Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals

Please Help....... I have Kaiser Mid Atlantic and just completed their six month nutritional class and wanted to know if there is anyone else going though Kaiser and if so what is next. Also how long was it before you had surgery..... Thanks

I'm wondering if anybody is having surgery with Dr. Gonzalez in May at South Miami Hospital? As for me, I'm finally doing it May 12th. Even though I'm excited about starting this new phase in my life, reality is setting in. OMG -this is for real.

In talking with Dr Teng, my Mrs was told that Aetna wants 6-months of pre-surgical work (diet, exercise, NUT, etc) before submitting for approval. Now I checked the Aetna bulletin on first-time bariatric patients and their program requirements are 90 days. How do I convince him that we only need 90 days without stepping on anyone's toes? I totally respect his opinion and have no doubt he respects his patients. I'm quite certain he also has dealt with Aetna before (he has) and knows them well. He has his own office program for the VSG (well any bariatric procedure I surmise). The NUT is 3 consecutive months, he wants to see us every 8 weeks minimum, a therapy group and …

I've just signed on with Dr. Boorse in Allentown PA - has anyone used this group? They seem to have a great center with lots of before and after care. I'm starting the required 6-month pre-program with monthly meetings and doctor visits. While I know it's to my advantage to have this 6-month information period - I'm also disappointed that I can't have the surgery until at least October - I'm ready NOW!!!:coolgleamA: ps - I'm still confused on which surgery to choose - lapband or gastric - I don't need to make my decision right away - how did you make this choice?

I have already attended his informational seminar last month and he seemed like a good doc. I've checked some of his credentials and stuff and it all seems good. I was just wondering if anyone else has had him do their surgery and what was your experience with him. Thanks!

Hi everyone!! I have Aetna as primary and Tricare as secondary and neither will pay. Does anyone have an cost information for any doctors/pay plans etc.. in TN or surrounding area? One doctor in M'Boro quoted me in the 19k range- yikes!! Thanks in advance:)

At the last group meeting I went to, one of the staff at (the new location) Jacksonville Weight Loss Ctr. mentioned that patients can choose which surgeon they prefer to perform their surgery. This normally wouldn't be an issue for me, since I was assigned Dr. Cywes (he's a pediatric surgeon, and since I'm only 18, anatomically speaking as a woman I'm still technically "not mature" until my mid-20's due to bone ossification, organ development, etc.) and I would usually just stick with him. Unfortunately, the man gets on my ever-loving nerves. At my first appointment with him, it seemed like he did a lot of talking, and wasn't really listening, and jumped to some weir…

My husband and I both had surgery through Dr Woodman last year. He goes out of his way to answer all of our concerns, phone calls, and see's us in clinic whenever we need to be seen. He seems to always be at work. There are no other doctors in Memphis that work like he does. He tell you exactly what you need to do and if you listen you lose weight and will be successful. The patients that don't listen don't do as well. Everyone of his patients respects him for his hard work and dediation to helping us lose weight. We would never go anywhere else. Thank you Dr Woodman!

I have to say that my doctor, Dr Woodman, is the best. He is well known for being the best surgeon in Memphis and is very strict. It has been the best decision I have ever made to have surgery by him. I haven't had ANY problems and have lost from 310 to 176 pounds in one year after my Lap Band. His patients all know what to do because he is so thorough. I recommend Dr Woodman and his office staff to anyone interested in bariatric surgery.

Has anyone had the surgery done at NWH? Reviews?

i have no friends in this state to use as support and my kids are all in conn and i am in nc. I am considering lap band surgery in the near future and i am scared out of my mind. I have had no surguries in the past and all three of my kids were born naturally. SO as u can see i am scared but yet i know if i do nothing i will be dead soon. I am on disab due to my back, i have diabetes but it is controlled with no meds but diet. I have hbp , high chlosteral, and very inactive due to my back and much pain. so i need some support that is local and can help me thru this. I would greatly appreciate it. thanks to all and thanks for all the information i am finding her…

Dr Woodman is the man! I really appreciate him and his honesty. He has helped me lose weight and change my lifestyle. He is straighforward and if you listen to him you will be successful! Thank you Dr Woodman! I recommend him to everyone.

