Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals

I have hesitated to post here because I am at a loss as to how to effectively convey how truly marvelous I think Dr. Cavazos and his staff are. I can use hyperbole like "best" "nicest" "most skilled" "caring" but those words are overused. I'll probably have to resort to them because they are all true. I can tell you at age 53, when I had my surgery, I seem to have recovered faster with less issues than many many younger posters I read about. Partly that's me, but largely that's due to the deft skill and compassion of Dr. Cavazos and his able staff, both medical and office. Gas pains post op? Not this chickie; I am sure he removed most of it before he closed me u…

I am researching options for a sleeve surgery. I was very intrigued by Dr. Aceves package price and process. ($8750). However I am also researching the Baylor hospital in Plano Texas...where I live. I called to get information and their package price is $12,400. Here is what is scary....I was told that if I had surgery in Mexico, then had a post op issue, no doctor would want to take me as a patient due to liability! I was told that dr. Nick Nicholson would charge $1500 for an office visit if I felt I had a leak or trouble from a mexico surgery. The lady told me "why would any doctor want to take you as a patient with problems caused by another mexican doctor? We…

Hi all - I'm scheduled for surgery in 2 weeks - believe it or not I haven't decided if I'm having the bypass or the sleeve. I have about 75 pounds to lose. Anyone out there have the sleeve done by Dr. Blackstone in Arizona? THANKS!

I am considering getting sleeved in Delhi India. Can anyone recommend a hospital or doctor in India.

You are right, he has no bedside manners, cool cut and dry. In a period of 3 months I saw him one time before my surgery then his staff took over. Dr. Kang is great. Guess if he did a good job he does not need bedside manners but I always like a little more jab with my doctors.

I am not happy with my follow up care from the facility I got my lap band from(Banded Oct15, 2009). So I thought it would be easy to find a new physician, however, it has been VERY difficult. I keep being told that it would be in my best interest to continue the care with the facility that I got the surgery from? Has anyone had a difficult time switching doctors or finding doctors that will take on "other surgeons" patients? I feel like my doctor/surgeon doesn't care about my issues or questions, is always rushed, and I'am always waiting atleast 1hr beyond my appointment time every time I have went to see him. I have health insurance Blue Shield and I was told the same th…

Has any one had Dr. Liza Maria Pompa gonzalez in tijuana Mexico? If you have please share your experience with the staff and with the surgeon.I was sheduled to have surgery with Dr. Mario Almanza but all the stories about leaks and the after care i can't shake that thought in my head.So please any good input will be good.:thumbup:

Hi, I have a question. I'm researching my options for lap-band and I've been to two seminars. The first one was a doctor who does ONLY lap-band, works through one particular same-day surgery center, very slick and well designed program. In addition to the cost of the surgery covered under insurance, he charges a "program fee" of $4000. This is not negotiable. Second doctor, no such "program fee." He does not have an exercise consultant on staff nor does he have a pharmacist on staff as the first one does. Is this "program fee" a standard practice? I have good insurance, but I don't have $4000 lying around. Just Asking, Thanks!:thumbup:

Ok, so I haven't gotten a for sure doctor yet. I want to go to my PCP first and have him refer me to one. BUT, I am going to ask him about this one doctor who did the lap band on a friend of mine and he came highly recommended. I called this doctor's office and spoke for a long while with the desk and she answered a ton of questions for me with no problem at all. And I felt ok with him being the one that I might be referred to. After reading about making sure your doc has done 300 or more VSG's I'm second guessing myself. This doc has only done 10 to 15 VSG's for weight loss. BUT he is also a general surgeon and has been doing similar surgeries to the VSG for stoma…

I live in CT and am having surgery with Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey, Mexico? Has anyone had any experiences, both good or bad, with Dr. Rumbaut and what have you done if problems have occurred if you live in the States and leave Mexico? I am self-pay...

I sent an email to his office yesterday and still have not heard back. I am trying to decide who to go to for the sleeve. does anyone know if it usually takes a while to hear back from his office? or his pricing? thanks

I had my surgery with Dr. Fass in April. He is wonderful! I am having my first fill next week. Dr. Fass is an excellent surgeon. He is very caring and communicates well with his staff and the nurses. The nurses who care for his patients have great respect for him and consider him to be one of the best weight loss surgeons in Austin. The only beef I have (okay, well there is a couple) is the horrible pre and post op diet they put you on and their waiting room is so depressing! The staff is wonderful though. I was thinking that I would take a colorful plant into their office next week to cheer it up. No music, no colorful art, just bland colors and tones...yuch!

I noticed tonight that the ad for Dr Aceves says "JC Accreditation in Progress". I am really glad to see that coming...a sign of continued quality improvement. I wonder how many hospitals in Mexico are JCAHO approved.

