Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals

I am considering lap band and tryin to get info on Dr. Matthew Westmoreland. Please let me know if anyone has had experience

I am considering getting the lap band procedure – the only problem is that it will have to be done in Lubbock, Texas where my insurance Pres has area network contracting physician. When I first met Dr. Frezza – I felt comfortable with him – but recently I have read some negative things about him - I was told my insurance that I could request an out area network physician – but it would get denied. I think there was some issues in the past with pre-op testing – but my PCP who had to write all the referrals that he requested (Psychologist Evaluation, EGD, Mamometry (performed by GI Physician), Sleep Apnea Test, H-Pylori (lab), Complete Metabolic Panel, CBC w/Diff, Chest X…

I was reading some old posts and saw that there was a problem with Dr. Spivak and United Health Care. I read that he was having people pay $5000 ahead of time? Is that still the case? The post was from early 2006. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

I went for a fill today. Dr. Touliatos refused to do a fill because he said that I never pay my co-pay and that he "can't do this stuff for free." I told him that I always pay my $15 copay and usually some extra. He said he couldn't treat me until it was resolved. I was so humiliated! I was escorted into the billing coordinator's office. She finally confirmed that I did pay a co-pay each time, but that it was credited to an old balance of $150. Can you believe that! He became a bill collector in the exam room over a TOTAL balance of $150. After all of the thousands of dollars my insurance company and I have paid him. I drove for 2 hours for this appointment, and th…

Hi, has anyone had Dr. Umbach do their lapband in Las Vegas, NV? I am in the process of having him do my banding. I am waiting for a date for the surgery. I was just wondering if anyone has had him do theirs.

Hi! I'm looking for a doctor in the San Diego area. Any suggestions??? Thanx!

Has anyone gotten banded by Dr. Jamshid Nazarian in Southern California? His bio reads... Dr. Jamshid Nazarian is a diplomat of the American Board of Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a Fellow of the International College of Surgeons. As an active member of the American Society of Bariatric Surgery and International Federation of Bariatric Surgery, Dr. Nazarian's focus is on Bariatric Procedures. He has been practicing in Los Angeles since 1986, and has performed over two thousand Bariatric cases. In total, he has participated in more than four thousand Bariatric surgeries. After completing his general surgery residency in New York at the Broo…

I would like a doctor close to home for fill trips. So far I have only found one, that looks like they have been performing the procedure a while, but that group is in Birmingham.:thumbup:

Can you tell me who u think is a good Dr. In the DFW Area that performs the lapband and why? Also if you know the total cost that would be great as I may have to be a cash pay... Thanks ahead of time!!:thumbup:

Hello Dr. Speigel's Office... Glad to see your so interested in my personal life. I just wanted to write to give the doctor KUDOS on a terrific performance today. He did a very excellent job of blindsiding me and catching me off-guard. I hope he's happy, because he's the only person that has ever rendered me speachless. Now, I have one issue I would like to address, and Ill write a letter as well. I wanted to know when I was going to get my $100.00 back from the gas you made me waste to get there? It took a whole tank to get there and back home, you know it would have been cheaper and easier just to tell me over the phone...but he had to feel like a "man" huh?…

I just want to say that I was banded on the 22nd of Dec. and I have had nothing but wonderful things to say about Dr. Neal and his staff. I am a cardiac care registered nurse and he was recommended by a few MD's that I work with. I used to work at St. Francis Hosp and without saying too much decided to make the drive to Olympia for Dr. Neal. Just my two cents. Laura

There's going to be a bandster bash in Seattle next month. The website is: Mexico who was the surgeon for the FDA trials. This first group (I was not one of them) are why many of us are here today. The The Lap Band was new, not only to doctors but also to patients. These original patients had to create a game plan with dietary rules, working by trial and error to determine what worked best for the banding weight loss. This first group helped start the Yahoo Bandster groups, networked, and gathered from all over the country here once a year to network and Celebrate. The event outgrew a house six years ago, and became a larger conference to celebrate banding and to shar…

Has any one had there surgery done at kaiser fremont. How long did it take? and anyother advice you could give me:thumbup:

Was just wondering if anyone was banded here know antbody that was. I have medicaid so i am looking into this facility. Any information would be appreciated.

Can anyone help me find a Lap Band specialist in the Kansas City Mo. area?:biggrin:, Thank you for any help anyone can give me.

I am scheduled for surgery with Dr. Quebbeman, and I would love to talk with someone who has had previous experience with him, and/or the NEW Program in Newport Beach. thanks!

