Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals

I am considering VSG and exploring my options through Innovative Weight Loss Solutions, Dr. Fouad Hachem, in Junction City, KS. Has anyone had any experience with this group? I would love to visit with you! Thanks. Debby

I'm beginning to think a trek to Tampa for surgery is just really nuts. Anyone have suggestions for a TriCare doc that might be closer?

I am having second thoughts about going to the hospital I have chosen. I have everything done, am approved. Its that the customer service I have received through this process is lacking to say the least. My insurance only supports two hospitals in my area (St. Alexius - who I have now, and Des Peres). So I was wondering if anyone else has ever switched in the 12th hour. I left a message for St. Alexius telling them I am uneasy with them as the customer service was so poor, and I am very afraid it may stay the same of even get worse - and after surgery I would need their support more than ever. I also sent a message to Des Peres asking if this was a possible switch. Anyone…

Hi there, I am considering Dr. Kirshenbaum in Aurora, CO (www.lapbandrockies.com) I know that there are a few of you in LBT that went to him. I am interested in knowing your thoughts on him and if you have had any complications. I am just a little leary since the price is so low, there is little on the internet about him, and I will be traveling from WI to have this done. Any information you could provide would be much apppreciated... Thanks! Sheila:)

Hello, With your first consultation with the surgeon, did they do their own exams or did they just go through your charts from your doctor? Just in case that does not make sense, did they get your BMI themselves or off of your chart? Did they do their own blood test or just look at your chart notes? Thanks, OldskoolHeart

I'm just starting this journey and would like to know any pros or cons with this Doctor. My insurance is sending me to Association of South Bay Surgeons. They have 4 Bariatric specialists and with all the research I've done I think this is the Doctor I want. But how do you know for sure... so confused and would love some help. I think I'm over thinking this whole process. HELP PLEASE!!!

I do not know why it took me 10 plus years to get it together and have surgery. I spent absurd amounts of dollars on dieting plans, pills, meetings, new fad diets and everything in between. I am sure my waiting had to do with having the right Dr and the right staff. It was definatley a blessing to have the WLIAz in my neighborhood when my aha moment occured. My journey started in Aug of last year and I am happy with my progression. I got rid of 27 lbs so far and have no intention of ever finding it again. Dr Orris and his staff have what it takes to help me through this healthy change and I am so glad they are here for my journey.

Hi Everyone, I'm new here. I've been doing a lot of research on lapband, and I think I'm ready for my first consult. I need to find a surgeon though. I'm in Skokie which is north of Chicago. Anyone have suggestions? Thanks!

All my tests are done. Now waiting for them to submit my chart to the insurance. Waiting game...eeek!!!

Hey there. Im wondering if any one used either of these during their pre op diet

Hello Friends, I had my original Band done by Dr. Ren at NYU in 2007. I LOVED her and that office. Unfortunately at the beginning of the year my band malfunctioned and it has a leak. It's basically like having no band at all. I haven't felt restriction in almost a year. So I have gained back 48 pounds already and it's awful!! I need to have a revision done but I just moved to LA and I need a surgeon here. I would fly back to NYU but I need an office with aftercare close by and fills/unfills...you guys know the drill. So any suggestions PLEASE!!!! I'm so desperate!

Anyone have gone through their sleeve surgery with this hospital? Pre-op diet is in full effect right now! Surgery is coming up in two weeks Dr. Mun is my surgeon...he is attentive and straight forward feedback/thoughts

Dr Williams is an awesome doctor. I advise anyone in the area to go to Vanderbilt! The best hospital in the country!

Looking into my options of doing theVSG here in Miami or taking a leap of faith and going to Mexico. I am paying out of pocket so need any and all advice.

Wish my dr was worth posting about!! Had way to many complications an crap go wrong with my dr..

Hello. I recently moved from Dallas to Phoenix. Does anyone know of a doctor here who will accept a patient from elsewhere? I need a scope check on my band. Thanks in advance for any help. Mike

If you are looking for a surgeon to help you with your existing lap band, fill/maintenance or are having trouble dropping weight and getting the lap band to "do what you thought it would" - contact Dr. Eric Pinnar in Jacksonville, FL his approach works... I have lost 280 lbs and had all diseases reversed. Also, if you are interested in getting the lap band then DEFINITELY connect his office. His number is 904-503-1530 and his office is at 4131 University Blvd Building 15 Jacksonville, FL 32216 Lee 280 lbs Lost - All diseases reversed

What type of doctor is best suited to perform the lapband surgery? Should I be looking for a general surgeon, a gastroenterologist, someone else? Thanks!

My surgeon came recommended and he is wonderful! His MA Jillian is great, Barb the on site nutritionist is a wealth of knowledge. The 2 surgical nurses were fantastic and not one time did I feel uncomfortable or judged. Those 2 women made my overnight stay NOT scary. The name of the clinic is Puget Sound surgical Center.

I am planning to use Southwest Bariatric Surgeons' Dr. Mark Sherrod in Austin, TX. Any information on this group or others in Austin, TX?

I would love to hear your experience with the hospital and the doctors. I am going to a seinar next week for dr stephen merola and dr armando castro. Thank you

anyone have sleeve surgery with Dr. Pilcher in San Antonio?

