get optimal results being so close to your goal.
Good Luck if want to know anything else just let me know.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kelliebelly
Also, make sure you ask lots of questions about the Dr performing the surgery on someone with a band. Have they done it before. Also have them consult with your banding Dr so they know exactly where the port is and how far they can pull before pressure is placed on it. My Dr couldnt pull my tummy down as tight as he would have liked because it was causing alot of pressure on my port.

__________________
Banded August 2, 2007
Dallas

1st fill 9/28/07
2nd fill 10/11/07
3rd fill 10/29/07
4th fill 12/13/07
5th fill 2/15/08

Frangipani

Hi Salsa,

Questions are a good thing -- ask lots of questions. A good Dr. will patiently, respectfully, and thoroughly answer all of your questions.

I am definitely a woman who asks lots and lots and lots of questions. I'm certain that I drive people a little crazy sometimes with all of my questions, but that's okay. This is my body and I want to know exactly what's being done to it and how -- and I want to ensure that whatever being done to me is carried out with the highest standards of safety and care.

The previous post gave you an excellent list of technical questions to ask, but here are some more general questions for you to ask during the initial consult.

Some of these things I'm sure are already on your list. Also, you can find some of the answers to these questions on the Internet and I am providing a few links that you can use.

1) Ask to see a Curriculum Vitae or find one online in advance of your appointment. You want to see where your Dr. went to school, and what training that they have had (and where and for how long) after graduation.

2) Make sure the CV has dates. I came across the CV of one plastic surgeon that omitted dates. After a little bit more digging around I found out why -- he had only completed his plastic surgery training last year and had started his practice shortly thereafter. I'm sure this young Dr. is on the road to a fine career, but I personally thought his tactic of omitting dates was a little less than honest, and he was immediately removed from consideration for that very reason.

(On a related note, I have a personal preference for surgeons between the ages of 40 - 60. I want them to have significant experience in their field, but to be young, energetic, and enthusiastic enough to have learned and kept up with the latest advances and techniques. I know this is a bit of ageism on my part, but so be it. This is my personal preference, and this criteria has worked well for me thus far.)

3) Ask what board certifications your Dr. has. For plastic surgeons, you want be sure that your Dr. belongs to the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). You can check to see if your Doctor belongs by linking through the ABPS website: www.abplsurg.org

4) For whatever procedure your Dr. proposes ask the following questions:

A) How long has the Dr. been doing this procedure?

B) How many of these procedures has the Dr. performed? (an important question, as practice makes perfect when it comes to surgery)

C) How, where, and when did the Dr. obtain the necessary training to perform this procedure?

D) Where will the procedure be done?

E) Will the surgery be done in a hospital or a clinic? I know that thousands of surgeries are done safely every day in clinics, but a hospital is my personal preference. There is usually only a minuscule chance that something will go wrong, but if it does, I want to be in a place that has all of the doctors, staff and equipment needed to handle any emergency situation -- which is why I prefer a hospital.

F) If the surgery is being done in a hospital, do your research and make sure that it is a reputable, high-quality, hospital (as you know, not all hospitals are created equal).

G) If the surgery is being done in a clinic, I would ask your Dr. if the clinic is accredited and by what organization, I would also ask to see the facility, and what exactly what the facility is equipped with.

Questions regarding whatever procedure(s) your Dr. recommends:

1) Is this the best procedure for me to correct the area(s) I'm concerned with?

2) What kind of results should I expect from this procedure?

3) What risks are involved in this procedure

4) How long will I be in surgery?

5) How long will I be in the hospital (or clinic)?

5) How long is the recovery period?

6) What should I do prior to surgery to ensure the best results?

Good luck tomorrow Salsa !

And Kelliebellie, I am wowed by your post! Thanks for giving us so many more great questions to ask!!!




Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge
0/30 Exercise Sessions



Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Frangipani

Me again !

Oh, oh. Now you've got me going, hopefully you will be able to get me to stop........

The other post was getting too long, but I also want to say that you should always check to see if your Dr. is currently licensed in the state in which he or she practices and you will want to also check to see if there were or are any types disciplinary or civil actions taken against him or her (hopefully not).

Here is some information to assist you in finding out that information. I copied this from another website (List of all 50 State Medical Boards).

Hopefully the links provided are all up-to-date, but I have not double-checked this.