Dr. Woodman opened an office in Jackson, TN. I met him at the seminar there and he seems like a great person and very knowledgeable doctor. There are about 50 people I know in Jackson who have had surgery by him and they all swear that he is the best. I am going to try and get approved for a Lap Band. Does anyone know if a Lap Band or sleeve would be a better choice?? Thanks.

I live in the uae....I'm canadian but I work here. I want to do my surgery and have had a quote of over 10,000 dollars. I have also been quoted by a doctor in Jordan. Does anyone know of any good and reputable docs out here????

Hey guys, I was banded by Dr. Simon. I live off of 7th street and the 101. I am looking for some fellow bandsters to keep me on track in my excersize. I am working out at LA fitness on 7th st and union hills. I am currently on week 3 of the couch to 5k excersize program. Please contact me and let me know if you'd like to join me. -Jamie

Hello Well my husband and I both will have the sleeve on July 19th in TJ Mexico with Dr. Almanza. And staying at the recovery house Just wondering if anyone else is scheduled with him around the same time. I'm hoping to go to San Didego on Sat to get a few days in before the sugery I thought it might be nice to meet. let me know if you are going...

Has anyone used Dr. Patel in San Antonio, TX ? If so, I would like to hear about your experience. Thank you!

I have been thinking about getting the Lap Band but dont know which doctor to go to. If there is anybody who had their lap band done in Spokane can you tell me who you when through and what steps you had to go through before getting approved or to even see the surgeons. So far mainly the only ones I see on here is Dr. Bright, Dr. Rawlin, and Dr. Spitz and I dont know which one would be good for me. Any help or advise would be helpful .

Has anyone used Dr. Cussatti in New York? Any feedback would be appreciated.

I just have to shout it from the rooftops - "Dr. Frank Chae is the most amazing surgeon!" He is in Lone Tree, CO at the Sky Ridge Medical Center (food you eat, and the why of it all. She really cares about her patients and enjoys her work. She goes so far as trying the things she tells you to do (for example, they recommend that you start cutting out soda so she stopped drinking soda for a month to see what it was like). She won't tell you to do something she hasn't done herself (now that is dedication if you ask me). She has a depth of understanding about weight issues that I didn't think was possible from someone who hasn't had weight issues. She is as much psycho…

Here are some important questions that I think all patients should ask before having surgery 1) Who will do my follow up -if you will not be seeing your physician, then I would give some consideration to looking elsewhere 2) What kind of dietary education is provided prior to surgery -you should have a very clear idea of what your diet progression will be immediatly after surgery in addition to understanding the long term changes to your diet 3) How far are you having to drive to get your fills - the farther you have to travel, the less likely you will be to get the fills you need in a timely manner. In addition, will you be able to access your physician i…

Does anyone have a suggestion for a doctor in Mexico? Please - I am trying to do my research. I just feel so lost. Thanks!!:regular_smile:

Hi everyone! After a lot of research, I'm leaning towards having the sleeve done. Now, I have no idea how to weed through the surgeons. I live in Texas (DFW area). Who did you use? What were the pros/cons? Would you use him/her again? Thanks so much!

Hi I am wondering if anyone has used Dr. Zizi in West Monroe, La. I know he hasn't been doing the sleeve very long but has done the lap band for years. Any info would be helpful Thank you.

Hello, My name is Jack from Denver and I would like to ask if there are locations within the US for the VSG procedure? I really don't want to do the south of the border thing especially with the violence down there. Best, Jack

Hello, I contacted Medicare regarding Vertical Banding which is the one thing they won't cover. Does anyone know of some Hospitals in the US that are not too expensive? I can't get the procedure done in Mexico because I have a heart condition which must be closely monitored during surgery and won't risk infection by going outside the US. Best, James

If so how did your surgery go with them and who did you have?

