Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals

I'd love to hear from and maybe get together with anyone who's a patient of either of these doctors. Dr. Nicholas Bertha was involved in the FDA trials so he's been doing banding for a relatively long time. But I've only found a couple of other patients of theirs--there MUST be more! Where are all the Jersey people?

I was banded on Monday, April 21st (woohoo!) and overall, it was a very positive experience. My surgeon was fantastic, all the staff and accommodations at the hospital excellent. Prior to surgery, I talked with the anesthesiologist and informed him repeatedly I was very hard to intubate as I've had two previous experiences and both times ended up with a very gouged and sore throat. He assured me there wouldn't be any problem and when I asked him if he'd use a scope if necessary, he said yes. He administered some anesthetic and proceeded to intubate me. To my dismay, I was still conscious enough to feel him repeatedly gouging my throat while attempting to intub…

Is there anyone getting banded then? Just wondering who else will be there!

I am in the San Gabriel Valley..and found a center on line that works out of Arcadia Methodist hospital. But i wondered if anyone could recommend any doctor they have had? I'm in the West Covina area and was hoping to find someone relatively close by. Any help anyone could offer would be appreciated. Also, my insurance is Blue Shield. I asked about coverage and the note I received "Surgical benefits for members with morbid obesity that meet Blue Shield Medical Policy and clinical criteria for defined procedures and services which have ben approved by their Personal Physician." Clear as mud..but i'm thinking its a definate maybe? Bobbie

Has anyone had lap band surgery at Mercy hospital in Chicago by Dr Rami Lufi or Dr Phillip Rosett? Im being banded on May 1st. If anyone has any info on Mercy hospital please share... Im very nervous!! :crying:

Hey, Have had a few people tell me they had a good expearence at NWWLS, I'm planning to get banded there in a month or so, was wondering if anyone would mind shareing their expearence with Dr. Montgomery or any others and tell me how the after care was etc? Also, how was the pre/post opt diet etc. Any info would be wonderful! ~Marine

I just wanted to let everyone know I am leaving tonight, flying out in the morning to Denver Co. for the lap band surgery with Dr. Kirshenbaum on Wed. Please say a prayer for me and thanks for all the information I have learned on these boards and I will be back to read and learn more!!!

OK--I've been to 7 weight loss seminars (I could probably give one myself!) I have narrowed it down to 2 doctors. I would like YOUR advice as to what personality is best: Doc # 1 has a fun, witty personality--but I know that he will be STRICT with me--pre-op 2 weeks Optifast, Post Op-2 weeks clear liq., 2 weeks full liq. He will be kind--but demanding of me to succeed, and succeed well! He has done many bands. Doc#2 is laid back and easy going. Pre op--10 days of any liq (even pudding, etc.) Post op-1 week liq, 1 week soft. He has done 250 bands. Advice? (one of the docs is $2100 more than the other...trying not to let that make a difference for this self-p…

I am sorry if I offended anyone who had there surgery done in Mexico. When I was at the info. meeting in Boise Idaho there was a person that had theres done in Mexico it was really giving her a bad time. She asked the Dr. if he could work on her. He told her no she would have to go to the Surgeon back in Mexico. I am so glad there was success in having there surgery done in Mexico. I know that if I would have complications with my lapband I would like to be as close to my Dr. office. I applaud everyone who has had this surgery. You get a new lease on life. :thumbup:

I was seriously considering Dr. Wade Barker in Dallas for my lap-band because of his reputation and he had a special for $10,000.00. I called today to get info on the surgery and they are no longer offering that special. Does anyone out there know of a doctor in the north-east Texas area that can do it for about that same price. I finally have the money together because our insurance has an exclusion and I would like to get it done yesterday. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!! Thanks in advance!

I am looking to get the lap band and went to Dr. Juarez for a seminar. He is very reasonable and very attentive! He has only done 50 bands (4 yr exp)and 300 RNY's. Is he to new at this? Have you had him as your surgeon? Please respond.