State Medical Boards:


Alabama State Board of Medical Examiners
Larry D. Dixon, Executive Administrator
P.O. Box 946
Montgomery, AL 36101-0946 (street address: 848 Washington Ave.)
(334) 242-4116 / Fax:(334) 242-4155
(800) 227-2606
Alabama Board of Medical Examiners

Alaska State Medical Board
Leslie A. Gallant, Executive Administrator
550 West Seventh Ave., Suite 1500
Anchorage, AK 99501
(907) 269-8163 / Fax:(907) 269-8196
Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing

Arizona Medical Board
Timothy C. Miller, Executive Director
9545 East Doubletree Ranch Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85258-5514
(480) 551-2700 / Fax: (480) 551-2704
Arizona Medical Board - Protecting the Public's Health

Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners in Medicine and Surgery
Elaine LeTarte, Executive Director
9535 East Doubletree Ranch Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85258-5539
(480) 657-7703 Fax (480) 657-7715
Untitled Document

Arkansas State Medical Board
Peggy P. Cryer, Executive Secretary
2100 Riverfront Dr.
Little Rock, AR 72202-1793
(501) 296-1802 / Fax:(501) 603-3555
www.armedicalboard.org

Medical Board of California
David T. Thornton, Executive Director
1426 Howe Ave., Suite 54
Sacramento, CA 95825-3236
(916) 263-2389 / Fax:(916) 263-2387
(800) 633-2322
Welcome to the Medical Board of California

Osteopathic Medical Board of California
Linda J. Bergmann, Executive Director
2720 Gateway Oaks Dr., Suite 350
Sacramento, CA 95833-3500
(916) 263-3100 / Fax:(916) 263-3117
Untitled Document

Colorado Board of Medical Examiners
Susan Miller, Program Administrator
1560 Broadway, Suite 1300
Denver, CO 80202-5140
(303) 894-7690 / Fax:(303) 894-7692
Colorado Board of Medical Examiners

Connecticut Medical Examining Board
Jeff Kardys, Board Liaison
P.O. Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134-0308
(street address 410 Capitol Ave., MS13PHO)
(860) 509-7648 / Fax:(860) 509-7553
Licensing Information,(860) 509-7563
www.dph.state.ct.us

Delaware Board of Medical Practice
Gayle Franzolino, Executive Director
P.O. Box 1401
Dover, DE 19903
(street address: 861 Silver Lake Blvd., Cannon Building, Suite 203,
19904)
(302) 739-4522 / Fax:(302) 739-2711
www.professionallicensing.state.de.us

District of Columbia Board of Medicine
James R. Granger, Jr., Executive Director
825 North Capital Street, NE, 2nd Floor
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 442-9200/ Fax: (202) 442-9431
dchealth.dc.gov

Florida Board of Medicine
Larry McPherson, Esq., Executive Director Department of Health
4052 Bald Cypress Way, BIN #C03
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3253
(850) 245-4131/ Fax:(850) 488-9325
Florida Department of Health

Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine
Pamela King, Executive Director
4052 Bald Cypress Way, BIN C06
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1753
(850) 245-4161 / Fax:(850) 487-9874
Florida Department of Health

Georgia Composite State Board of Medical Examiners
LaSharn Hughes, Executive Director
2 Peachtree Street, NW, 36th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 656-3913 / Fax:(404) 656-9723
Composite State Board of Medical Examiners

Guam Board of Medical Examiners
Chalsea Torres, Acting Administrator
Health Professionals Licensing Office
651 Legacy Square Commercial Complex
South Route 10, Suite 9
Margilao, GU 96913
(011) 671-735-7406-8 / Fax:(011) 671-735-7413

Hawaii Board of Medical Examiners
Constance Cabral, Executive Officer
Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs
P.O. Box 3469
Honolulu, HI 96813 (street address: 335 Merchant St., Room 301, 96813)
(808) 586-3000 / Fax:(808) 586-2874
Professional and Vocational Licensing (PVL) — Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs

Idaho State Board of Medicine
Nancy Kerr, Executive Director
1755 Westgate Drive, Suite 140
Boise, ID 83704
(street address: 83704)
(208) 327-7000 / Fax:(208) 327-7005
Board of Medicine, Idaho

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Division of Professional Regulation,
Daniel E. Bluthardt, Acting Director Chicago Office
disciplinary issues) Doris Barnes,
Disciplinary Board Liaison James R. Thompson
Center 100 W Randolph Street, Suite 9-300
Chicago, IL 60601
( 312) 814-4500 / Fax: (312) 814-1837
State of Illinois | Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Division of Professional Regulation, Daniel E. Bluthardt, Acting Director Springfield Office (licensure issues)
Sandra Dunn, Licensure Manager
320 W. Washington St., 3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62786
(217) 785-0800 / Fax:(217) 524-2169
State of Illinois | Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