Hey all I am looking for a great surgeon in New Mexico or Arizona for my other half we no longer live in NYC where I had my surgeon and cannot afford to go back there so any help would be possible. Thanks

Anyone?

Hey ks folks. Dr Kowalski won't be doing surgeries for not sure how long. Some kind of emergency pulled him from the office yesterday and my case manager emailed me today. So decision time again. I have to pick Hamilton or Hoehn. Any one have anything bad to say about either?

How did your surgery go? Any problems?

I have been searching for facilities in Mobile,Al. As I will be paying out of pocket I have been checking for prices. USA Medical is under $10000.00 . Any comments about this hospital?

My surgeon is Dr. Rayford Kruger, at Tobey Hospital in Wareham, Massachusetts. The hospital is a Bariatric Center of Excellence (since 2007) and is the only hospital in our area of Massachusetts to have received 5-star recognition for overall bariatric surgery by "Healthgrades" for four consecutive years (2009-2012). So, I do feel very confident that my hospital is staffed with surgeons that are well-trained, and that the program is a good one. But it would help my nerves to know exactly how many sleeve gastrectomies Dr. Kruger himself has performed, and what his rates are for complications/fatalities, etc. I've been all over the interwebs, but can't seem to find the…

I will be getting sleeved soon with Texas bariatric specialist & Dr. Nilesh Patel looking to hear any feedback on their experience with him and the practice?

Has anyone gone to him or knows him?

He is the one that is doing my surgery....very excited he seems so strict 3 week diet but still happy with my decision

I live in east texas if anyone has had lap band surgery that lives in the east texas area, that can recommend a doctor I would appreciate it. This is all new to me. I looked online and there was only a few listed in Tyler texas. Tammie

Has anyone heard of Dr Russo of Bethlehem Pennsylvania

Anyone else going to the Journey Clinic in Moore, OK with Dr Nelson? The Moore Medical Center where the office was located has been destroyed by the tornado. Not really sure where to go from here. I hope Dr Nelson and her staff are safe!

I have done everything the office asked, submitted information to insurance in 3 days was approved. Well here's my problem my surgery was scheduled for June 7th I received in the mail today that the doctor will be closing all clinical operations as of May 31st . I need a doctor who is in Jacksonville, Fl. Or close to it who will do a lap band with pilcation if you know of any please help.

I had bariatric coverage when I got the band years ago. Well I had to fight and fight but in the end they did cover it. Anyway, I have since changed jobs and health care plans and have no bariatric coverage. It is hard to get the surgeon to agree to see me to discuss revision options. So if anyone can recommend someone, I'd be grateful. Thank you.

Surgery date friday....may 17....scared..support

We are moving to Mobile and need a doctor to follow up our lapband care. I had mine in March and my husband got his in April. Anyone know a good doctor and support group??

Hi!! I would like to know any experience with Dr.Glasgow, and his office, pre- and post op. I want to make a good decision!!! Thanks people

Hey everyone, there's an awesome $500 giveaway contest being drawn, by Carnie Wilson, at the WLSFA event on Saturday night. Everyone can enter. The info's below in case you want to take part! There's only 5 more hours to enter, before the contest closes! RealSelf.com $500 WLSFA Giveaway On Saturday, 18th May, 2013 RealSelf.com will be giving away a $500 prize, to one lucky person who has entered the RealSelf/WLSFA giveaway. RealSelf will also match this amount, by donating $500 to the WLSFA. In order to enter, you simply have to write a review of your WLS journey, which will then be shared on RealSelf.com. You can do this by using this link: http://www.realself.com/r…

Dr. Fitzer is my doctor. Does anyone have any experience with him? I really like him so far! He was in New York and is noe practicing in Northern Virginia.

I had my surgery on tuesday of this week and it couldn't have gone better. Dr. Pooler is with aspen surgery center in Regina, Saskatchewan. So amazing...I highly recommend him and the entire team.

Looking for a very good and successful self-pay Vertical Sleeve Surgeon in Michigan, any recommendations? What is the approx. charge. Thanks!

Hello every one, I am curently in the research / jumping through insurance hoops phase. I am going to be having the sleeve done with Dr. Teng in Las Vegas where I live, All of the apts i have had with him or his staff have been great but I was wondering if there was anyone out there that has all ready had the surgey with him?

Anybody have this surgeon? I cannot find any of his patients and I am really curious!

I'm new to this site - but not this world unfortunately. Looking to go from a band to a sleeve. I have to pay out of pocket (again) and can afford in the $11,000-$15,000 range. Anyone go to Dr. Mehta in NJ? I ask b/c I see his ads everywhere, which makes me a little skeptical. I also found an affordable self pay in MI, a Dr. Pleatman who seems affordable and highly recommended (according to his site). However, I'd really like to find an affordable self-pay in central FL so my mother can assist me. HELP!!

Does anyone know Prof Heine van der Walt at Unitas Centurion?

I think manyyyy people here would like to know experience s and opinion from those people with good or "bad" hospitals, or drs, or wl clinics! This could be very interesting!!

Hi!! Any experience with Dr. Cohen in MA? or any other in MA, area?

Hey everyone, just found out insurance will cover surgery in 2013. Any recommendations on a Dr. in the central Florida area?