Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals

Hi, dr.wagner is set to do my lapban surgery in early june... I am sooooo stoked to get my approval on 5-14-09 (just 3 days prior to my 30th b-day)... What a wonderful birthday gift. Who could ask for a better birthday gift than a new start to life...dr.wagner is great and very educational...the staff at the office alway has a warm smile and ready to answer any questions you may have.... Great dr. And office staff....

Hi yal, From the Springs but having surgery with Metz on the 3rd of December. So far, so good. My liquid diet starts 11/30/09. Surgery is at P/SL. Very nice office staff & insurance clearance p/w was sent ASAP. He offers GBP, Lapband and VSG. His NP is very nice and is his sidekick for surgeries. Dieticians are nice and social workers are awesome! I love Liz! Anybody out there considering their practice, it's a GO! If you wanna pair up with me to keep up-to-date, reply to this thread. Rebekah 265/? BMI 48 surgery date 12/3/09

Does anyone know a good lap band surgeon who is Tricare Prime South preferred?? I live in Amarillo Texas and would prefer Dallas if at all possible. Thanks so much!

I have someone wanting to learn about the sleeve in the San Diego area and would love to direct them to someone awesome. I went to a seminar about the three surgeries before I did mine and would love to direct them to something similar! WOuld appreciate any recommendations in that area- including La Jolla, etc.

Iv seen old posts that said the only way to do it in calgary is to be refered and wait a few years... Is that still the case? BellaRuby

Hi all, I live in Dubai and Dr. Chris will be visiting emirates hospital on the 19th of Nov, please let me know your experience with him and the progress of your weight loss. I have appointment at the hospital tomorrow to get referral but I want to make sure I am taking the right decision as I was considering Balloon Gastric before. Thanks.

I am looking for referrals for VSG Surgeons in Boston. I finally met with a surgeon at St. Elizabeths but she has only done 6 sleeves. She told me that Brigham and Womans has done 8. These numbers seem very low to me. She is not a fan of band and thinks VSG is the way to go for me.

Hello lap band and realize band folks but look this losing weight thing is getting me so so upset. I know everyone is different but I see some people are 3 weeks post op and has lost 30 and more I am 1 month post op and still at the same 10lbs so upsetting. Someone plz help me I am so discouraged all ready. I do get it some what but y me the slow one. What are yall doing to lose so quickly

Has anyone had VSG with Dr. Maragret Inman from Carmel, In? This seems to be one of few drs that perform the VSG & takes anthem BCBS. Please let me know how to research her. thank you

Hello, Friends!!! I was banded by Dr. Kurian on 10/13/2011. I did not receive the LAP-BAND® Personalized Patient ID Card. WhenI read other people's posts, they talk about that ID. Did any of you get the ID from Dr. Kurian? And if yes, when did you get it? Thank you, Marishka

I had my surgery on 9/14/2011. Dr. Collier and his staff are great. He always takes the time to answer all my questions and concerns. His staff handled all the insurance paperwork and got me approved on the first try. My surgery went off flawlessly and I have lost 28 pounds so far. Dr. Collier will tell you what to realistically expect and encourage you to achieve your personal goals. I actually enjoy going to the doctor now!!!

I am self-pay, and I have my first appt, self pay consultation, on Halloween. The appt is with the Weight Loss Center thru Meritus Medical Center, I see where they have 4 surgeons listed under providers. I haven't seen anyone on LBT list any of these doctors. I'm also keeping in mind that Meritus is fairly new and maybe that's why. The doctors are Dr. DiMarco, Dr. Small, Dr. Prashar, and Dr. Rosenberger. Has anyone had these doctors?

Just looking for others who are patients of Dr. Rosett.

I have just went for my consult with a second dr and he is willing to use all my medical records from the previous dr. But i would like to know if there is anyone out there that has used this man and how he was on a proffesional level. Thank you all so much

I was banded 9/28/10 by Dr. C and had a very good experience. Met with her prior to surgery and she spent a lot of time explaining the procedure and answering questions. Met with her and the PA day of surgery. Stay at Magee was good but ended up being in 3 days instead of overnight. My bladder does not do well with anesthesia apparently. Followed up with Bill, PA for postop check and her was also very thorough and took the time to answer all my questions. Overall a great experience. I am due to go back on Nov 12 and perhaps get my first fill.

Has anyone had the Gastric Sleeve done with Dr. Joya? What were your experiences with him?

My surgery is 12/6/11. My dr. is very nice, I know the generals about the sleeve and other stuff, but I wish he would be more informative, and just talk to me alittle more about whats coming up. If I ask a ? he answers it of course, he just seems a little standoffish. I wish his bed side manner was better. Am I more concerned than I should be - does anyone else have a dr. who's bedside is a little cool, or am i just over reacting. He is a good surgeon, thats probably all that should matter? Kathy

Hey everyone - I went to my first Support Group with Dr. Chae's office last Thursday and met quite a few of you. Several had not heard of this website, so I hope you have joined in. This is a place we can connect with each other! ---paisleypea aka Tobi-Lynn

He's the only one that does VSG near Sacramento that my BCBS PPO has a contract with. Then his hospital doesn't have a contarct for bariatric. URGH! The other doctor doesn't do VSG at that was Dr. Laura Machado.