Indiana Health Professions Bureau
Lisa R. Hayes, J.D., Executive Director
402 W. Washington St., Room 041
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 232-2960 / Fax:(317) 233-4236
PLA: Home

Iowa State Board of Medical Examiners
Ann Mowery, Ph.D., Executive Director
400 Southwest Eighth Street, Suite C
Des Moines, IA 50309-4686
(515) 281-5171 / Fax:(515) 242-5908
Iowa Board of Medicine

Kansas Board of Healing Arts
Lawrence Buening Jr., J.D., Executive Director
235 South Topeka Blvd.
Topeka, KS 66603-3068
(785) 296-7413 / Fax:(785) 296-0852
Kansas State Board of Healing Arts

Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure
C. William Schmidt, Executive Director
Hurstbourne Office Park
310 Whittington Parkway, Suite 1B
Louisville, KY 40222-4916
(502) 429-8046 / Fax:(502) 429-9923
kbml.ky.gov

Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners
John B. Bobear M.D., Executive Director
P.O. Box 30250
New Orleans, LA 70190-0250 (street address: 630 Camp St., 70130)
(504) 568-6820 / Fax:(504) 568-8893
Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners

Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine
Randal C. Manning, Executive Director
137 State House Station (U.S. mail)
2 Bangor Street, 2nd Floor (delivery service)
Augusta, ME 04333
(207) 287-3601 / Fax:(207) 287-6590
Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine Home Page

Maine Board of Osteopathic Licensure
Susan E. Strout, Executive Secretary
142 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0142
(207) 287-2480 (207) 287-3015
Maine Board of Osteopathic Licensure

Maryland Board of Physicians
C. Irving Pinder, Executive Director
P.O. Box 2571
Baltimore, MD 21215-0095
(street address: 4201 Patterson Ave., third floor, 21215)
(410) 764-4777 / Fax:(410) 358-2252
(800) 492-6836
www.bpqa.state.md.us

Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine
Nancy Achin Audesse, Executive Director
560 Harrison Ave., Suite G-4
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 654-9800 / Fax:(617) 451-9568
(800) 377-0550
Page - Board of Registration in Medicine

Michigan Board of Medicine
Ann Marie Stafford, Licensing Director
P.O. Box 30670
Lansing, MI 48909-8170
(street address: 611 W. Ottawa St, 1st floor, 48933)
(517) 373-6873 / Fax:(517) 373-2179
CIS Redirect

Michigan Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery
Ann Marie Stafford, Licensing Director
P.O. Box 30670
Lansing, MI 48909-8170 (street address: 611 W. Ottawa St, 1st floor, 48933)
(517) 373-6873 / Fax:(517) 373-2179
CIS Redirect

Minnesota Board of Medical Practice
Robert A. Leach, J.D., Executive Director University Park Plaza
2829 University Ave. SE, Suite 500
Minneapolis, MN 55414-3246
(612) 617-2130 / Fax:(612) 617-2166
Hearing impaired 1-800-627-3529
Minnesota BMP : Home

Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure
W. Joseph Burnett, M.D., Director
1867 Crane Ridge Drive, Suite 200B
Jackson, MS 39216
(601) 987-3079 / Fax:(601) 987-4159
MSBML Homepage

Missouri State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts
Tina M. Steinman, Executive Director
3605 Missouri Blvd.
Jefferson City, MO 65109
(street address: 3605 Missouri Blvd., 65109)
(573) 751-0098 / Fax:(573) 751-3166
www.ecodev.state.mo.us/pr/healarts/

Montana Board of Medical Examiners
Jeannie Worsech, Executive Director
P.O. Box 200513
Helena, MT 59620-0513
(406) 841-2300 / Fax: (406) 841-2363
Discovering Montana

Nebraska Board of Medicine and Surgery
Health and Human Services
Regulation and Licensure Credentialing Division
Becky Wisell, Section Administrator
P.O. Box 94986 Lincoln, NE 68509-4986
(402) 471-2118 / Fax:(402) 471-3577
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners
Tony Clark, JD, Executive Secretary
1105 Terminal Way, Suite 301
Reno, NV 89502
(775) 688-2559 / Fax:(775) 688-2321
State of Nevada - Board of Medical Examiners