Hello! I was wondering if anyone could share their experiences with any of the following physicians at Emory: Scott Davis, Jahnavi Srinivasan, or John F. Sweeney. So far, the Emory Bariatric Center has been great. Now, I need to make an appointment with one of them, and unfortunately, I can't afford the co-pay for three separate appointments to see who I trust the most. Any and all information is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance. (this is also posted in the Georgia forum)

I am having a meltdown. I know others have said it took them several months to get their surgery date. I have been trying for 7 months to get something done. I had to change doctors due to insurance change. That took time. I have done everything the ins. has required. Just can't get a surgery date. Not even a pre-surgery consultation. It seems that Dr. Selim has one secretary and she had an operation and has been gone. Does anyone know anything about Dr. Selim at KU Med. Center?

I was just wondering if anyone had experience with Dr. Moses Shieh in SW Florida (he formerly practiced in Colorado). I have a seminar with him Thursday. Thanks for your replies!

I was just wondering. That is where I am going to go and I was wanting someones feedback on that place and surgeon. Thanks!

Hello everyone, I've been doing some research on LapBand doctors in Los Angeles / San Bernardino country area. Any suggestions on the doctors? Anyone had Lapband done with doctors from these areas? So far I've been to 2 seminars: Dr. Milton Owens (Rancho Cucamonga) and Dr. Jeremy Korman (Marina Del Rey) Thank you!

Looking for plastic surgeon for TT in western mass. Anyone know any?

I am trying to gather some info in case I have to fight with the billing office at Innova Hospital in San Antonio. Can you all tell me what your HOSPITAL bill was and how much out of pocket you ended up paying. My bill for outpatient with no complications was 59K and since its out of network, my insurance says I am responsible for 57K. I did sign an promissory note for $ 4500 when I did the preop. I don't know what I will do if I owe someone $ 57,000.00 HELP please. Teanne

I will be going to Dr Boustany with Norfolk Surgical Group. Anyone out there had him or the group? :biggrin:

I'm having insurance issues and it looks like I'm going to have to switch my surgeon. Dr. Estakhri at ValleyCare Medical Center takes both my old insurance and the one I'll switch to at open at enrollment and I like the look of the program from the hospital's web site. Dr. Estakhri doesn't have a web site though or much info about her on the web. I did find an article about her from 2004 so she's been doing these surgeries for a while and she has good patient testimonials on ObesityHelp.com. I'd like to hear from someone who has used her and/or been through the WLS program at ValleyCare though. Anyone?

Has anyone used Dr Mark Fusco in Melbourne Florida?? And if so, what did you think of the entire process?

hi folks... anyone out there banded at lennox hill hospital in nyc? would love to hear from any alumni of the program or from anyone considering it. if you're out there, raise your hands and drop a line!

Hello has anyone every had their surgery done by Dr. Kowalski from Jeannes Hospital in Philly? I have seen him once and am working on my pre-testing now. I like him alot and I am just wondering what others think of him? Debbie

considering lapband surgery and have many questions such as how long after all your tests can you have the surgery before the tests expire. and how long before you can use a stationary bike after surgery ty

Anyone hear heard of or had Dr. Felts do their surgery? He will be doing mine on Friday, 04.11.08. I have seen him at 2 seminars and will be having my pre-op appt on Thursday 04.10.08 with him. Thanks,

Anyone have the lap band surgery at Stanford Hospital? I am considering Dr. Morton. Any feedback would help. Thanks! Dave:thumbup:

I'm seeing Dr Kasper in Houston and was wondering if anyone else has used him?

I don't know if this is the right place for this, but I was wondering for those of you in so cal inland empire area could tell me where you had your pre-op test's done? Specifically in the Temecula Valley any help would be great, I don't know where to start I have the orders for the test but my doc said just go anywhere, and now I'm thinking where is anywhere?

Hello.... I attend a seminar last night where Dr. Garth Davis spoke. I'm just wondering if anyone out there has had the lap-band done by him. If so, I'm just trying to get some feed back on him. How does his consultations go? I'm schedule to have my 1st consult with him on March 27th! Thank you! :tongue2: ~Marie~

Does anyone know how much these doctors charge for lapband surgery? They are at Miami Valley Hospital. Premiere Bariatrics, I believe. I am self pay and just trying to get a ballpark price. I have a call into the office, but have not heard back yet. Any opinion on these two guys??? Thanks a lot

Has anyone heard anything good, bad or otherwise? Thanks!