I first started the lap band process about 2 years ago. I had unfortunately lost my job about 3/4 of the way though and couldn't get everything completed before loosing my insurance. 2 years later I had my job and my insurance back. He remembered me and worked with me closely to make sure we could get things done in a timely matter (you never know with this economy). Eva was just as patient and kind. Lord knows I was on the phone with her at least twice a week. It took me around 2 months to get everything done, and Eva had my approval the same day the paperwork was submitted to the insurance company! I was at work when I got the call and I can't help but remember how I ac…

Hello All! Hoping to get some feedback on Dr. Distante? He is the only surgeon that my insurance will approve...anyone? I LOVE this sight! All of these wonderful people have answered so many questions!! ::--)) Best, SC Mtn Girl

I have been going to UT's weight loss and surgery center since Nov, 2008. Lynn and the office staff have made my 6month insurance required medically supervised office visits a very smooth process. I was recently approved by Cigna and will be having my surgery June 5th by Dr. Matthew Mancini who I have personally met twice durning my process. Tessa the centers dietician is a valuable resource as well as Lynn. I am very happy with my progress and several co-workers (5 so far) are either done with their surgery or are in the process. I would highly reccomend their program... Stephany Epps

Has anyone had their surgery done by Dr. Domkowski? If so please let me know because thats my doctor and you can share your experience with me,

Hey out of curiousity how many people have had drs call them at home before surgery?

I was scheduled to have my VSG with Dr. Kelly on October 24 but my coordinator just called and said he has meetings that week & will be unable to do it. I have already purchased my plane tickets & made arrangements for my kids--so the coordinator gave me the option of using Dr. Garcia. Does anyone know anything about this Dr? I did a lot of research before I choose Dr. Kelly but so far I cannot find many with experience with Dr. Garcia. I am just trying to decided if I stick with Dr. Kelly (what I am leaning toward right now) and change my ticket no matter the cost or go with Dr. Garcia? Any comments would help. Thanks!!

Has anyone dealt with Dr. Naim ? I just love him and I am sed. For surgery Wed. But I am surprised that I found no mention of him.

Looking to create a support system - locally as well as on this amazing forum that educates and inspires me everyday! I am in the beginning of my journey - and so excited for the future!

I'm looking into getting sleeved and get my life back. Anyone from CT who was your doctor? I'm meeting with Dr. raftopoulos at St.Francis Hospital. I have looked him up and he seems like a great surgeon thus far without having met him yet.

Hi, I am narrowing down surgeons and because I am a self pay I am trying to find out as much info as possible. I am looking for a US surgeon that does the sleeve using the spider. Has anyone used Dr. Yu ? I have also inquired about Dr. Qubbeman and had very positive responses. I am so thankful for this forum because I feel overwhelmed and I am finally ready to move forward asap, now I just the Dr. So if you know of any surgeons doing the spider single incision surgery, I would be truly grateful for any information! I live in Ohio and as far as I can tell there is not a Dr. here that does this paticular type of surgery. I wish traveling was not the only option, b…

Hey everyone I'm trying to find people that are in Tennessee that have used Virginia Weaver for their banding. I'm new to all of this I'm hoping to have surgery by the end of the year not sure if that will happen yet. I haven't had a lot of luck finding and recent people that have used her so I'm starting to get worried.

Hi..I got my fourth fill on Monday and now its Friday and I can still only really get down liquids and pudding. I paged Dr. Elli to see if I could get an emergency unfill..but he has not called me back...has anyone ever paged him?

I know this has been asked in many ways on this forum, but I've never really seen what I'm looking for. I have chosen Dr. Kelly as my surgeon. I'm scheduled for July 29th and have already paid my deposit and paid for plane tickets for my husband and myself. But, with the recent death he has had (along with "encouragement" from GA Girl ) I'm beginning to doubt my choice. I'm looking for help from everyone here to either confirm my doubts and help me choose a new Dr. or confirm my original decision to use Dr. Kelly and give me the courage to stick with him. TIA for anyone willing to help me out with this! So, my question is...WHY did you choose the Dr. you did? I don't …

Has anyone used Fairfield County Bariatrics in Fairfield, CT? Interested to hear about your experience with either of the Dr. Floch's. I'm currently awaiting my insurance approval, and so far have been pleased with the office, and my interactions with Dr. Craig Floch and his staff. Let me know if you've been sleeved there! Thanks!!!

