Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals

has anybody had surgery at this clinic in Beguim - if you have please let me have any info you can - good and bad. Thanks

hey ya'll!!! just got back from my seminar/consult with Dr. Spivak...all i can say is the man is so professional, sweet, and knowledgeable. the seminar was at 4:00 pm, but to have an appt with him that same day i had to be there b/t 3:00-3:30. needless to say, i arrived extremely too early, so i was the first to have an appt with him after the seminar was finished. he answered all of my questions. i'm pretty healthy (except for the fat!!:nervous ), so i don't have to have any tests (like an upper gi or anything) done prior to surgery. i'm a self pay, so i got a break down of everything and the total is $14,500..this includes a 10% discount for being a self pay patient …

Since my plans have now changed and my new insurer will cover the procedure (instead of self-pay) I need some names besides Dr. Grossbard, Dr. Jawad, Dr. Jessee. to research on. I'm waiting on the approval from the corporate office after I gave them the CPT code so I can go for a visit. I then have to have them make it medically necessary to do the surgery i.e. M.O. and 6 months they will pay for it. Did you have your band placed by a Florida Doctor? If yes I would appreciate - the name, website and price if you know it. Anyone with info is a great help since I only know of those 3 here in FL. Thanks

ANYONE EVER HEARD OF THIS GUY? HE IS IN ACUNA. PLEASE GIVE DETAILS ON YOUR EXPERIENCE.:help:

Hi, I'm having my surgery done about 5 hours from where I live (in Mississauga, ON), so I'll be staying at a hotel for 24 hours after the surgery. The pre-surgery form states that one should arrange for alternate child-care in the 24-hrs after surgery since the person who takes charge of you after your surgery should be completely devoted to your needs for a day following the surgery. I am planning to go down with my husband and three-year old, and am assuming I won't need so much "care" that my husband won't be able to look after DS, taking him to the mall across the street to burn off some energy. What has the experience of other people been? Have you needed someone dev…

Hey everyone... I need some advise. I am working on getting approval from my insurance for the surgery. I am currently doing the "required 6 month weightloss program that my insurance is requiring me to do. It was the only thing standing in the way of the approval (We will see:rolleyes: ) Anyway, this is the delima... My surgeon (who is in my ins PPO network) does his surgerys at USMD Hospital here in Arlington. He also does them at the "Speciality Surgery Center in Ft. Worth. Neither of these two locations are in my PPO network. I called the insurance coor. for Dr. Carter office and she said I should just wait until I am approved to worry about it. Well if I wait…

Hi there, I am a nurse practitioner looking for a lapband surgeon. I am going to Mexico and have narrowed it down to Kuri or Aceves. I have not found much info on Aceves but all that I have found is positive and his credentials are checking out beautifully. Any feedback would be welcome.

Has anyone used this Dr.? I have an appointment with him on Friday, and wanted some feedback. I have looked him up on the net, but everything i found was way old. His office is in Livingston. Oh yeah, I'm pretty new to posting here. Been reading for a while, trying to decide if this is for me. I have Aetna, and Dr. Andrei's office called me and said that Aetna is now covering the band, so back I go. I hope this is the right decision for me, I've been following WW and lost 15 lbs since January. thanks for any info. Patti

I'm a newbie looking for a Lap-Band doctor in the vicinity of our nation's capital. I'll be self-paying so I'd be interested in knowing the price but I'm more concerned that the doctor have a lot of experience. Thanks in advance for your help!

:party: Has anyone used him? If not, and considering a GREAT Lap doctor in the Maryland area you would be more than 100 percent pleased. His web address is www.advancedwls.com. If you have utilized Dr. Greene, please share your experience. Thanks and have a nice day to you all!!!

I just talked to my insurance, UHC. They will cover 90% for in-network docs. I would love to hear suggestions from some successful Dallas-area Bandsters. Thank you for your valuable feedback!

I'm so excited I booked my airfare and put my deposit down for surgery in TJ at Banajor for April 3rd. I've been dying to get rebanded since my first band was removed 9/05. I'd love to hear from anyone who had surgery there or is thinking of it. I'm getting another mid-band (even though the primary bariatric surgeon is Inamed certified---3 bariatric surgeons along with the anethesiologist and nursing staff will be performing the surgery!) because I like it's lower errosion and slippage rate and that it is very soft and flexible unlike the Inamed. I know of at least 3 places without doing research in WA that will fill and handle aftercare of a mid-band patient. It's …

help researching where to have my surgery but I haven't heard anyone mention the Banajor clinic. I'd love to hear positive and negative feedback. Also anyone wanting to rave why to go to the doctor they used I'd love to hear. Dr. Aceves? Dr. Zorrilla? Dr. Ortiz? and so on. This is so difficult! Thanks, April

Hi all!!! Please help... Does anyone know of the best and least expensive doctor in any country (less than $8000.) I am new to LBT and have a low BMI of 30-32. I have been considering surgery for about a year but found that that my BMI was too low for surgery in the US because I don't have other complications. I read that many surgeons in Mexico will treat low BMI patients with prices from $8000-$12000. If any one can suggest the best doctor for low bmi and low cost for cash patients. I know about the added cost for follow up care or air fair. I feel a little hopeless with the BMI and financial restrictions so any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Do you know anything about the Dr. Paya? I have an appointment Wednesday and am doing some research. I have never been on a website before so please excuse any errors.

I'm thinking of having the band done at the Toronto Laparoscopic Band Centre. I have the initial consulatation in a couple of weeks. Does anyone have any feedback or additional info on this facility and its doctors? Thanks :help:

I find it hard to look for lapband doctors in canada...I live in fort saint john, British Columbia but doubt that there's any lapband doc there....I could fly over to quebec or vancouver though...Pls assist...I really need to do this,,

Im still searching for a doc and for now have narrowed it downto these two. Anyone been banded for longer than a couple months care to respond? Please...Also anyone in Monroe, LA area for post-op care? ANy suggestions?

Hi, I am a newbie and Dr. Spiegel did my surgery. Has anyone else used Dr. Spiegle? What is his practice about fills. Thanks

Hi all, :nervous I am a 40 year old man and am scheduled to get banded with Dr. Kuri on 4-4-06. I hear nothing but good things about the experiance. I live and work in the Los Angeles area and the general LA feeling about TJ is grim. I could use some stories about your experiences and what I might expect.:phanvan I'm hoping for some enlightenment. My wife will be there with me as well, and she's not really looking forward to sitting in a hospital room for 2.5 days. How far is the hospital from anything where she can "safely" kill some time? Thanks, Harpseal Al

Having surgery on 4-10-06 with Dr. Baker from MMPC - Centers for Health Excellence. Has anybody had him for surgery before? Any questions you think I should ask him before surgery? Any replies are appreciated!

I have been having some problems with my band and not getting a lot of help from my doctor. Today I had all the fluid removed from my band. I had 2cc in a 4 cc band. I was having problems with throwing up everything I attempted to eat. I had an upper GI and there is nothing wrong with the band. The doctor and I disagreed on whether to remove the fluid from the band. I won that conversation. What I am trying to find out is if another doctor would take me on as a patient? I am having a hard time dealing with a doctor that didn't seem to care that I have been throwing up 75% of what I ate. Has anyone switched doctors?

Anyone Know Of Any Experienced Doc In The Orlando Area? I Have A Friend In Winter Haven Looking For Someone P;ease Repond Thanks

Hello, I need to know of a good contact number and name at his office in Mexico. Also when is it a good time of day to get them? Thanks

I was just a Dr. Pleatman's website (he's in Michigan) and he states the following: With a large number of people undergoing LapBand placement, there is also a significant number of patients (up to 25%) who have not been successful in losing weight with the Band. I have now begun performing laparoscopic Removal of the LapBand, with conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on these patients. For further information on this procedure, email me or contact the office. First time I've seen that statistic.

Anyone know anything at all about the Wish Center? I see they have a few locations around the US, including one in Renton, WA. I am in Oregon.

I AM SCHEDULED TO BE BANDED 1/27/06 IN TJ BY DR KURI.:alien AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND A SINGLE NEGATIVE THING SAID ABOUT HIM OR HIS STAFF. I AM NOT LOOKING FOR ANYTHING BAD IN PARTICULAR, JUST WANT REASSURANCE I HAVE PICKED THE RIGHT DOCTOR FOR ME. I FEEL GOOD ABOUT THE SITUATION, BUT ANY INPUT WOULD BE APPRECIATED!!!! THANKS FOR YOUR TIME FATBGONE!!!!

Has anyone heard of Dr Focquet from Brussels/ Belgium. I am seriously considering having my procedure done with him. Any feedback PLEASE.

Hi everyone. I really love this site. I have learned so much and find so much comfort from all of you. thanks. what I was wondering is if anyone here has had their surgery at the illinois wish center? I am thinking that is where I want to get my band. I would like to know if it was a comfortable experience. hope someone has some info. thanks.

Has anyone used Dr. Garza in Monterrey, Mexico?

:help: Hello, I am considering this doctor from Monterrey mMexico. Can anyone shed soem light on what they know about him and The Bariatric Group office he runs? Thanks for any and all information

Was wondering if anyone knows anything about non-adjustable banding or DR.Horacio E.Oria,M.D.:help:

Hi all, Just wanted to say that I'm back from Tijuana where I had my band surgery with the Bajanor Hospital...DH and I ended up staying an extra day, since I didn't anticipate having surgery so late in the day (9pm) and having to leave only 18 hours later! (duh) Anyway, that whole extra day was really helpful and I felt a LOT better... Again, I want to thank everyone for sharing their experiences and information...you all have been a priceless resource for beginning my journey...so happy to be on the LOSING side!!! :clap2: M.

TRYING UNSUGCESSFULLY TO FIND FILL DOCTORS IN THE SOUTHERN ALABAMA AREA OR PANHANDLE OF FLORIDA THE CLOSEST SO FAR HAS BEEN LOUISIANNA AND OCEAN SP. MISS. I DID NOT THINK IT WAS GOING TO BE THIS BIG A PROBLEM OR THIS MUCH MONEY FOR A FILL. ANY AND ALL INPUT IS WELCOME:cry

I have not seen Dr. Hagood mentioned on this forum so I was wondering if anyone had used him. My surgery was approved today by my insurance company and I am hoping to have the surgery within the next 3 weeks. Thanks!

Does anyone know of a great hosipital or clinic in the Dallas/Fort Worth area that excepts medicare for the Lap-Band surgery? I live in Austin, Texas, but no hospital are taking Medicare. Thank you for anyone who can help.

Anyone have any experience with them? They quoted me $13900. as a selfpay. Based on some of the other things I've been reading here I thought it would be more. I know Dr. Rumbaut in MX is $10,500 - but if I can have it done here for slightly more and know that all my followup won't be a hassle - it would be worth the it. Please chime in! Thanks!!!

Ok, I am trying to decide what the benefits and cost difference is in the US vs. MX. If you did self pay in the U.S. please help me with some insight on a few things if you can: 1. Cost of surgery 2. Cost of fills 3. Name of Dr/Facility 4. Good/Bad or otherwise about your surgery I have been in contact with several doctor's both in the US and MX and can't decide :omg: I'm pretty sure I am fixed on Dr. Ortiz in Mx, but I want to make sure before I place my appointment. Thanks for all your help

Hi everybody. I just come from the first appointment with Dr. Veninga. My insurance does not cover the Lap band so I will be paying out of pocket for the surgery. Pretty much everything is included in Dr. Veninga fee but not the Psychological consultation. The staff did recommend two different doctors but they do not accept my insurance, so I am looking. Dr. Veninga said I can pick any Psychologist I want, his only requirement is that the Dr. is knowledgeable of the Lapband. Could some people around the DFW area list some names so I can check with the insurance? I need to get the evaluation done before I can get the surgery scheduled. Thank you Luci

:help:I am going to self pay and go to either Dr. Kuri in Tijuana or one of 2 doctors in Monterrey, Dr. Roberto Rumbaut or Dr. Rodolfo Sanchez who has done over 5,000 bands I read. Anyone been to either place, please advise!! Thanks:)

Hi! I'm a total newbie to this board.I have been reasearching for awhile about lapband and have decided to go for it.My Insurer will pay,but only in Minn. From my searches I see that having an experienced Doc can make a great differance.I have a couple in mind,but would like you suggestions,please.Email me if that seems better to you than a post. Thanks Much! Redsaid5

I have been reading on LBT for a long time now. I have read lots of issues relating to the Band. I myself have experienced several complications post banding and eventually have had to have the band removed due to erosion. I would like to share some insights I have learned along the way. Listen to your own body and be aggressive when it comes to needing something or just not feeling right. Try meditation and get in touch with your insides. Sounds weird but it works. I can attest to that. Make your loved ones aware of your wishes if something should occur during surgery that was not expected and making sure the Doctor/Surgeon is aware of those wishes. Set …

I was banded by Dr. Sanchez in Mexico in 2002 and I am still not at my goal weight. On top of all that--i think I may have stretched my pouch because it seems as if I am able to eat almost as much as i used to. The only bright spot in this is that i have not gained all the weight i lost back. I was wondering, does anyone out there know of a good, inexpensive fill doctor that does not mind adjusting foreign banded patients in TEXAS?

:confused: I'm very confused. I thought I had done all my homework (which is good given that I'm a teacher, right?). Today I received some information that has really turned my usually normal world upside-down! I had chosen Dr. Joya in PV. I couldn't find any problems with him or his reputation. I received some info that he was in trouble in TJ and left there. I am now in a real state of confusion. My date may change anyway due to circumstances beyond my control, but I have been talking with Cathy from Dr. Rumbaut's office about using Dr. R. PLEASE advise me quickly before I have a total meltdown! I'm normally a calm, cool, and collected lady, but I've been having…

Any one heard of him, know any thing about him? The procedure is a lot less expensive in France then in Portugal and I'm considering this doctor.

Hello All! I am seriouslly contemplating having the surgery in Belgium, and wondered if anyone else had any experience of going there for it? Also is there any known issues with UK doctors performing the fills and post-op care once one returns home. Does anyone know anything about the "french band" lowate AB produce also? I'm currently 223lbs and would love this to be the tool to help me lose the weight I so badly need to. Hope you are all having a good sunday. Sonriose

I thought it interesting that someone was selling LapBands on Ebay. Recently a seller named "granitegrp" sold 2 "new" lapbands to a buyer named "endoscopic62." The LapBands were still in the original packaging material, but both had expired in 2004. Though I personally believe that the bands are probably fine, and would perform the same as new unexpired ones, I wonder about the ethics of one who would implant them in an unsuspecting patient who paid full price... aside from the fact that doing so would be highly illegal. In case anyone wants to check it out, you can look up the auction id numbers, which are 7577019063 and 7577019163. Mark Pleatman MD www.laparosco…

:help: Hi group. I would like to hear from anyone in Michigan and who did their lap band. I am leaning toward Port Huron and Dr. Bhesiana as you has done quite a few. Does anyone know who has the best feedback and lowest complication rates for Michigan??

Okay, I didn't have anyone else to ask but you guys, lap band dr's office closed, ins office closed, and the hospital called wanting to do a pre- registration for my appt on Mon (2/20/06) for an upper gi that Humana is req before they will approve my lap band. However, when I spoke to Humana and my dr's office before each one said it was just a simple x-ray of my esophogus and stomach, not of my colon and rectum and all the things that a barium enema includes. I haven't mentioned the worst part of this situation, the test is around 3200 and my copay due monday before testing is 320.00 I have a 20% ded. I don't know what to do, I need to find out if the test ordered by the…

I am considering this as an option because my sleep Apnea is so bad. Even with the C-Pap machine I am not getting good sleep--and am knocking shingles off the roof with the snoring. The sleep apnea surgery is so scary--plus they need to open up my nose too. I know my doc can make a case for this, but I am wondering if anyone else has been down this road? What is the recovery time? Is the extra skin an issue? Many thanks for any insights!