Is Dr. Madan and Dr. Woodman in the same office . Do they both charge $500. for Support group. and How much are their fills after the first year. All help is appreciated.

I hope to have my surgery in June or July using Dr. Charles Morton at Baptist Hospital in Nashville TN. Would appreciate hearing from others who have had their surgery performed by him. Thanks

Am researching LB and have decided on Dr Richard Symmonds (not THAT one!!!) at Scott & White. Will be self pay so not sure when I will proceed. Anybody know anything about him - good or bad??

Anyone have any info? I have an appointment to see him September 21st. I want to gain information before I go....anyone? anything?

Has Anyone Here Had Surgery Done By Dr. Edward Rapp?

I went to Dr Alvarez's seminar in San Antonio last Saturday, and I have to say I was very impressed. He went in depth about every aspect and I feel very confident about him. I had a very long list of detailed questions that I gathered from the sticky Researching Mexican Doctors ( thanks to WasaBubbleButt). I keep him there and extra 45 minutes with my questions all of which he answered in great detail. There were people that had been banded and sleeved and If the hadn't had the before pictures I would never have believed they had ever been overweight. All in all it was a great experience and look forward tho having my surgery done in the very near future.

I'm going to my first seminar next week and these doctors are presenting: Dr. SCHMIDT, Dr. TRIVEDI & Dr. EWING . Has anyone used them? Any info. I'm new to this site and the information here has been helpful. If anyone used a doctor in North Jersey and would recommend them i'd love to hear about it. Thanks,

Last December my Doc advised me te lapband might be something I should look into. He scheduled me to see Dr. Farhan at Flint's Hurley Baratrics center. MY Doctor said there was a closer one in either mt pleasant or midland but had more experience with Hurley. Anyways, after lapband.com's site upgrade I see there is a covenant bariatrics center and was wondering if anyone used them? If so how was your experience? I had one consultation and Hurley just sent my paperwork in for approval. But if I can get in somewhere closer then that might be enough for me to change doctors.

He just started his practive in Arizona and is doing the LB for $13,500. I am concerned since most Dr charge $16,500. Office claims they are trying to build clientel. Wanting to know if any one has worked with him in Arizona or Illinois where he use to work. Please advise! Thank you:)

Anyone know of a good LapBand doc in Maine? I have searched all of them, but it's always nice to have info first hand.

My family is moving to S. Africa so I am considering have the lap band done there. Also, with the exchange rate it will cost about $10,000. Fills are $50. Just looking for anyone who may have used him. Thanks!

Hi - I am going for my consultation April 7 with Dr. Kimberley Steel at Johns Hopkins and I cannot seem to find any information about her and people who have had lapband with her Can you one let me know if you were banded by Dr. Steele??

Has anyone had their lapband procedure done at the Beth Israel in Boston? I am at the very beginning of this process and mighty scared. If you had any of the MD's there, can you please share your experience? Thank you:wub:

Anyone use Dr. Farhan and/or had experience with Hurley Bariatrics? I am in the middle of getting cleared from my insurance company. So far so good. I talked with Dr. Farhan and so far the staff there seems nice. Just looking for anyone that has gone through with the band at hurley and maybe specifically with Dr. Farhan. Thanks in advanced!

Has anyone had surgery with his doc? He is at Mercy Hospital in Chicago.

Has anyone been to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. I live the closest to there and was wondering if anyone has a Dr. they prefer. I think there are only two there to choose from. Let me know. Thanks!

Hi Everyone! Has Anybody Out There Heard Of Bariatric Surgeons In Louisville, Kentucky? Please Let Me Know If You Have!

I just got back from the 1st informational session and I was impressed by the surgeons. But they told me that out of the years that they have been performing WLS they have only done 3 lap band surgeries out of 700 surgeries due to insurance problems. I just don't want to end up going to the appointment and they try to convince me that RNY is the solution when I know its not for me. They want you to pay $395 upfront after they do the insurance check. Anybody else have anything similar happen.

Hi everyone, I was just wondering if anyone had experience with Dr. Mitchell in Calgary regarding after care and fills. What is he like, is he quick at finding the port and how does he do this? How soon before I book my Lap Band procedure should I be lining him up? Thanks everyone!:sneaky: