Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals

Hi there. I'm getting ready to move to Jacksonville here in a couple of months and I have Tricare Prime. I know I'll most likely be seen on base and am looking to get started on this journey. I've struggled with my weight most of my life and after I got out of the Army, put on a good 50 lbs thanks to Lyrica. Even though I've been off of it for over 2 years, I struggle to lose the weight. I'm right at 35% with co-morbid conditons (arthritis, OSA, fibromyalgia). What is the process at NAS if anyone knows? If they except you to lose some weight before hand to show that you are serious, and that puts you under, does that mean you no longer qualify? Thanks in advance to anyone…

I am 3 days post op with barely any pain. He is very kind and professional. Any body elsd go to him?

Hi in Australia, I had two operations done by dr Justin GREENSLADE. First one was the verticals sleeve, and the second was the RNY. Both times had absolutely no complications and a smooth ride. I fully endorse him and the Greenslopes private hospital where he does his work. Top notch in both respects.

Hello, im from Brisbane, Australia and i am looking at gastric bypass surgery in august, but im struggling to find a surgeon to use, can people suggest who they have used please and how they found it. ThAnks

My surgery is scheduled May 20th (YAY!!!) with Dr Nick at the Microsurgery Institute (fka Northstar). Any other out-of-towners in May? When are you flying in? I'm wondering, at which hotel are you staying? and, how many nights will you be at the hotel? I got my packet today but there's no out-of-town information included.

I have clearances from the cardiologist and pulmonologist, and the recommendation letter from my PCP. My surgery will be at bridges Center in Phoenix with Dr. Juarez. They gave me a list of psychologists and nutritionists in Phoenix. I live three hours away. Does anyone have a recommendation for Sierra Vista, Tucson, or Phoenix? My insurance website is a pain. I made a few calls and got VERY frustrated because the offices I talked to didn't do the testing, or nutritional counseling for WLS. I'm willing to go to Phoenix, but I sure would love a recommendation! Thanks!

Hi! I'm scheduled for VSG with Dr. Tran in a couple of weeks....anyone with feedback about their experience with him?

Has anyone from the Dallas area use Barker Bariatrics? If so, how was your experience and how long did it take for insurance approval?

Anyone use him? I'm going next week for a consult

Has any been sleeved in St. Pete Florida?

Amazing place with amazing doctors and staff. This whole process has been so easy. And they have done all of the work for me with the insurance company. They provided me with the psych eval and the nutrition consult with their own doctors, so I didn't even have to worry about finding them on my own. I can't believe how easy this has been! My surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning at Bayshore Hospital. So excited! I have Dr. Greco performing the surgery, but there are actually two surgeons in the room for the procedure. I couldn't have dealt with a better place!

I started my process Nov 2013. my surgery was October 2014. I saw my surgeon at the informational talk, an hour for the intake, a few minutes before surgery, and twice after the surgery in the hospital. One of the hospital visits was less than 30 seconds. He is a world class surgeon and his statistics are great. I had no problems. I have read that problems are often directly related to the skill of the surgeon. While I don't have warm fuzzy feelings for my surgeon, I was so glad I chose him. What I am really glad for is that his PA is fabulous!! Find out if that is the person you are going to be seeing most of the time. You want a great surgeon, but you want a better PA.…

I know this is a long shot but .... Anyone went or going to Jacobi hospital? anyone in the bronx @ another hospital?

Hello I have been approved for surgery by my insurance and need find a surgeon that does surgery in the 600+ lb range i live in So cal in Barstow any help would be nice i thank you in advance

After a year of fighting and waiting and trying and appealing and waiting, and waiting some more, I've decided on Dr. Nicholson in Dallas. Partial self-pay, as he will be repairing my hiatal hernia as well. I hired Lindstrom Advocacy last fall, but it seems they could not help me. Some of my emails have gone unanswered, which surprised me because they were very responsive early on. Maybe I'll never know the final result of the appeals. Sooo... Dr. Nicholson here I come! Don't have a surgery date yet, I'm hoping soon. I am beyond excited!

Just a question I am having my sleeve performed in Mexico and I was wondering what doctor to see if I have any questions when I get home ? Is it hard to find someone to see?