Looking for the good and bad of OKC area surgeons. My friend is considering Dr. G. She is nervous and unsure at this time and would like any input from all. I had the surgery but I went to Mexico so I'm not a lot of help for her. robbin58@cox.net if you feel more comfortable than posting. P.S. Lapbandtalk was very encouraging to me while I was researching Mexico. It's been almost 2 years and I'm down 112 pounds with about 30 to go. xoxo

Has anybody used NJ Bariatrics for lap band surgery? I guess I should have asked this before I got my surgery date! LOL! The surgeon I'll be using is Dr. Wai Yip Chau. I love the staff - everybody has been so helpfull and supportive. Has anybody gotten their LB from them?

any one had the surgery in chicago il?

Howdy all!!! I am in talks with my doctor to have LapBand procedure done. He said it would be wise to schedule and appointment with a psychologist and a nutritionist as of now so when I meet whatever surgeon I decide at the end, we have a case built up. I would like to speed the process up, so I do have a couple of questions and in advance I thank youuys for any input you have have. I live in New York City, anyone who has HIP would recommend a nutritionist and psych? Also is it true that the psychologists don't take insurance when evaluating someone for surgery? Finally, if you do know of any, would you happen to know if they work evenings and/or weekends? Agai…

Hello there. I'm wondering if anyone here has had their Lap-Band at MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn (Chicago, IL)? I'm going to have my procedure done there, hopefully in the next couple of months by Dr. Ryan Headley.

I had my first consultation with Dr. Speigel yesturday and liked him. I was just wondering if anyone else has used him and how they feel about him. Thank you for you input

Just wanted to say hello- and good luck to everyone.

I am due to be banded in late November at St. Alexius' New Start program in St. Louis and I wonder if anyone has gone through this program.

Hi, Bandits, I am scheduled to do pre-op on 1/5/09 and my surgery with Dr. Bagnato is set for 1/19/08. MLK Day and I'm hoping to be free at last from the bondage of morbid obesity! I'm full of questions and nervous about what is to come. I live in Athens, so I won't be able to make many of the support group meetings, unfortunately. Question 1 - why can't you eat bread or Pasta when you're banded? Anybody know? Thanks, Sheri

I have my first fill tomorrow -- If you go to Dr. Ren, I was wondering how many fills it took for you to get to good restriction. I know that some doctors fill more than others. Thanks in advance! Catherine 230/216.4/155 Blog: Chronicles from Band Land

while I really love him, reaching his support staff to schedule a fill is IMPOSSIBLE! Just met with him for the first time on Wednesday, and I'm really glad I've decided to go with him for local followup. (I had the surgery at NYU in September, but am based in LA). Cuneen took me on as a patient, and he's great. I'm down 42 lbs. since surgery in September and feel great, but haven't found my band "sweet spot" yet. I've now left three messages for the group that schedules the fills, and not one call back! They say they will call you back within 24 hours, so I waited 24 hours after the first call. Nothing. Left a second message and waited 24 hours. Nothing. Left anothe…

Has anyone been to the Bajanor center for their lapband surgery? Can anyone give me info about how their visit went and what kind of results they have achieved? I'm thinking of going in June 2009 but need to know a little more about this clinic. Any info will help I want to hear as much as possible. Thank you, DJ

I got banded on 7/16/08 by Dr. Spivak and was wondering if there were any other Spivak banders using this site? It's nice to exchange information with all of the banders here but it would also be nice to exchange info with those who used the same doctor.

Anyone used him? I got for my consulation/seminar on tomorrow! I'm really excited SC:clap2:

Hi Everyone, I just recently was approved for my consultation appt. I was wondering if anyone knew of a good doctor in the San Bernardino area? Maybe you or someone you knew has had experience with someone I can get an idea of what to expect with them. Thanks!

I am considering the LAP-BAND®. Dr Fielding is not covered under my insurance. Dr. Texeira is highly recommended by my doctor who I love and trust. However, he is mostly known for gastric bypass procedures. Has anyone been banded by Dr. Texeira at St. Lukes Hospital?

I have an appointment for my first of I am sure many appointments for WLS. I have Kaiser and was wondering if any of you have dealt with Kaiser? I have heard they do not like to approve the surgery unless you have a BMI of at least 55. My doctor is sending me to the WLS oveview class so this sounds promising. I am considering Mexico if not approved by Kaiser.

I have been working on having surgery for about 6 years now. I live in the Victorville High Desert Area of CA. I was under the Dr. care recording my progress when I became ill and had to stop. It has now been about a year and I am better. I went back to my Primary Dr. to start back with the weight loss program where we left off and she now tells me I have to start all over again! Does anyone know of a Primary Dr. in this area that is truly in favor of helping us in need of this surgery without playing so many games... I feel I have played more than my share! I would greatly appreciate any help I can get. Thank You, Hopefullystillinwaiting

Has anyone had there lapband surgery by Arturo martinez at the obesity conrtol center in tajuana mexico. I am very interested in anyone that knows anything about this Surgeon and this hospital. Any information will be appricated.