Nevada State Board of Osteopathic Medicine
Larry J. Tarno, D.O., Executive Director
860 E. Flamingo Rd., Suite G
Las Vegas, NV 89121
(702) 732-2147 / Fax:(702) 732-2079
Nevada State - Board of Osteopathic Medicine

New Hampshire Board of Medicine
Penny Taylor, Administrator
2 Industrial Park Drive, Suite 8
Concord, NH 03301-8520
(603) 271-1203 / Fax:(603) 271-6702
complaints (800) 780-4757
New Hampshire State Board of Medicine (NHBM)

New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners
William V. Roeder, Executive Director
P.O. Box 183 Trenton, NJ 08625-0183
(609) 826-7100 / Fax:(609) 826-7117
New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Health-Related Boards

New Mexico Medical Board
Charlotte Kinney, Executive Director
2055 S. Pacheco, Building 400
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505)476-7220 / Fax:(505) 476-7237
www.state.nm.us/nmbme

New Mexico Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners
Annette Rodriguez, Executive Director
2550 Cerrillos Road Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 476-4695 / Fax:(505) 476-4665
Redirect to the right page

New York State Board for Medicine (Licensure)
Thomas J. Monahan, Executive Secretary
89 Washington Avenue, 2nd Floor,
West Wing Albany, NY 12234
(518) 474-3817 Ext. 560 / Fax:(518) 486-4846
Office of the Professions - NYS Education Department

New York State Board for Professional Medical Conduct (Discipline)
Dennis J. Graziano, Executive Director
Department of Health Office of Professional Medical Conduct
433 River St., Suite 303
Troy, NY 12180-2299
(518) 402-0855 / Fax:(518) 402-0866
New York State Department of Health

North Carolina Medical Board
R. David Henderson, J.D., Executive Director
P.O. Box 20007
Raleigh, NC 27619
(919) 326-1100 / Fax:(919) 326-1130
NCMB Home Page

North Dakota State Board of Medical Examiners
Rolf P. Sletten, J.D., Executive Secretary/Treasurer City Center Plaza
418 E. Broadway, Suite 12
Bismarck, ND 58501
(701) 328-6500 / Fax:(701) 328-6505
NDSBME Main Page

Northern Mariana Islands
Medical Professional Licensing Board
Juanet S. Crisostomo, Adminstrator
P.O. Box 501458, CK
Saipan, MP 96950
(670) 664-4811 / Fax:(670) 664-4813
Saipan Information, Tinian Information, Rota Information @ The CNMI Guide - Your guide to Saipan, Tinian and Rota

State Medical Board of Ohio
Thomas A. Dilling, J.D., Executive Director
77 S. High St., 17th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6127
(614) 466-3934 / Fax:(614) 728-5946
(800) 554-7717
State Medical Board of Ohio

Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision
Lyle Kelsey, C.A.E., Executive Director
P.O. Box 18256
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
(405) 848-6841 / Fax:(405) 848-8240
(800) 381-4519
Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure & Supervision

Oklahoma State Board of Osteopathic Examiners
Gary R. Clark, Executive Director
4848 N. Lincoln Blvd, Suite 100
Oklahoma City, OK 73105-3321
(405) 528-8625 / Fax:(405) 557-0653
Administrators in Medicine

Oregon Board of Medical Examiners
Kathleen Haley, J.D., Executive Director
1500 SW First Avenue, 620 Crown Plaza
Portland, OR 97201-5826
(503) 229-5770 / Fax:(503) 229-6543
Redirect Webpage

Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine
Joanne Troutman, Administrator
P.O. Box 2649
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649
(717) 787-2381 / Fax:(717) 787-7769
Department of State

Pennsylvania State Board of Osteopathic Medicine Gina K. Bittner,
Administrator P.O. Box 2649
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649 (street address: 124 Pine St., 17101)
(717) 783-4858 / Fax:(717) 787-7769
Department of State

Board of Medical Examiners of Puerto Rico
Pablo Valentin-Torres, Esq., Executive Director
P.O. Box 13969
San Juan, PR 00908
(787) 782-8949 / Fax:(787) 792-4436

Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline
Robert S. Crausman, MD,
Chief Administrator Department of Health Cannon Building,
Room 205 Three Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908-5097
(401) 222-3855 / Fax:(401) 222-2158
www.docboard.org/ri/main.htm

South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners
Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
John D. Volmer, Board Administrator
110 Centerview Drive, Suite 202
Columbia, SC 29210-1289
(803) 896-4500 / Fax:(803) 896-4515
South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation

South Dakota State Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners
L. Paul Jensen, Executive Secretary
1323 S. Minnesota Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
(605) 334-8343 / Fax:(605) 336-0270
South Dakota Department of Health

Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners
Rosemarie Otto, Executive Director
425 5th Ave. North, 1st Floor, Cordell Hull Building
Nashville, TN 37247-1010
(615) 532-3202 / Fax:(615) 253-4484
Tennessee Department of Health

Tennessee Board of Osteopathic Examiners
Rosemarie Otto, Executive Director
425 5th Ave. North, 1st Floor, Cordell Hull Building
Nashville, TN 37247-1010
(615) 532-3202/ Fax:(615) 253-4484
(888) 310-4650
Tennessee Department of Health

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners
Donald W. Patrick, M.D., J.D., Executive Director
P.O. Box 2018
Austin, TX 78768-2018
(512) 305-7010/Fax: (512) 305-7008
Disciplinary Hotline (800) 248-4062
Consumer Complaint Hotline (800) 201-9353
www.tsbme.state.tx.us

Utah Department of Commerce
Div. of Occupational & Professional Licensure Physicians Licensing Board
Craig J. Jackson, R.Ph.
160 E 300 South, 84102, Heber M. Wells Building, 4th Floor
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
(801) 530-6628 / Fax:(801) 530-6511
Utah Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing

Utah Department of Commerce
Div. of Occupational & Professional Licensure Board of Osteopathic Medicine
Diana T. Baker, Bureau Manager
160 E 300 South, 84102,
Heber M. Wells Building, 4th Floor
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
(801) 530-6628 / Fax:(801) 530-6511
Utah Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing

Vermont Board of Medical Practice
Paula DiStabile, Executive Director
108 Cherry Street
Burlington, VT 05402-0070
(802) 657-4220 / Fax:(802) 657-4227
Redirect to healthvermont.gov - Vermont Department of Health

Vermont Board of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons
Jessica Porter, Director, Office of Professional Regulation
26 Terrace Street, Drawer 09
Montpelier, VT 05609-1106
(802) 828-2373 / Fax:(802) 828-2465
Vermont Secretary of State - Office of Professional Regulation

Virgin Islands Board of Medical Examiners
Lydia Scott, Executive Assistant Department of Health
48 Sugar Estate
St. Thomas, VI 00802
(340) 774-0117/ Fax:(340) 777-4001

Virginia Board of Medicine
William L. Harp, M.D., Executive Director
6603 W. Broad St., 5th Floor
Richmond, VA 23230-1717
(804) 662-9908 / Fax:(804) 662-9517
Virginia Department of Health Professions - Home

Washington Medical Quality Assurance Commission
Blake T. Maresh, M.P.A., Executive Director
Department of Health
310 Israel Road, SE MS 47866
Tumwater, WA 98501
(360) 236-4788 / Fax:(360) 586-4573
Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Home Page

Washington State Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery
Robert Nicoloff, Executive Director
Department of Health
P.O Box 47869 Olympia, WA 98504-7869
(360) 236-4945 / Fax:(360) 236-2406
Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Home Page

West Virginia Board of Medicine
Ronald D. Walton, Executive Director
101 Dee Drive
Charleston, WV 25311
(304) 558-2921 / Fax:(304) 558-2084
WVBOM

West Virginia Board of Osteopathy
Cheryl Schreiber, Executive Secretary
334 Penco Rd.
Weirton, WV 26062
(304) 723-4638 / Fax:(304) 723-2877
Redirect

Wisconsin Medical Examining Board
Department of Regulation and Licensing
Thomas Ryan, Bureau Director
1400 E. Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 266-2112 / Fax:(608) 261-7083
Welcome to the Wisconsin Department of Regulation & Licensing

Wyoming Board of Medicine
Carole Shotwell, J.D., Executive Secretary
211 W. 19th St., Colony Bldg., 2nd Floor
Cheyenne, WY 82002
(307) 778-7053 / Fax:(307) 778-2069
wyomedboard.state.wy.us

Hope this helps -- Good Luck !


Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge
0/30 Exercise Sessions



Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

pizzicato66

Good info!

So, is everyone doing their surgery in the US now, or are you still considering surgeons outside the US? I'm still curious about what "boards" etc they have in other countries and how thorough their records and training requirements are. Has anyone researched it?

If I wind up in San Diego, it would be a consideration to save money going to MX, if I felt I knew enough about their safety standards (not just what the docs say about themselves).

__________________
Banded 8/22/07

Frangipani