Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals

Can anyone tell me about their experience with him and his staff? Im going to my consultation tomorrow and would love to hear from someone who has used him.

Hi, I just wanted to share my story(in short) with you all. I have never wrote here before and feel this is a great forum!! I have been obese all my life and as I got older (39) I was at my all time highest weight at 330 in a size 28. I had lost my mother in 2004 to complications of obesity and felt I need to do something for me or I was going to be in the grave beside her, because my health was rapidly declining. I did lots of research on by-pass,the lap-band and doctors. I decided on the Lap-band. I had went to 4 doctors seminars, I chose Dr.Hadar Spivak, bandmd.com, in Houston Texas.When I went to see Dr.Spivak, I was at the lowest point in my life, I was so d…

HELP! I need to find a new doctor in Mexico. I had lap band surgery in Tijuana and am having problems with my doctor. I need a fill and would like to go to someone new. Also, I will be in Puerto Vallarta May 9-13 if anybody has a suggestion for a doctor there. Thank you

Does anyone know anything about this doctor? Dr Michael Schweitzer in baltimore MD?

I am from Calgary, Canada and am wondering if anyone has had the band done by Dr K in denver??? I spoke to Nicole at his office and she said that they have done 1 other person from Canada, so i wonder if you had yours done by him if you could tell me how it was etc....... I have spoken to the weight management clinic here in Calgary and there is a Dr who will do the fills for me ,so I am thinking that Dr. K is really good price and an alternative to Mexico . My other option is the clinic is missisauga ontario and it is 1600.00 compared to dr K and 9950.00 Not sure what to do ... any advice / info would be appeiciated thanks I

Has anyone had the surgery done in Portsmouth, NH? Just looking for some feedback on Dr. Gens. Thanks!

I am considering Dr. Rod for my procedure. Can anyone give me some current information on him and his staff please? All information will be greatly appreciated.

I HAVE BEEN THINKING ABOUT THIS PROCEDURE FOR A LONG TIME..I NEED TO DO SOMETHING BEFORE I HAVE A HEART ATTACK ! HAVE APPT. FOR SEMINAR NEXT MONTH. I NEED INFO ON A GOOD DOCTOR IN ELMIRA/ROCHESTER NEW YORK AREA. ANY INPUT?:confused_smile:

looking for a super team of care givers the weight loss center located in Bostons Beth Israel Hospital (center of excellence) is the best of the best Dr. Jones and his team are wonderful, you will NEVER find a better team, it is so worth the trip.They help with everything to insurance help, mental health in prep of surgery. Everything you cant/wont find a better surgeon.:out::smile::wink2:

Can anyone recommend a surgeon in the Binghamton, NY area?

Hey, I was just wondering if anyone used Dr. Bissell in Christiansburg, Virginia. He and his staff are wonderful! If so, message me. I would love to swap stories and find out from someone who had the same physician instructions as I.:eek:

Hi I was wondering if anyone could give me a referral of a doctor in ct?

Hiya! I'm new and have been researching gastric banding for a while now. Decided to get it done, and my PCP doesn't have any recommendations at all. Does anyone have any experience with any surgeons for this procedure in Pittsburgh, PA? Thanks!

Has anyone used Dr. Robert Cywes in Jacksonville, Fl.?:regular_smile:

Hi everyone. I live in the valley and am looking for a surgeon. I have done some research and there are only 4 listed on line. Dr. Higa/Boone, Dr. Juarez and Fr. Felix. I had originally went to Dr. Boone for the Roux N Y but long story short my insurance refused to pay at the last minute so I started looking for a cash alternative=lap band. Dr. Boone is a very as a matter of a fact guy. When I asked him in our consulation ($300 for 20 minutes of his time) about the lap band because I was considering it also he ignored me and said the RNY is what I needed. He made me feel stupid for asking and like I was bothering him. I was not impressed! I spoke to a lot of people who ha…