Unbelievable. After two years and three appeals I get approval and redo my tests, he tells me I will get a date in two weeks. I call his office after my second round of tests and she tells me they are full for the rest of the year and I have to redo my tests for the third time. She wasted my time and the insurance company money. She acted like it was my fault then informed me that she couldn't accept my approval letter because she had never seen one like it. I was so upset. I was so emotional and raised my voice and she kept saying I should have known they didn't have any more openings and it was my fault. I told her I was done and hung up and cried. I decided t…

I will be scheduling my surgery soon at Flagler Hospital in St Augustine with Dr. Robert T Marema....has anyone on here been banded by him??? I would appreciate any info. Thanks soooooo much! :confused2:

Hi All, Has anyone had a revision surgery done at TUFTS hosptial in Boston, MA? If so, what was your process like? Did it take a while for you to get a surgery date scheduled? I have my first appointment with the surgical fellow at the beginning of April, and I'm hoping to have surgery in June or July. Does this sound like a feasible timeline? I have blue cross and blue shield, so I don't have a specific 6 month waiting period.

Hi All, Has anyone had a revision surgery done at TUFTS hosptial in Boston, MA? If so, what was your process like? Did it take a while for you to get a surgery date scheduled? I have my first appointment with the surgical fellow at the beginning of April, and I'm hoping to have surgery in June or July. Does this sound like a feasible timeline? I have blue cross and blue shield, so I don't have a specific 6 month waiting period.

If anyone needs a bariatric surgeon in Jacksonville, please give Dr. Sharma a chance. He took over the old office of Dr. Cywes. The number is the same, 904-399-4004. Dr. Sharma really listens to you has awesome bedside manners. FYI, Jody is there too!!

If anyone needs a bariatric surgeon in Jacksonville, please give Dr. Sharma a chance. He took over the old office of Dr. Cywes. The number is the same, 904-399-4004. Dr. Sharma really listens to you has awesome bedside manners. FYI, Jody is there too!!

I had the pleasure of having this team on my side when I decided to take back control of my life. They were all very attentive and thorough. Doctor Salzberg was an outstanding surgeon. I highly recommend this team when it comes to getting your weight back on track. Has anyone else had him for a surgeon?

On Tuesday I had my VSG at Swedish medical Center in Seattle with Dr. Brian Sung. Everything went smoothly. One night in the hospital and then home. Great surgeon and team and I am so pleased. And Medicare paid for it.

I am looking for ppl who have had experience with this Dr. I have consulted with him to have a sleeve done. Anyone have him do your surgery?

Has anyone had surgery in any of these hospitals and if so with what doctor? How was your experience? Ive decided to get wls in Nyc but not sure which hosp or doctor, any answers are appreciated????

My Hernia/LapBand surgery is scheduled for Friday March 20, 2015 ! So very excited. Flying to Dallax, TX from St. Louis, MO for the surgery. I can't believe True Results St. Louis/Dallas is making this happen for me! Just curious if anyone out there has had Dr. Benavides as a surgeon for the LapBand. Also on day 6 of my pre-op diet and it really sucks!! I just need to stay motivated and know that this is all for my better and that it will all be worth it one day.

Taking a road trip down memory lane everyone, so please bear with me.... October 2013, SW: 275 I am a 38year old mother of 4, newlymarried. Beautiful house, nice vehicle, great kids, loving hubby....I should be happy right? No, I was not...was not happy with myself & that turned me into a monster. I have been diagnosed with PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder with severe anxiety & panic attacks,OCD Hypothyroidism, Elevated Triglycerides, Asthma and PCOS just to name a few. I was trapped inside of a heavy drum and could not climb out and break free, I began hurting myself b/c I could not feel anything anymore. On the brink of suicide. I wanted and needed help. I …

I have my very first appointment in a couple weeks and was hoping to get some feedback from others that used Dr. Miles/Alabama Weight Loss Surgery. I've read nothing but good things, but would like to hear from someone with first hand experience. Any info will be much appreciated.

Any thoughts on why? Doc did not say. Rrrrr! My vitals are all normal.

Hi I'm new to this hopefully I will be getting surgery in July or August Did anyone have Dr. Ursula McMillian in Springfield Ma ? Thanks everyone I'm really excited about starting my weight loss journey.

I'm hoping for a June or July sleeve surgery. My surgeon will be Dr Michael a Woods & performed at The Obesity Treatment Center at CMC in Manchester NH. Has anyone had their surgery with him. I'd like to hear about your experience.

True results Dr. Richard Benavides?

Dr Ache and DrJessee two wonderful women Drs. The whole staff is great.

