Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals

My current doctor is not supportive in the Lap-Band procedure. I have been qualified by Dr. Speigel and am looking for a primary care doctor that supports my views or I will go self pay. My insurance is First health. Any west-siders that can give me their doctors names, would help my search. I pulled a list from my insurance, but its like playing the lottery. Already wasted 1 yr on my current doctor for her to give me the run around. (She's just as big as me). Feel free to pm me.

Hi y'all I've going to my first consultation with Dr. Jayaseelan next week. I would like to know what to expect. I've heard that various tests are done before the actual surgery. Are they likely to be done that day or are they scheduled that day. Also I'm going to be paying for this myself, so I expect that will cut down on the amount of pre-surgery tests & paperwork b.s. I'd really appreciate any inside information y'all could share with me.

Im on my way home last night, I, saw man pushing a young lady around pretty hard.so I stopped,the young lady was beenng screamed at because she had cheated twice and was caught! just a little bit down the road next to my house a large rought WiLder came barking showing his teeth at me and snappig @me. we live in a town about 608 in it barry pickers come in 6000,any way this dog has attacked about twenty people and the owener has been giving tickets for failure to control her dog,I was yelling at the dog to get a way from me loud....the owenr a lady came walking over I told her to control your dog! her drunken husband thought I was yelling at her,I guess. but at the t…

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 have recently relocated to the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati area and I am in need of a local Lap Band doctor. Anyone out there have a recommendation? Any help is appreciated!! Thanks, Juli

:help: Has anyone had thier procedure done in St.. Louis. I need any information and recomendations you have.

Hello everyone. Im 35 (almost 36) been overweight for 8+ years and am considering lap band. Im currently 220 but my weight yo-yos between here and 280, 5 10 and my BMI is 31.6. Is there a doctor anywhere that would do this surgery? I have lower back issues due to my (done lapped over) belly, sleep apnea, borderline diabetic, and getting to the point I hate going out in public because of people asking when Im due and Im not even pregnant! Has anyone had an experience or knows of someone who has had this surgery with a low BMI? Thanks!! ttbseffy

I have lap band surgery scheduled for July 8 with Dr. Lopez. Has anyone else used him?

Im scheduled to see Dr. Peters on Friday for an consultation. Has anyone been to him before or know of anyone that has?

I am scheduled to start my program June 28th at Mercy Medical Center, Springfield MA, the surgeon is Dr. Kasper, he hasn't done any Lap-bands yet, but hundreds of gastric by-passes. I already have all my referals and everything set up with this program, but when I found this out I must say I was scared!! What should I do???? Kristin:help:

CAN ANYONE GIVE ME INFO ON DR STOREY AT BAYSHORE IN PASADENA:help:

Anyone know of wls friendly primary care doc. in Dallas that takes Aetna?

Has anyone had experience with Dr. David Provost?

Anyone from the Boston/Massachusetts area with Mass Health insurance, were you able to have this surgery with this insurance?

Does any one know of a doctor and hospital that will accept Medicade and Medicare in Michigan for lap band surgery?:help:

All, I'm hoping for a PCP recommendation in northern NJ area. I've spoken with a few drs (just to get a physical) and they were hesitant to take me because I have a band). I've explained that I"m not looking for a surgeon, just a regular doctor with some basic knowledge of the life of a bandster but i've been unsuccessful. Anyone love their PCP and can recommend?

Have any of you had experience with Dr. Turnquest in Houston? I am looking at the possibility of him helping me with lapband revision surgery. Thanks~ bullit

Hello, I live in Alberta and was banded in Mexico in May. I'm having problems finding a doctor willing to do fills for me. Does anyone have suggestions for doctors, especially in British Columbia, that might considering doing fills for me???

Hello My friend and I are planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta MX to have lap band done in a few weeks. I was just wanting to get all input I can before flying of to Mx for surgery. Please reply if you have seen Dr. Joya, from what I can read on reveiws he sounds great. I think Mx scares me and just need some reasurrence. Thanks Heidi:confused:

Has anyone here gone to Dr. Rodriguez in Monterrey to get their lapband??? If so how was the experience? I'm seriously considering going to him to get banded but my Mom is nevrous b/c its Mexico and all she kept asking me if the Water was safe to drink lol . Anyway if anyone has used hime please tell me how your experience was with the doc, staff, hospital, surgery etc.(im getting the $7,900 package) and if you have to go back there to get fills or if a doctor near your hometown was able to do the fills for you so that you didn't have to travel all the way back to Mexico. Thanks

Anyone hearing any news of upcoming Medicare Approved Facility in Kansas City area??