I got a Swedish 8 cc band in South Africa, where I am living, May 2011, and the band is not working at all. There is very little difference between before and now. I feel something in the morning, sometimes, but usually, there is no difference between now and before surgery. My surgeon here is not interested in trying to figure out why the band is not working. Personally, I think the band is too large. My BMI was 35 when I got the band and I think it is just too large. I would like to find a surgeon in the States, who would be willing to help me find out why it is not working and perhaps replace the band with one that will work with my anatomy. So, I am looking for som…

Does anyone know of any doctors in the Southern California Kaiser area that are open to refferal for lapband? I tried talking about it with my current doctor but he turned kind of hostile on me. I would love to do it through Kaiser because it would be vastly cheaper, and I would be willing to go through the various hoops I have read about, I just need to get the process started. So, does anyone know of any doctors in the Kaiser circuit in Southern California that can help me out?

I just had my Lap band Surgery on 2/4/2011 and Dr. Paul Guske was my Surgeon. I chose him through the Subrban Surgical Care center (Kane Center). Dr. Guske has great Bedside manner and is a very down to earth guy. What i like best about him is that he always takes time to answer any questions i may have. He is very patient and understanding to all of his patients needs. Surgery itself is a scary thing for anyone to have to go through but Dr. Guske made the process a lot easier by helping me to understand everything that was going to take place. My surgery was a success and everything turned out fine. I am currently recovering but i feel great. I am a little sore but that …

Hi I am new to the forums and I am wondering if anyone has every encountered an experience when their start weight is above the BMI >40 and the diet before surgery puts them in the "not covered" category. I have no major medical issues, except PCOS, GERD, Severe back pain and knee pain, and I am afraid after my pre surgical diet I will be under the covered weight limit. Maybe I should pack on the lbs before my consult?? What do you think?

That may seem like a crazy question, but I want to be comfortable! Do they make you wear a hospital gown? If you are allowed to wear your own clothing, is something button down better? Are you hooked up to wires making a pull over impossible? I've read everythng I can, and can not wait for my surgery on Nov. 1, 2011. This is the only subject I haven't seen covered! Any info is apprieciated!

Hello everyone. I am scheduled to have my first consultation with my surgeon Sep 9. I was just wondering if anyone has used or know anyone that has used this practice for their WLS? Just curious to find out about their patient care. Thanks!!!

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Hi, I am new to the area. I was banded about 3 yrs. ago & had my last fill about 2 yrs. ago. I need to find a doctor to take care of me in the Columbus, GA area. Can someone please help me out, thx.

Was anyone turned away or not able ro have their surgery because of any unknown reason. Or is it just a few simple tests ?

This may be a reacurring Topic, but Im new to the site and would love your feedback on the process you completed with Kaiser all the up to your surgery day (or receiving the date for some) I just completed my options classes 8.16.11 and now I feel like a lost child wondering around at the park... Im currently waiting to be contacted for a consultation with the surgeon. I was told that all of my lab work had been completed and other test and now it's just a waiting game. Not to mention Im still working on my 10% weight lost that must be completed by my surgery date. Pre Options: 260lbs Post Options: 248 Must be 237lbs by my surgery date Im not sure where I am right…

So my insurance requires a 6 month diet for sure....it seems so far away....how did you all make it through your waiting period?

Hi: I want surgery for the sleeve in Mexico but my husband is fearing crime, such as car jacking, kidnapping, etc as a huge risk. There are travel advisories. Anyone want to comment on this? Pat

I am having something really strange happen. I have been having chest and upper back pain, specially around my left shoulder blade and right front side chest pain. I notice it only after I am done eating or drinking something. After digestion process is over I notice it goes away, can this be due to my lapband?

Hi, i had the op 2 yrs ago and initially i lost 6 and a half stone over the yr. All was great, until i went and had my last fill just before Xmas 2010. At first i just thought the extra vomiting was just my fault , trying to eat as much as i had pre-fill. However after nearly 6 months of constant vomiting and no weight loss, it got to the point where i couldnt even get a cup of water down. Ended up in A&E and there I discovered that i had Duedonitis and saggy aesophogus, it had been badly stretched buy the food and fluid not passing through. It was also swollen around the site of the band. Luckily i was able to have the band emptied there and then. After a few days re…

I am a snowbird who resides in Cape Coral for 6 months each year. Had my band surgery in Buffalo NY area on Sept.12, 2011, and having my first fill on Oct. 20 before I head south. Looking for a doctor/hospital that would be willing to do fills/followup while I am in Florida. THANKS!

Hi, can anyone recommend a doctor in Georgia? If so, where are they located? I am close to Atlanta and there are several but if I could get anyone's input on who they used, that would be great. Also, if you were self pay, approximately how much did it cost? Not that the cost is as important as the doctor's knowledge and experience is.Thanks!

Just wanted to write a little Thank You for your great work. I am excited for my weight loss journey and life style change. Couldn't have done this without you in our local area. I also feel very lucky to be part of a well ran group that you have at your facility. Melissa