Hey, I'm wanting to be banded by Dr. Kirshenbaum in Denver, and I was wondering if anyone went to him, if they liked him, does he have any hidden charges, what does he require pre-op, things like that. Thanks.

I have been reading this thread for a while and have my mind made up for a Lap band, I’ve been struggling with my weight most of my life and I’m fed up, I want to be able to enjoy life for a change. I know it’s almost next to impossible to have insurance pay for this kind of procedures so I started saving , I ‘m self pay and need advice from anyone out there in a similar situation.

Wow, this journey finally feels like it is moving along! 6 months medically supervised weight loss, then collecting all the documentation and finding out I actually need 2 years of dcoumentation of being overweight! The first information session over a year ago, then the psych exam, the nutrional assesment, the physical and wow, days from meeting with Dr. Ren herself! To me it is ironic that it is the day before Thanksgiving! Also, back in July or so, I calculated that the Monday before Thanksgiving would have been a good day for surgery for me - timing wise. Question for NYU'ers with Cigna - when can I expect to get a surgery date? Months from now, or perh…

Considering Using Dr Stelmack In Fredericksburg Has Anyone Used Him??

I have a consultation with Dr. K on Monday and would really like any info anyone could give me??!! My e-mail is tondavi719@aol.com. I would really appreciate any comments or thoughts.

Hi Long time reader, first posting. I am done with all the prerequisites and have submitted to insurance for final approval. Has anyone had any experiences with Dr. Monk @ Wellspan in York, PA? He has been doing bariatric surgery for like 12 years but just started with lap bands. I am a little nervous about being his twelve bandit.

I want this surgery. I don't know who is the best doctor for me. If anyone has had a good or bad( I want to know everything) expierence with a Baton Rouge Doctor let me know please. If anyone knows a doctor in the Baton Rouge area they could suggest I would greatly appreciate it. :whatchutalkingabout

Ok, I got a verbal approval for Dr. Tiffany Jessee. She is on my MSA and is under contract with them, so I am going to see her in June when my 30 day policy period is up. Anyone used her? When searching I see 3 or 4 use her for fills, but can't seem to find anyone who has actually had surgery by her. Sun Coast Bariatrics @ http://www.shedthepounds.com in Largo, FL. Anyone else used a MSA and have any info on things like self pay versus a contracted price? I was told by my MSA they will pay 90% of the contracted price of everything - Certainly better than paying $17,000 out of pocket :biggrin1: Now I just have to find out what the contracted price is lol Th…

Has anyone who lives in the U.S. had the Lap Band surgery performed in Mexico? If so, how do you feel about the surgeons in Mexico, would you recommend, whom would you recommend? I appreciate all input.

I had the Realize band by Dr. DeBruyne two weeks ago. He has performed nearly 4,000 Lap-Band procedures over the last 12 years. He has 7 different bands to choose from. Consult with Dr. at his clinic at his home the evening prior to the surgery. OK to have a "last meal" after the consult. No food or drink after midnight.... and no "clean you out" Fleet citric juice either. Check in at hospital at 7 AM. My surgery was just after noon. I got an IV during the overnight stay, so I had to use the "bottle". Nurse wakes you up every 2 hours to check BP and Blood Sugar. Dr. stops by in AM to see how you are doing. His assistant, "Frederik" stops by the hotel in t…

If you are considering Texas Gastric Banding, Dr. Richard Wilkenfield, I strongly urge you to find someone else. He is horrible & treated me so badly when I needed help with a too tight fill. He isn't my doctor, thank God, but the doctor on call for the weekend. If you need anymore info. you are welcome to send me a private message.:cursing:

I am scheduled to be banded by Dr Ortiz on May 21st- after todays news (google- CNN TJ Kidnap) I am scared!! Has anyone recently gone to TJ? How far is the clinic from the border? How is security??

I'm a patient of Dr. C, who no longer takes insurance. I'm having complications and really need help. Who are Docs in Cincinnati who do lap band surgery. Dr. Rodriguez refuses to take me. Anyone know anyone else? Please help.

Hi Ya'll I'm new, was banded Oct 2 08 by Dr. Bagnato. I thought there was a Dec meeting in Tifton at Ruby Tuesdays. I could very easily be mistaken. Someone please send me some information. I need all the help I can get. I LOVE to eat. I've had my first fill. The holidays have not been kind. Thanks carroll

I'm set up for my surgery this Oct 8th. As far as I knew everything was good to go. When I had my initial visit with my surgeon Dr.Daly in Atlanta, GA he told me about a "program" he had. The customer pays a set fee of 2,000 which covers all post-op visits in his office. This would include all the fills your little heart desires for one whole year along with a membership to his support group. I told him I wasn't interested 1) because i'm never home so I wouldn't be able to attend his support group and 2) I'm a federal employee and have my own medical fund I can dip into for my fills as I see fit. I know for a fact it won't cost me 2K for the amount of fills I'll need. Top…