Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals

Hi, I am researching the lapband, AGAIN!!! Anyone have any reccomendations for Houston docs? I just found out that my insurance (Aetna) has now started paying for the band. So I am hoping that when I get brave enough to go through with surg., they will pay for it. I want the surg and really need it. (BMI around 45 with diabetes) but I am terrified of anesthesia. Any suggestions on how to get over it? All info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Sherri (aka chicken "BIG")

He also practiced in Connecticut.:help:

I've heard some do the procedure - I'm curious as to people's experiences in case I decide to explore that route. Thanks - Dani

Maybe Im behind in recent news, but is there any truth to this? ..is his Pt Neches office closing?

A co-worker, pal of mine is thinking about getting the band (I was originally going to get it but our choices in Alaska are limited and I didn't want to travel). She's looking at getting it in Mexico. She was looking at the website for Dr. Joya but was unsure because it seems so easy and doesn't know much about him. Obviously his website is all sunshine and roses, but... well, you know how that goes. :cool: So what do people know about him? Is he good? What about his facility? We'd appreciate any feedback you can provide. Thanks muchly!

So my surgery is this Friday. I'm getting a little scared about dropping dead on the operating table. Today my son asked me why Bambi's mother died. That made me really think about all the risks. I could use some words of encouragement. Also, am I supposed to be eating differently at some point between now and the surgery? Am I supposed to be on liquid diet two days before or what? I know they sent me literature, but I don't have it handy.

I've been deliberately staying out of the recent thread about Mexico vs. US, but this thought just came to me. Is there anyone on this board who had approval from insurance to go to a US doctor but chose to go to Mexico instead? I suspect the answer may help newbies understand the main reason why Mexico is often chosen, but now that I ask it I'm really curious myself. Please post your experience!

I´m here in Monterrey at the Sheraton awaiting my surgery this afternoon. The surgery will be with Dr. Sanchez, but I had a pre-op meeting with Dr. Rodriguez yesterday. I´m coming online to report my experience so far for those of you who are considering Dr. Sanchez. The hospital facility appears to a layman to be comparable to American standards. The doctor´s staff have so far fulfilled all promises and have been there every step of the way. The hotel staff are helpful and accomodating. The hotel is nice by American standards. I was given an opportunity to speak to someone who had the surgery two days ago. He is doing well and had no vomiting and only minimal di…

Just curious...has anyone out there used Dr. Naaman in Houston? If so, can you please give me some feedback about your experience? Thanks, Trudie

I know that the Dr's I am going to for my lap banding was the first Dr's in the state of Maine to do Lap banding. I know that they started banding in 2003 and in the first year did 200 surgeries or something like that. I know they took turns going to train doing lap bands but how do I know they are truly certified. Just wondering...

I'm going to my informational seminar tomorrow night and was wondering if anyone here went through "Northwest Weight Loss Surgery"? I've already made up my mind to get banded as soon as possible but want to make sure my choice of surgeons is a good one. Any input is welcome - thanks :biggrin1:

Does anyone have a phone number for the fill center in Eagle, Idaho? I would greatly appreciate it if you could give it to me. I can't seem to get it from information, and I have a number of questions I need to ask them before I even think about leaving Tennessee. Thanks for your help. Has anyone used a Fill Center USA, and what was their experience; cost, etc. Would you recommend it to anyone? Do they use fluoro for their fills?

my husband is interested in the band , but we have no idea how to go about finding a good Dr. We live in south Jersey. If anyone has any experiences I'd appreciate it. He won't travel really far for anything so I'm looking for something close to home. Thanks

Hey Bandsters. I am a self-pay and I have a loan for 10k does any one know of a Doctor in or around the Houston area. That is good. I cant go to MX. With the loan I have:faint:. Please help if you can. Thanks Staceylca:confused:

im new to this, and im looking for a great price on long island...can anyone help???

I live in NYC and am being banded in two days 8/1/06 at Lenox Hill Hospital by Dr. Shah. I started a NYC and area thread so there would be a higher chance of possibly meeting fellow bandsters in person! Karla aka KayEm

I am having aftercare issues. I was banded down in San Francisco because I had to have my surgery at a center of excellence to use my medicare and I had to pay the surgeon fee's up front because my surgeon doesnt take medicare, so I paid $6,500 to the surgeon for surgery and for 1 year of aftercare and 1 year of fills. I live in southern oregon so my surgeon is about 6 hours away and his satellite office is about 2 1/2 hours away. The problem is I am 3 weeks post op and I have been trying to get in touch with him for 2 of those 3 weeks, because my port incision is infected and well I needed to have my 2 week post op check. Every time I call his office says he will cal…

I am an American living right now in the middle east Amman, jordan to be precise. I got my lap Band done in a first class hopsital by an American physician who worked for the Mayo Clinic, Lap band cost me only $6000. He charges 20 dollars for each visit for a fill in so I pay 40 bux a month. If I have to get it done through floro imaging it costs 70 bux! And I only did that twice within the past 3 months. My physician moved to Jordan because while working in the Mayo clinic he met the late King hussein while he was being treated for cancer. The late king liked him so much he personally paid for all his expenses and got him a top position at the hopsital. I mean I cant say…

Has anyone ever had any experience with or heard anything about the Lap-Band Center of Illinois in Peoria, IL?? It is only an hour away from where I live and it would be wonderful to be able to do this so close to home! Lynn Unbanded, for now BMI 46

Hi We are moving to South Carolina from Florida in the next month. I am going to need a doctor there for fills and check ups and whatnot. Anyone have any advice on a good one? I am kind of spoiled, mine here is AWESOME!!!!!!! Let me know if anyone knows of any!! Thanks.