Hey, all! So, I'm probably about halfway through the process now and have been looking at Dr. Billy in Thousand Oaks/Ventura County. I've heard nothing but good things so far, but just wanted to get as many opinions as I can! I know he's well known for taking care of complications caused by other doctors, which is very cool. Just wanted to know about how things went when Dr. Billy was the guy who did your band in the first place! Thanks, all! Nick

I highly recommend Dr. Cantu in Reynosa for the lap band procedure (he also does gastric bypass and gastric sleeve). The new hospital that he does the procedure in is gorgeous. Both he and the anesthesiologist speak perfect English. The nursing care both pre and post surgery is outstanding. The postsurgical pain is minimal and I did not have any nausea at all. The dietician who works for Dr. Cantu is also very knowledgeable and speaks perfect English. She gave me a very comprehensive diet plan, and a number to call with any questions. This doctor is one of a very few who gives you his personal cellular number to call with any questions you may have. Also, I don't …

I am considering going to Dr. K, but wonder what type of pre-op tests he requires? I am self-pay, and am hoping that I won't have to spend thousands on pre-op stuff. Does anyone know?

Hi Everyone! I am new the the lapband forum and am trying to gather more information. I went for my initial consult with Dr. Maher at VCU in Richmond, VA about two months ago. Has anyone else had experience with VCU or Dr. Maher? What have you experiences been? I have a surgery date scheduled for June 25th...and I am very excited. I just want to make sure i am going with the right doctor. I have already done research through the state board of medicines website and other databases. Thanks! Jennifer:cool2:

I had planned to do surgery in NJ, until I noticed that my insurance indicates that NYU Bariatric is 'Certified" and if I qualify I put no $ out at all - a huge decision maker for me. I attended the info session last week, and have to complete my 6 month documented weight loss program. Just wondering if any one has experience with the NYU team and if you can share any information? Tks!

Considering Michigan lap band surgery at Port Huron Lap Band Center. Has anyone gone there?? Thanks, ChristyC

Any surgeon recommendations in the Omaha, Nebraska area? Katherine

I was banded 01/31/07 at Ridgewood Valley Hospital and I am looking to chat with other people locally who have used the same hospital. I would like to see how other doctor's take care of the patient. Jayne from NJ

Anyone have experience using this office...they are located in Hackensack,NJ and use Hackensack Medical Center....I see so many posts here and never any mention of this office.....they are supposed to be a premier team yet not a mention...ummmmm.

I have not seen his name once, makes me wonder why??????????/ I have been approved for 2 weeks and still have not been scheduled. If I don't get scheduled this week (I keep calling but can never reach the person in charge of my file) does anyone think I can take my letter of approval to a different dr? It is addressed to Dr. Owens. I'm new at this so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I just called the insurance carrier and was informed that our employer has prohibited any bariatric obesity related procedures - so no coverage. I then called the group I was most comfortable with after the seminars and found out they do not accept any cash patients. It's been over a year of research, and I'm back at square one. Does anyone know of clinics in MI that accept cash? sad and confused....:cursing:

has anyone had the opportunity to have the lapband procedure done with Dr. Jonathan Wong in NY? I am considering the procedure and my mother in law had it done with him about 5 years ago. Any feedback is welcome. Thanks, Shawyn

Ok so I'm bad, I dont have a Primary Care Physician. I do go to the dr when I get sick and I do have insurance. It's just that the doctor I selected 2 years ago, I really didnt like. Then last year she left the practice where she was at anyway. Does anyone know of a good PCP in the far NW Valley of Phoenix? I need to find one who will have no problem with my goal of being banded.