My surgeon says that I will not need to stay overnight in the hospital after surgery. Reading through some of the threads, it appears quite a few folks have stayed overnight (some several days). I forgot to ask the surgeon when I met with him on Friday and plan to send him an email tomorrow, but do most people stay overnight with the sleeve? Would be interested in hearing from others...Thanks!:thumbup1:

I'm getting my surgery done in Mexico, and wondering if anyone has used Dr. Rodriguez before? How was your experience? Did you have any complications getting fills at home, etc? Any info would be great - from those who have had the surgery done by him! Thanks!

HI! I am April from Ohio. I am still in pre-op phase. I have finished my blood work, EKG, and Pulse Ox tests. I have been to the seminar and the all day evaluation. I am just awaiting approval. I was just wondering who else on here is having surgery or had surgery with Dr. Stephan Myers at Riverside Methadist Hospital? I was just curious and wondered if you had any stories about your experience.

Dr. Trace Curry in Cincinnati, Ohio will be doing my surgery. Anyone else have him?

I have to get my band removed (long story, basically it slipped). I am looking for a good Ft Worth surgeon that is not Richard Carter or Adam Smith. Carter put in the band and refused to take any fluid out when I started having problems. Smith (after several tests) couldn't figure out what the problem was. My primary care doctor was the one that figured out why I haven't been able to eat for 4 months...poor placement/slip. I have a letter of medical necessity to get it removed, just need a doctor. Any suggestions?

Brina, girl, this is just for you! I also look in the before and afters when I am having a crappy day, and today is one of those days. I have been doing so good with the food and today I made a lot of wrong food choices. I have learned not to dwell on those days and tomorrow is a new day! I guess I'll start the thread with my pics, I can't wait to see everyone else's pics!! The first picture is me at 330lbs, the second is me at 260lbs. I still have such a long way to go, but I'm confident I can do it.

Anyone have any personal experience with him? Everything that I have found so far has been very positive. Thank God. :laugh:

Hi, I am new to this site and wanted to ask if anyone knows of MD's in US (prefer Washington State) that will remove bands done in Mexico? I would truly appreciate any feedback. Also, does anyone know if insurance will pay for removals if there is complications (insurance would not cover placing the band). Thanks!

Hi, I am waiting for approval and hope it comes fast because I want to get banded in early August. Would love to chat with others in town getting ready to get banded or who have already had the surgery.

Dr. St. Laurent performed my Lapband surgery in January 2009. I have lost 30 lbs and am losing a consistent 2-3 pounds a week. I have had zero issues, both recovering from the actual surgery and then learning how to make the band work for me. Dr. St. Laurent is such an expert on the surgery, what to expect, how to give you fills and educating you through the whole process. Dr. St. Laurent also utilizes Nutrilife Wellness dietitians, that specialize in bariatric patients. They have also been such a great asset in preparing and educating me through the process. I couldn't be more satisfied with my surgeon, office staff and dietitians. As well, as my decision to move for…

Ok I am reading about some who get staples removed, stitches removed. What does Dr. Aceves do? I want to make sure if I need to see my PCP that I have an appointment all set up. VST has been so helpful to me. onward D.

This is the surgeon who changed my life. I went to a seminar of his and the entire staff was introduced to us. Great doctor! What impressed me the most is the staff...what a group of wonderful, caring people!!! They guided me through the entire process. Sheryl the nutritionist kicks my ass when I need kicking. Harriet the office manager is my love :biggrin:. They are always there when I need them. They answered all of my questions. Their response time is excellent. I highly recommend the entire package... Be warned though. Dr. Nick does have an office in Far Rockaway, but his main practice is in Smithtown, at St. Catherine's Hospital where he also performs bariatri…

Has any used Dr. Paya in the san Fernando valley? Please post or the california surgical weight loss center in the same area/ Thanks...

I am working through his office to have the sleeve done. I am still in the process of getting approved through insurance. There was alittle hiccup on that but hopefully it will be soon. I have been to the seminar in September and support groups since October. I have not had my consultation with him yet. I am all set mentally to have the sleeve. I can not wait. So I just wanted to reach out to other patients of his and get a feel for what to expect once I get the go ahead from the insurance company. I am trying to get my list of questions together that I need to ask him. I have been trying different Protein drinks so i can find one I like. I like nectar Syntrax …

Dr. Griffon is awesome! He is so nice and caring, unlike other doctors I have gone to. I cant wait! i have 2 weeks, one day, and about 10 hours until my surgery =] Anyone else being banded or is already banded by Dr. Griffon?

Please,,, Any feed back?? He is a Lap Band Doc in Cancun and he uses the amerimed hospital. If you have any feedback it would be greatly appreciated!!