What was your experience with Dr. Um? I know he's one surgeon of four at this facility. He'll be assisted by one of his partners. How did your surgery go with him?

Anyone use them?

My husband and I both plan to have the sleeve. He is about 12 hours post-op and doing great! I had so much anxiety for the past 2 days, this was truly a leap of faith. This was an extremely difficult process to get to, but so much easier after. He was walking with soap little discomfort due to gas. we are now waiting for the day when he can stop all of his blood pressure medication. Now I can't wait to have mine. My documents were submitted to insurance about a week ago. I'm calling them tomorrow. Does anyone have any advice that they would give us immediately following the procedure?

I'm still preop with no surgery date, but I was wondering if there was anyone local around.

Hi ! I will be having surgery soon in Manchester NH. Dr. Gould will be my surgeon. Has anyone here had surgery by him or know someone who has? I am excited to be having this done... nervous.. but excited !!! Thank you everyone! Candace

Very happy I'm going with Dr. Szomstein. One week until surgery date. He's kinda cute too! BONUS!!????

Dr. Orris has been my doctor for over 3 years. He has performed many fills and endoscopies. He is very knowledgeable and never rushes you through the appointment. He answers all questions and takes your own opinion into consideration. His staff and clinic are very professional. I would highly recommend him and the Weight Loss Institute of AZ.

Anybody else used/using Providence Hospital and Dr. Katz for their surgery?

Hi. Has anyone else used Dr Amit Trivedi with Advanced Laproscopic, Hackensack University Medical Center, NJ? His office staff leaves a little to be desired, but he himself was wonderful. Sleeved August 31st

My family has decided to sit me down and tell me about every friend of a friend they heard of who had a leak. My cousin had this surgery and got a leak after a year from eating too much, is that even possible? Shouldn't the stomach be fully healed? I am posting from my phone and just realized that this isn't the correct sub forum, can a mod move it?

Hello Everyone! I've been a member for a few months but this is my first time posting something. My surgery date is this Friday the 30th of Jan and I can't believe I have made it through all of the required appointments - 6 months - for insurance to approve. I've done much reading, research, asking questions and certainly gained a lot of knowledge however reality has hit like a tun of bricks and am so scared now. Please forgive me if what I ask appears redundant but has anyone out there been so scared they felt like backing out? I'm almost to the point of writing "Goodbye Letters" - if ya know what I mean. I could certainly use some pearls of wisdom from folks wh…

I was referred to Dr. Lublin in Santa Monica by my insurance company, Blue Shield HMO. After I got my referral for the surgeon consultation, everything went pretty fast. I saw the surgeon on 12/20, finished the tests, etc. by the end of January and now my surgery is scheduled for 3/31. This has all gone much faster than I anticipated. I've been to a couple different websites like this one looking for any mentions of him, but so far nothing. I was just wondering if anyone has been to him for WLS.

Hello? :: taps her mic:: Is this thing on? Is anyone out there? This is my official APB (All Points Bulletin) for all of my fellow Bandits. This thread used to be very active and I loved coming here. It helped me through a ton of my moments and gave me more encouragement than you know. This also used to be a great thread to offer one another encouragement, kicks in the butt (when needed), and to share our successes as well as those frustrating plateus and bumps in the roads that we all have had at some point. Pre-Ops...Newbies..our seasoned Bandits...*Everyone*... has something that they contribute to this thread that may help a fellow bandster. So if…

Hi everybody, I'll try and keep this as brief as possible., but it will get a little long as there is a LOT to cover. I got my Band done in May of '05, in Long Branch NJ. I lost 90 pounds, and hit my goal almost without any major issues. I only experienced severe heartburn as a 'complication' along with the getting to know the learning curve of what I could and could not eat. However, in '09 I developed a complication, that somehow led to an infection of my port area. This turned out to be an internal MRSA infection, and I came about 12 hours away from leaving the planet for good. Luckily, they went in and managed to get everything cleaned out, and actually managed to re…

Has anyone used dr balder as their surgeon? He is based out of Gulfport, ms... I have seen him twice in his hattiesburg office. He does his surgeries in slidell at a Coe facility. I am waiting on insurance approval and would like to hear from anyone that has used him for gastric sleeve.

I'm having gastric bypass in 3 months . I'm worried about all the vitamins I have to take. I don't take pills well. I have a bad gag reflex any hints.