I attended a seminar in central MN this past weekend. The MIMIS center in Crosby, Minnesota is excellent. I spoke to three people (2 GB, 1 LB) who are extremely happy with this center. I also checked out Park Nicollet, Fairview, and even Mayo -- If you live in Minnesota, Crosby is the place to have your surgery, hands down.

does anyone have experience in the kc metro area?

:nervous Hi everyone, I'm a newbe getting ready to schd my lap band surgery next week. I am getting nervous and excited. I have spoken to lots of clinics in Mexico and have decided to go with Bajanor. I am a self pay as I work for my dad and we have no health ins. My twin had LBS a year ago in May and has lost about 120lbs/from about 360 top out. She had ins and had her surgery done in Dallas where she lives. She's going with me to Mexico. I have never been on a big plane before and I have never been out of the country. My family and friends are trying to support me even when saying things like, "Please write your will and make sure all your affairs are in order …

Has anyone out there used either Dr. Collier or Dr. Wilkenfeld in The Woodlands/Conroe, Texas area? If so, can you give me some feedback on their expertise? I have not decided for sure to have the surgery as I am still in the researching stage. Also, does anyone know of a way I can look up a Dr's surgerical credentials and track record? I appreciate any information you can provide me. Thanks in advance....

Anyone know anything about any surgeons in Denver? I had a consult with Dr. Kirshenbaum and really liked him. Has anyone used him or know anyone that has? Thanks!

Has anyone had their surgery with Dr. Jacobs? Actually, it is Dr. Gomez that does most of the surgeries. What a wonderful staff. And Dr. Gomez is soooo cute and sooo sweet! Anyway, they are great, located at Mercy Hospital in Miami (they use to be in the Gables but have moved). Great staff too!

Hello! I am considering lap-band surgery, but am having a hard time finding a doctor in my area... Does anyone know of any doctors in Illinois or Iowa? Thanks for your help!

I am trying to find people who had surgery by Jose Rodriguez in Accuna Mexico. I am considering him and any info. would be appreciated

While most people would not think of Monterey, Mexico as the first place to choose for lap band surgery, I can tell you that I am certainly glad that I did. Even though I was a little nervous and slightly apprehensive about going to Mexico to have my surgery performed all of my fears were laid to rest when I arrived at the clinic. grupo endo bariatrico had a state of the art facility that would rival (and in some cases surpass) entire clinic was outfitted with state of the art equipment and was blended into the most comfortable of surroundings. I would like to share with anyone considering becoming a client of Dr Arturo Rodriguez In a day and age when most professional…

Isabella asked me if I heard of Dr. Arturo Rodriguez but I have not. Has anybody on this forum used or heard of Dr. Arturo Rodriguez ?

Hi, I need to know if anyone has names of physicians in Michigan that are doing the lapband? I have seen a Dr. Cudjoe in alma, MI who is just starting with the lapbands. He does the other surgerys too. Were any of you required to have an Endoscopy before your procedure??? I am just not sure if this is the Surgeon I want to do my procedure, although he is located near me. I would appreciate your help. Thanks Kathy

I am really curious to know if any one had Dr. Hornbostel from Sedalia, Missouri? Especially using Medicare insurance? Thanks so much, ~Patti

I just got back from my first visit with Dr. Davis in Houston. His specialty is general surgery and he kinda pushed the RNY option. I have decided to go with my gut feeling (no pun intended) and do the banding as opposed to the RNY. HE thinks with my age and BMI (49 and 48) bypass would be the more permanent and for sure thing. Are there any 50+ year old bandsters with high BMIs (almost 50) out there and have you lost 100+ lbs? I think I can, I think I can........ ! He stressed the importance of being tested for sleep apnea. Oh bother, I can't stand to think of someone watching me sleep. But apparently it is pretty serious stuff, this sleep …

Just scheduled my surgery for August 25!!! Recap: I had wanted the surgery, but had some debts and didn't know how I was going to afford it. Then my mom gave me $8333 unexpectedly. I decided to go forward with surgery then had doubts about whether I should instead spend money someplace else. Decided to do both. Paid off some credit cards, thereby improving credit score. Bought house!!! Now will have surgery, running credit cards up again. Having bought the house, I feel like I've done right by my kids financially and I feel more justified about spending this money on the surgery. Yes, I know that this surgery is not just cosmetic, its about my health, and my h…

I went to a pre-band seminar in NYC given ny Dr. George Fielding. He's in practice with Dr. Christine Ren. Has anyone on the list been banded by Dr. Fielding? Would like to hear your experience.