First a little background. While an employee, I had medical coverage. After almost 35 years, I was laid off because of 911 in 2001. I went on COBRA. I decided on Lap-Band surgery and was approved by the employee medical plan in 2002. I received follow-up care through the medical plan. In 2003, I relocated about 1400 miles and retired. I am now covered under the retirement version of the same medical plan. The benefits are the same (per the medical plan representatives). The plan dropped coverage of Morbid Obesity Surgery and all complications from such surgeries last year. Last year, I had my band tightened a few times and an endoscopy. The endoscopy and b…

Hi, I'm new to the area and have decided to do the Lap-Band. I have some questions and wonder if anyone can help. I've narrowed it down to CMC (Manchester), Portsmouth or Emerson (Concord): 1.) In your experience, which facility is easiest to work with? Which requires the less hoops to jump through, has the best staff, facilities, etc. 2.) I will most likely be a self-pay. Does anyone know what the estimated charge will be? 3.) Could someone recommend a PCP ? Someone fat-friendly? Thank you for your help.

I am sure this is an old subject. I have decided to get the procedure and must pay cash. My employer dropped this benefit on my insurance. It is $10600. @ the WishCenter in San Antonio & about the same @ Dr. Rumbaut. I have narrowed it down to these 2 DRs. San Antonio is Dr. Rincon. All my fills will be done in FL. I have my arrangements. I cannot decide and am afraid of picking the wrong place. I hear great things about Dr. Rumbaut and a few good things about Dr. Rincon. Nothing bad about either. Anyone???:omg:

I am going to see Dr. Rosenthal about a lap band in the middle of July when I return from vacation. Has anyone used him? If so, how was your experience? Thanks.

Has anyone had surgery at the Northwest Weight loss surgery in Kirkland with Dr. Watkins and Dr. Montgonery? I would like to know the GOOD and BAD. Thanks, Tina

Hey all...I have decided to take the plunge and get the band. I am debating Mexico vs. US and I am self pay...so obviously cost is a consideration. Anyone have a doctor in the Southeastern US that even approaches the cost of the Mexican doctors? If it's in the neighborhood I figure the aftercare alone might make the difference and would definitely be more convenient than flying to Mexico. Any thoughts....I am located in Augusta Georgia so the closer to that the better.

This is long but bear with me. In less than 3 weeks after applying, insurance is on the verge of approving my lap band procedure but I have run into the problem I predicted with my primary care doctor. When I first approached him for his opinion, he told me he is no expert on bariatric surgeries but asked me to talk with a gastric bypass surgeon. He also expressed doubt I would qualify because he did not think I was overweight enough. I am 90 pounds overweight and have been at least that much overweight 30 out of my 46 years. I talked with the gastric bypass specialist and with Dr. Spivak who does lap band; both said I was a candidate for either procedure with a BMI of 3…

Hi, Has anyone had their lap banding done in Portsmouth, NH? How was your experience? Do you recommend them? Which surgeon did you have? I am going to my first seminar on June 15th. Any tips on the types of questions I should ask? Thanks, Rachel :cool:

I was looking to see if anyone has had their lap-band done at Tufts New England Medical Center in Boston? What was your experience there and would you recommend this hospital? I have my first appointment at the end of june there. I have been looking around this forum for experiences at tufts, but have not come across any. I have read of experiences from other hospitals located in Boston. I am hoping to hear of some experience from Tufts. :girl_hug: Thanks!

Well, I did it I was banded yesterday.(april 21) Dr. Rod is great and he knows his stuff. He also has a smile that lights the room. The hospital stuff are very caring and willing to help in any way. Barbara ( my pateint avocate) is wonderful!!!! She is so full of knowledge and easy to talk to. She really took the edge off. There is nothing wrong with Acuna. We shopped,ate at Crosby's (superfood and super staff.) We have really enjoyed our trip. Acuna was the way to go for me. We head home tomarrow and I am starting my new life!!

:help: Hello everyone! I am new to this message board and have been lurking for quite some time. I have read a TON of posts about Mexico doctors and will be going down there to have surgery done since I am self-pay. The number of docs in Mexico is amazing and I have even resorted to making an excel spreadsheet to try and pick the best one for me. Cost is a big part of it because of self-pay. I know you shouldn't pick one because of cost, but, I firmly believe that you don't have to buy a $800 purse when a $15 purse is just a good and lasts just as long! What I need help with is how to narrow it down. Do all of the Mexico docs offer care for complications? Will …

Does anyone have Dr. Nancy Marquez as their lap-band surgeon. If so, I'd love to hear about any and all negative or positive experiences to include comments about the surgeon, the office staff, and or hospital used for the actual surgery.

I will be rebanded March 24 at the Surgical Center of Richardson. Would like to hear from others who have used Dr. B. CandyApple:hungry:

Went for my first appointment today with AIGB and found out I will need to have my surgery in Decatur for my insurance to cover it. That is 64 miles and 1 1/2 hours away. Talk about pain for the drive home! OUCH! Has anyone had surgery there? Were the facilities ok? Know Dr. Benevides will take good care of me where ever, but just worried about a place I have never seen before. Any info will be great. Oh and Just an FYI, I must do a stress test, psyche exam, sleep study, nutrition counceling, and labs before they send me off for approval. Most scheduled for 11/21, sleep study on 10/21. It will be a long month!

I'm having my surgery with Dr. Jayaseelan at The Surgery Center of Richardson. Anyone know the minimum amount of time I can expect to be there??? I see that some people do a 23 hour hospital stay. What does he do if you need to stay for a while? Do they do overnight there??? I'm really curious as to how this works since it isn't a hospital.