I am with BCBS so I have the 6 mo waiting period. I had a very good meeting with the dietician yesterday. I am just having a hard time waiting for this to get started. I was wondering if there is a book that is good for general information or a cook book that is helpful. I would also like to get in touch with others that have been or going through the PN system in Mpls MN. Anything that is helpful I would really appreciate a friend that is going through this.

I will be getting my band in less than a week with Dr. Atkinson. Anyone else been to him? I'm excited and nervous. :thumbup:

Hello everyone. I was formerly on a different forum site asking for assistance in finding bariatric surgeons in the Jacksonville FL area. I have talked with Dr. Baptista's office and they recently tripled their rates. I am self pay have had the band for 3 years. When I stated on my last forum about Dr. Baptista's rate increase I was brutally attacked in the forums, harassed, called awful names, accused of things I never thought possible etc. I was having some complications recently after being 3 years post op and went to the ER as recently as last night where because I can eat and drink they refused to do anything but tell me to find a Dr. I am more than willing to g…

I have started the process! I made appt. with Dr. Chung in Lake Charles LA on Feb. 16th. Please let me know if you have used him and what is the process with him. What do I need to bring to my first appt?? I also went to my primary doctor this afternoon. I told him about Cigna 6mth weightloss documentations. He said he has had great success with Cigna without doing the 6mth thing. He said we have been working on weigthloss and I have other weight related health problems. Please let me know what to expect at my first visit. I also want to know if what my Doctor said is true. I want the surgery yesterday!! Please let me know.

I live in the metro Detroit area and i'm looking for a Dr, any recomendations or thoughts? Many Thanks. Gilly.

Has anyone gone to Dr Thomas Brown in Denver? I'm scheduled to get my lap band April 12 and just wanted to get some up to date testimonials. Thanks!

I have met with Dr Ehrlich, and was wondering what experiences anyone has with him. My GP also reccommends a second opinion from Dr. Tishler whom I have not met but has been reccommended by friends. I am most impressed by the aftercare program at Dr. Ehrlichs practice. Any Thoughts CT bandsters?

WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE THAT HAS HAD VSG WITH DR. NUNN FROM BARIX CLINIC?

anyone seeing Dr. Cynthia Long in Maryland? I started seeing her in Silver Spring, but after the new year, she'll be in Baltimore at Sinai Hospital? I'm torn on the idea about her going to bmore, but I don't want to change doctors now that I'm towards the end of the process. Is anyone else switching doctors now that she is moving? Or are you just sticking it out and going to bmore?

Hi, just wondering if you have, what was your experience? I am narrowing down surgeons. I have looked into Dr. Brian Quebbemann, CA. Cleveland Clinic, OH and Dr. Aceves, Mexico. I am self pay and I live in ohio, just looking for best options and feeling overwhelmed. Thanks a bunch!

HI i was just banded feb 25th 2011 by Dr. Manuele and I was hopeing to find someone else who also goes to him .

My Name Is Shonna, and Dr. Boone Did my Lap Band Surgery 3 weeks ago... I must say, He is a great surgeon.. My incisions are healing beautifully, some you can barely see.. I have lost 24 pounds in 3 weeks, and am feeling great... Anyone who is reading this a looking for a sugeon Dr. Boone is the Best.. Thank you Dr. Boone for giving me a fresh new start...

I love Dr. Long even though she has moved to Baltimore now!