I want to warn anybody who plans to use Dr. Speigel in Houston and has BCBS or other insurance. I have had a difficult time with them. I rec'd misinformation from my caseworker in his office that has set me back in time in getting approval from insurance. Beware! Consider another choice of surgeon if you can! I'm switching to a doctor in my network. I'm just sick that I wasted time with Speigel. 20-20 hindsight, wish I would have gone with my gut feeling about Spiegel's office, his TV commercials and billboards ... so I am set back, but definitely not defeated. :straight

Hi. After some research, I'm basically sold on the procedure, but need some help narrowing down the best surgeons and facilities. I'm going to be a self-pay patient but price is not my priority. I want the best surgeon and team. I live in southern CA so am close to resources in Mexico, Orange County, San Diego, Palm Springs, or Los Angeles. Who would you recommend and why? I've read numerous recommendations for Dr. Ariel Ortiz, but the thought of Tijuana scares me to death. Many have said the facilities are top notch and the hotel is 5 star, but the photos don't look 5 star to me. 3 stars maybe with a big pool. I would never go anywhere near Tijuana for any purpose…

Hello Everyone, I'm planning on going to an information seminar given by Drs. Callery & Potts in Poway, CA in about 2 weeks. I haven't actually found anyone who's had a lap-band placed by their office, even though they advertise it on their website. Does anyone have any experience with them? Thanks!

Dr Bass / Cohen These guys are located in Ft Lauderdale Fl. After making me jump through hoops for 8 mo they did nothing about filing the insurance paperwork for 3 mo then when my Insurance renewed June 1 it was to late the insurance had changed. They dropped the ball and now I am stuck The insurance wont cover it and I blew up at the Doctors for screwing around for 3 mo. I wonder if they ever were really trying? Think long and hard about Cohen and Bass Bob Posted 6/24/2006

The seminar that I went to today was for http://www.southwestbariatric.com/ Does anyone have any info about them? I liked what I heard and am starting the process with them.

Had a great experience - they handled the insurance and everything went very smoothly - Highly recommend! http://www.sacbariatric.com hope this helps someone.

i am very interested in lap band. i have health new england for insurance and live in the springfield area. i know someone who is getting g.b.s. on thursday with dr.fiallo at pioneer valley surgeons. any one else use them?? any place i can go around here who doesnt have a year or more wait??!?!?! (my friend first chose baystate and her first appt, consult, was going to be the 20th..the day she is having her surgery with pvs..) just wanted some insight...im not trying to rush this too much but i also dont want to wait forever. thanks, marissa

Hello everyone, I am a patient of Dr. Felix Spiegel's by which I work as a patient coordinator for Physician Surgi Center. I was banded back in July of last year. I have lost 83 lbs since then. My main reason for this announcement is to let you guys know that Dr. Spiegel is now back in network with United Healthcare...WOOOOWWWW!!! Isn't that great!!! I know that a lot of people have been worried about being covered but salvation is on the way! Don't hesitate to give Dr. Spiegel's office a call.:clap2: :clap2: Now you can go with the best!

Dr. Singh is amazing and should be considered by anyone in MD... let me know if you have questions... both my mom and me were banded by him!

Hello. I recently decided to switch doctors from Ortiz to Sanchez...my date is set for August 1st with the Diamond Package. I'd like to hear your opinion, good or bad, regarding Dr. Sanchez. I believe that all Dr.s, even the good ones, have some sort of conflict/criticism and I'd like to see what's out there with Dr. Sanchez. Thanks for your help! Courtney

DH just brought up a question, seeing as how I will have to be ready to just jump on a plane at the last minute when it is time to have my surgery. Do I need to have a passport to get in and out of Mexico by plane? Or will my birth certificate do fine?

I recently went to a info seminar with Dr. Stephen Malley in Overland Park, KS. I have United Health Care, and he is considered an in-network doctor, and I'm in luck because my employer's plan pays for 90% of the cost for LapBand from an in-network dr. Whoohoo! But....his office charges $150 for the initial consultation, regardless of whether or not you have insurance. My co-pay should only be $20 for an in-network dr. They will submit the claim to my health care provider, and reimburse me the difference of $130. Also, post op visits are $50, if you have a fill they are $100. So, has anyone else heard of a doctor doing this? If he's part of my health care prov…

How do you do a search on a Dr? I did a aol search but found nothing. I've never heard of this MX Dr. Mariano Alberto Covarrubias Hidalgo MD. Wow, that name sure is a mouth full! Anyone heard of him?

Hi, all, I am looking into getting lap band surgery done. I'm tired of being overweight -- okay, I'm obese (hate that word!!) Health problems seem to be in my future if I don't do something. I love reading all your stories and struggles. Thanks for sharing! My question is, has anyone had the surgery done that lives in Chicago or the immediate area? I would like to talk to a doctor. Thanks, Judy

Has anyone been banded by Dr.Greene in Maryland? Were you self-pay or not? Just looking for some background info!!!!!!! Thanks