I put a lot of this on another thread, but I thought it might be good to start a new thread for this issue. My BMI is just under 35 and I have no co-morbidities. My BMI has been consistently between 30 and 35 for over ten years despite many temporarily successful dieting and exercize plans. I have minor weight-related problems such as back pain, lack of energy, and skin infections where the folds of flesh overlap. Type II diabetes runs in my family, though I don't currently have that condition. In the US you have to have a BMI of over 35 in order to get banded, but I've been reading medical articles about recent studies on lap band surgery for patients like me and the…

:help: Does anyone know of or have you used a lap-band doc in the amarillo area or anywhere close? To my knowledge there is only one doc in amarillo that does it, but he does not have alot of experience. Lubbock is the next closest but I don't know alot about the doctors there. Even a good doc around Oklahoma city is worth looking into. Please Help!

Hello! Bieng self-employed I have not had insurance for over 6 years. I can not afford self-pay, so was wondering.. can I get on an insurance now & have them cover the lap band in say a month? How do I make sure that they will cover it before I sign up? THANKS!!

Can anybody recommend a Lap Band doctor in OKC? I had mine done in Dallas but a former high school classmate lives close to OKC and wants to have one done. He is a cash pay so insurance is not an issue and money is not an issue -- he just wants the best.

Hey, I am scheduled to have surgery on Jun 2nd, here and have researched extensively but can not seem to find anyone else who has been banded at this clinic other than the patients I have contacted through the office. All had good things to say. Would not mind more independent reassurance though Yasmin

I'm originally from Oregon and thought this might of interest to those living in the Pacific Northwest. I found this website while researching something other than pricing, but wanted to share it with everyone. The self-pay price indicated below is the same as what I paid here in Louisiana. I'm not sure whether or not it covers a year of follow-up care and fills like mine does but it's worth looking into. Quoted directly from website: "Special Pricing for LAP-BAND! For self-pay patients, the Northwest Center for Weight Management is offering the most competitive packaged price for LAP-BAND surgery in the Pacific Northwest: $12,800.00 includes the hospital, surgeon…

Hi. I am new to this forum. I am looking for a Dr. in nw Ohio up by Toledo who does the lapband. Can anyone help me with suggestions? Thanks, Anita:help:

I have have to say he made the experience a delight. I recommened him to anyone in CT.He performs his surgery in The Hospital of St Raphaels. The Hospital stay was great I have to say that they treat you so nice and are at your beg & call.

hi ya'll, I've decided to go with dr. spivak and i'm going to be a self-pay patient. I was wondering how long do i have to wait after attending the seminar to schedule the surgery? Do i have to go to a PCP (i don't have one...b/c i never go to the doctor!) to get clearnace and to have tests done? thanks, cutiern

My doctor is from the Delmarva Bariatric Center in Salisury, MD. I highly recommend this office if you live in the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland. They have a comprehensive program that really gets you involved in the process. They make you feel as though you aren't alone in your journey. I've been told by my doctor that he will come to the office day or night, even on the weekends, if ever I experience a problem that needs immediate attention. Plus, they have built a gym just for their patients with a personal trainer on hand at all times. http://www.delmarvabariatric.com/ I hope this helps anyone in my area who may be looking for a good doctor for their wls. …

Has anyone had experience with Dr. John F. Sweeney at Baylor in Houston? Do you know if he is a Unicare provider? I understand that he favors gastric bypass. Has anyone had a lapband performed by him? RLittman:help:

Dear All, I've researched and researched and have all kinds of information about the procedure and so forth. I'm stuck, now, between Dr. Alexander Nagel at Northwestern Memorial Hospital's Wellness Institute and Dr. Santiago Horgan at 900 N. Michigan Avenue. (maybe I should say, here, that I'm a self-pay person and so can move forward fairly quickly once I figure out which of these two doctor's/centers will be best for me.) I've found some old (dated) threads on LBT that briefly discuss each of these two places/doctors. But, I'd like to know if anyone has any current information that might help me draw a bigger picture. Ex: what kind of care do folks get from Dr. Hor…

My decision is made, I will be banded. However I need some help with my decision on who to do it. What I want to know is this: I like the idea of going to one of the very experienced Mexican drs. I'm scared enough of all this to want someone who's performed thousands of band surgeries rather than hundreds. However, I'm far away. My worries are complications and fills. I don't know if I feel comfortable having my dr so far away, and I've read enough here about fill difficulties that having the performing dr do them may be preferable. Also, I wonder what flying for several hours is like a couple days after surgery with an abdomen full of gas. Any pressure difficulties? Th…

HI everyone! I am self pay and i have read a thousand questions and answers here about being banded in MX, so i hate to ask again, but i just have to. lol. You are all so nice and helpful, i have been reading all your posts for a while now, although this is my first. I am considering Dr Kuri, but my husband says there is no way he is letting me go to Mexico to have surgery. Can anyone offer me any advice in this situation. I also am wondering about fills in the Lousiana area, if doctors will do them if you are banded in MX and how much they charge.