Hey all, for anyone considering LapBand surgery in Seattle, I just wanted to take a moment and throw out a recommendation for Dr Ross McMahon at Swedish Hospital's Bariatric Center in Seattle. The girls in his office are really great - he's got a top-notch nutritionist, and a lady who's great with dealing with the insurance companies. The lady who oversees the department is very nice and supportive, and really the whole office staff is just super cool and makes you feel really good about your decision. They don't look down on you the way I've heard some doctors do and they really do everything they can to help support you. Also, they don't make you feel like they're…

Has anyone been banded by him?? Or currently in the process of being banded by him? I'm really frustrated right now! Yesterday I found out that my insurance will cover a large portion of the procedure as long as I do a 3 month supervised diet. So I was excited to find that out and called his office to ask a few questions and sign up for his seminar. Well the girl they transferred me to was so rude... and I was so frustrated with her that after I got off the phone I realized I didn't sign up for his seminar!!! Now I have to call her back! Right now I'd almost rather self pay so I could to someone else... I can't stand rude people and I'm hoping she was just having…

Anyone on here scheduled for surgery with Dr. Aceves down in Mexicali, Mexico later this month? I am, and I'm going down on my own so I'm looking for anyone else out there for support. Or anyone who has been through the process already so I can hit you up with some questions!:thumbup: Look forward to hearing from anyone!

If there's anyone out there who lives in North East Texas or its surrounding areas, and you are considering the LapBand surgery, AND are looking for a surgeon, consider Dr. Ron Hekier or Dr. Rachael Kaelin. They also do their own fills. Their practice isn't limited to LapBand surgery, but a portion of their practice is dedicated to the LapBand system and all that goes with it, including a nutritionist, etc...from the first seminar to insurance, to surgery, to follow-up care, to fills. Plus, they are really nice people. Wadley Regional Medical Center Texarkana, TX, is the hospital of choice because it has the American Bariatric Center of Excellence {I think that's the…

Right now I'm trying to decide whether to go to Mexico or stay here in Houston for my banding... In Mexico I'm considering Dr. Ariel Ortiz in TJ and in Houston I'm considering Dr. Spivak or ???? So my question is what can you tell me about these doctors (or anyone else for that matter)? Now that I have made the decision to do this after thinking about it for 2 years I'm determined to make it happen. I will be self pay so the cost is important... but I'm sooooooooo nervous about going to Mexico!

Has anyone gone to Dr. Jossart in San Francisco? He is so reasonable, yet I worry about the three hour drive..

Has anyone heard of Dr barajas of monterry, mx. He does a non adj band. I have never heard of that band before, has anyone heard of it.

I have been researching as all of you have already done. WE ALL HAVE SUCH DIFFERENT ISSUES. Since my most critical issue is cost vs. results (as I will be self pay) can ayone share what additional hidden costs may be expected? I keep reading if this goes wrong (or that goes wrong) you may need this or that additional SURGERY. Has anyone had issues with breaking the band because of unexpected emergencies? I know things can happen, but, yikes, what if they do? I have attended a seminar, and had my first consultation with Dr. Michael Snyder at Denver Bariatrics. I feel confident with this choice, but I am on hold because of cost.

Any one have good Dr down here in sunny So Florida. I have no insurance and No job. My family is trying to raise the money so i can get well enough to work and hopefully pay them back. Any ideas, I have been turned down every where I have turned......

Hi Everyone. I am planning to use Dr. Horgan with UCSD and I was wondering about people's total experience who used them for their Lap Band Surgery. Overall was it a good experience? Was the staff friendly and willing to answer questions? Did you feel like you had the support you needed? If you were cash-pay (I will be) were the fees close to what you were quoted? I would appreciate any information you can provide, both pro and con. Thank you so much in advance and I really look forward to hearing your stories (overall not just at UCSD) and successes! Thank you!!!:smile2:

Even though I was banded by Dr. Kirshenbaum, I wanted everyone to know that we have a surgeon in Western Colorado who will begin banding soon. He is an EXCELLENT surgeon (has done surgeries for my mom and step dad and my colonoscopy !) and has been training non stop in order to begin banding. In spite of the fact that he wasn't a banding surgeon when I had mine done, I would recommend him hands down. I just thought I would let everyone know! His web page is: Black Canyon Surgeons - Montrose, CO 81401 On the left, click on "Click here for more details.." and it will take you to another page. Then click on "staff". Email Lois for more info. I attended their first ori…

I am considering using the Laporscopic Associates of San Francisco as my surgeons for the Lap Band. I wanted to know if anyone has considered or had there surgery at LapSF thought they were good surgeons and what there over all opinion of the Doctors and Staff were like. I trust your guys opinions, you have helped so much with other questions I have had and so I again am turning to you for your opinions. Thank You!