Has anyone here had surgery at vanderbilt hosp in nashville tn. I will be attending a seminar this friday about this procedure and gastric bypass. Just wondering about which dr you chose and your thoughts about the dr. thanks

Dr. Burch is a wonderful doctor. I have never encountered a medical professional with a better bedside manner. He listens, he cares....he is absolutely charming in every way. I watched him carefully in a waiting room (I arrived 2 hours early for surgery) where he talked to spouses and families about their loved ones in surgery. Never once did I hear him speak in a condescending way, he never rushed or discredited any concern. He treated each person as if they were valued by him, my husband was very pleased also. Dr Burch sat and talked to my husband and made sure that he was comforted and answered all his questions. I had a lap band placed by Dr. Burch, even though I ca…

Hi, I've had the sleeve surgery about one year ago was weighing about 190 pounds & lost 40 pounds. Just love the feeling of not being over weight & more healthy. The past 6 months I've had chest pains only three times severe. When had the first pain went to the doctor, he checked me & said it was acid reflux. Today in church had to leave because of severe chest pain this pain comes from behind my heart to the front of the heart, not in my throat. The last time I ate was last night around 7:00 pm & had a snack around 9:00pm. This pain began around 9:30am this morning haven't eaten anything. The pain comes every 20 to 30 minutes but is getting milder. H…

I would like to put my KUDOS out to this clinic. They have been in No. Phoenix about 2 years or so. My doctor is Dr. Steven Simon, who is the guru of bariatric intervention--great, supportive, educates about options, works viciously to get insurance approval for treatment, and just a fantastic surgeon. I have not yet had my surgery, but have started Preop preparations with diet and have completed my hosp preop tests and xrays. My date is May 31st. Everything has happened very smoothly all around once ins approval was given. Staff at the hospital today was excellent!! I am confident my hospitalization and surgery will go very well. I would not check others in our a…

I have never seen word one about this wonderful surgeon, so here I am. He did my surgery at Phoenixville Hospital (PA) and he and his team were fantastic. The nurses in the hospital were also great. The program at Phoenixville is still rather new, but he has done a large number of surgeries. If you are in the suburbs of Philadelphia and you do not want to go into the city for your surgery and follow-up care, give Dr. K a try. He really is great.

Since my opinion of the Realize Band's RealizeMySuccess web site is not very good, I have decided to use this web site instead. Seems a lot more active and user-friendly. I was banded and had a hiatal hernia, plus an umbilical hernia repaired on November 11, 2009. My first fill on Dec 15, 2009, Second on January 19, and third on Feb 16. I think I am a bit too tight from this one and will let them remove a CC next week. That will bring my total fill to 9 CC's, which I think will be just about right. I have been very impressed with Dr. Smith and my husband also chose Dr. Smith to do his band on January 4. Now, we hope to get much healthier and live longer to see ou…

Hi everyone, I had been researching being banded but have recently come across information on the sleeve and this seems like a better fit for me. My insurance doesn't cover any part of the sleeve and I've been reading a lot on here about people having the procedure successfully done in Mexico (specifically Tijuana and Mexicali, but I'm open to other suggestions) for a fraction of the price. Initially my reaction was, no way would I have this done anywhere but the U.S. but after reading about people's experiences, my concerns are subsiding. Most of my questions have been answered on various threads throughout this forum, but I felt by starting this new topic I can see e…

I'm now looking for a lap band referral for the Dallas area. Anyone have any good experiences......or is there anyone you recommend that I avoid? I have a free initial consultation with True Beginnings in Richardson tomorrow. I'm so nervous. Thanks, Marie

My initial appt with this Dr. was in October. I have did everything that I was suppose to do concerning getting ready for the procedure. My insurance finally approved the procedures two weeks ago, when I got a call from the scheduling department at the Dr.'s Office, she told me her next available surgery date is December 5, 2011. Have anyone ever heard of this. I told her that I could lose weight on my own if I had to wait nearly a year for the surgery...Anyone have any suggestions, please help...

Has anyone had their VSG with Dr. Jose Rodriguez, Dr. Aramburo or Dr. Almanza? How do I pick a safe place to have my WLS in Mexico. ??