See posting http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f21775/recommend-mid-ohio-surgical-associates-wls-bariatric-surgeons-109727/#post1410948

I am going to their seminar January 23, but I don't know anything about them. anyone on there been to them or had surgery by them? Thanks

Does anyone know anything about Dr. Sunil Sharma? He had his training at the University of Pittsburg Medical Center.

Hi all, I would like to find a Dr. within Southern California whom has good references and has an affordable price with anesthsia included. I see a few posts for San Dimas but the whole yawning thing kind off turns me off. I have seen some advertised in Oregon and Colorado as well but I dont like to fly. I know the easiest thing would be to go to Mexico but unfortunetly I currently cant. Any sugestions? Thank you Justine11dod 38 5'4 240lb

I found that throughout my pre-op time, I was prepared at every turn for what was ahead. The office staff is just wonderful and very helpful, as well as being understanding and kind beyond compare. The rules are frequently communicated, the information regarding surgery was plentiful and freely provided, and it was absolutely made clear what Lap-Band was and what Lap-Band was not. Support groups are available and attendance is required pre-op and encouraged post-op. I could not be happier with the people behind my surgery!

Hi. I was banded on 9/11 no issues. I am traveling next week and I do like to have Lap surgeon's on hand in case of emergency. I am going to Germany to try horses so will be in the Hannover, Onsterbruck (Sp?); Munster areas. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

has anyone had Lap Band from Dr. V and you have BCBS-NC? Wondering if they reimburse for the $1800 pre-op/follow up care. My employer switched to a high deductable plan just as I was ready to take the plunge! Now I have enough for the deductable for surgery but not the extra $1800. They don't file for you on that, and wondering if anyone has had a problem self-filing and getting paid back.

Just thought I would throw my surgeons name in the ring. He is FANTASTIC and has the most incredible support team including a nutritionist. Best of luck with your decision making!!! Again, his name is Dr Robinson and he operates out of Davis Hospital.

If anyone in this area is considering getting gastric banding or gastric bypass, Dr. Inman is the very best in her field. I checked her background out completely and she is highly recommended in her field. I even spoke to other doctors in the local area for recommendations and you cannot find a better surgeon.

I had my surgery in June 2008. I had excellent care in Park Rapids. My surgeon was excellent. I have had no complications at all! The haven't done that well in the weight loss but it's my own addictions and lack of exercise on my part! Glad I choose Dr. Smith!

I dont remember where I saw it (I think it was here) but it said that Hospital Almater where, Dr Aceves is, was in the progress of being accredited by the Joint Commision. Did the accrediation ever go thru. I couldn't find anything about it on their website. Thanks for the info

Hello Bandsters, I am new here. Is anyone going through Tufts NEMC in Boston for their band. I am in the process of loosing 20 pounds before my surgeon will band me. Glad I found this forum. Any Mass. or Bostonians out there?

I had my surgery with Dr. Lui in September 2009 and I have not seen my surgeon since my surgery. The total cost of the surgery was approx. $99,000. My insurance paid approx. $39,000. I'm supposed to be responsible for the rest. The moment I saw that the surgery center alone charged $76,000, I called my dr's office and I haven't had anyone check up on me since those calls. I was wondering if anyone else had their surgery done with Dr. Liu and how it went. Especially when it came to the cost. And yes, I did ask how much it would cost and not once was such an outrageous amount mentioned to me. My weight loss to date has been about 5 lbs. I feel like an idiot who got ta…

Hi, I was just curious if anyone has used Dr. Gregg A. Ginsburg? He has an office in Farmington, Mo... an office called Platinum Surgical Weightloss Solutions in Festus, MO.. then a couple in St. Louis????

Met Dr. Hung last March, 2008. Was definitely afraid of any surgery. So glad he did the surgery, It has changed my life.

I was banded by Dr Lautz 5/5/09 just recently had my first fill.....that was kinda scary!......he's very impressed with m weight loss....although according to my $10 ocean state job lot scale i've lost more so i tend to go by that.....lol

Does anyone have feedback for a Dr. Frank Veninga in Dallas (North Texas Bariatric)?? Any suggestions for Houston or San Antonio?? I am doing all my research and Dr. Veninga is $5000 less than Austin, Texas. Thank you!!!

My preop and postop experience was smooth and comfortable. Dr. Floch and his staff are awesome! Thank you

I was just wondering... are there any patients of his posting here? Would love to start conversing with you, see how you're doing! Maybe even meet up with one another at the support group meetings.

Hello, I was just wondering if anyone has or knows anyone who had Dr. Ringley as their surgeon. He practices out of Saginaw, MI and I believe operates at Covenant Hospital. I am considering him to be my surgeon as my PCP has said he is a very good surgeon. I am attending one of his seminars on September 8th and am just curious what other's experiences with him and his staff were like. Thanks! :thumbup:

Does anyone know of any surgeons in MA that would take on a patient that's already been banded that just needs a new physician?