Hi. I've been reading the forum for several weeks, and am about 90% sure that lap-band is the right decision for me. I need to lose about 115 lbs. My employer has a WLS exclusion, so I'll be self-pay. I've gone to two seminars, and am torn between the two surgeons (Dr Nick Nicholson in Plano, TX, and Dr. Frank Felts in Richardson (True Results)). The cost is the same, but Dr. Nicholson's includes fills for life and complete coverage for complications (if the complication can be resolved with day surgery, and no hospital). The True Results package is only 10 fills (which may be enough, anyway), but I'm told that they try to code any complication-related procedures so…

Hay, Just wanted to let everyone know that if you are looking for a doc in Southern Louisiana, Dr David Treen is wonderful. He is at West Jefferson hospital on the West band of New Orleans. My surgery went wonderfully and the after care and program is super. They are trying to become a center of excellence so they need to increse the number of surgeries. At this time he is doing the surgery $10,000. Couldn't be more happy that I choose him.

Does anyone have Health Net, and if so, did they cover your O Band surgery?

A new Dr. K thread is being born! Pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee, and join in! The current thread is great, but I have heard from a few people who have been intimidated from the length and tightness of it. I have never been able to read every page myself, but have learned a lot from being there! This new thread has NOTHING to do with undermining the current thread, but it seems if the car feels too small, get a bigger one....so, I am going to put my head on the chopping block and try it out...I just hope that no one reaches for the cleaver. It would be great to discuss how you found out about Dr. K, what your experiences have been, when you were, or a…

Hi I am trying to find out which Insurance is best to go with in California. I was informed that my insurance (Aetna HMO) does not cover the procedure so I am looking into getting a new policy. Can anyone help me? Blue Shield, Blue Cross, Health Net, Pacificare?

I am scheduled to have my lap band done end of January with Dr. Fusco in Melbourne, Florida. Anyone have any thoughts or experiences with him or his staff?

I just have to let everyone know after 2 years of wanting the band soooo bad, and exactly 1 year of fighting with my insurance company I have decided its time to pay on my own and get this done!! My date is April 23rd with Dr. Kirshenbaum. I am flying from Wisconsin and I would love to here anybody's recommendations about this, as to what to take, or any info you can give me!! I am so nervous right now, but I am quitting smoking next Friday (I just started Chantix) I have never been on a plane before so this is a little jump for me but I am so happy Its finally going to happen!!

I would love to get to know the select few that were banded by Dr. Fuller. I believe there may only be around 12 or 13 of us so far. It would be great if we could share experiences and give encouragement. I was banded on 3/18/08 by Dr. Fuller. I have had a very successful experience with banding so far. I am very grateful to have a doctor that is so professional and whom was completely honest about the pros and cons of Lap Band. Dr. Fuller is a doctor I completely trust! My incessions look fabulous and healing was much faster then I first thought it would be. Would love to hear your success stories as well. Hugs, Paula

Hello All, This is my first post (so forgive me if it takes a bit to figure out how things work around here) although I've been snooping around for quite some time now. I'm 28 and when they weighed me Friday at my surgical consult I was 299...but that was with my clothes on! heehee. I was diagnosed with PCOS 8 years ago. I am hoping that with some weight loss my PCOS symptoms will begin to reverse. Just curious if there are any others out there with PCOS that have had success with the lap band. I'm prepared for the weight loss to take a little longer...is this found to be true? I'm scheduled for surgery Jan 7th with Dr. Kurian at NYU. My insurance denied me at first, …

Did anyone have their band done in Dallas? If so, what doctor did you use and how would you rate him/her?<br /> <br /> Thanks in advance for your responses!<br /> <br /> Anne