barbara465

Melissa Lea, My Doctor is Felix Spiegel. He's doesn't have a good patient reputation, but is the best surgeon. I am going for the surgeon and get my support elsewhere. :confused: My GP agrees. I am getting exicited. See ya on April 6

I will be there. I am anxious to meet others that are on the same journey that I will join in June. I am so looking forward to being banded.

My husband and I would love to attend and meet everyone. I will be preband since I've decided to do the cruise first at the end of May. Then pre op early June. I can't wait to meet everyone and get banded!

Dr. Spiegel is on vacation until late April. I think he is in town just a few more days. That is why you can't get in to see him before then. Scream loud now and maybe they will "fit" you in or you will have to see his on call doctor.

YellowRose, Here's a web site that may help. http://www.lapbandhouston.com/physicians.php

You and I are think along the same lines. I also live in Humble. I went to Dr. Spiegel's seminar and consultation, but then heard of the Doctor at Methodist at Willowbrook. I haven't checked him out yet, but I want another opinion. I have also called my GP who is also at Methodist. I'm waiting for her to call with some more names.

Good luck to you. We have the same Doctor. I'm also in Houston. I am waiting until after cruise vacation so I won't get mine until June. Good luck to you and I'll be anxious to track your progress.

I am scheduled for a cruise to Alaska the last week in May. I opted to wait to get banded until that was over. Now I feel like such a wuss. I can't wait to start the program, but was so scared of having problems while away.

I've been told that UHC covers Spiegel as In Network, but not the surgical center. Dr. Spivak is out of network as of last week. So confusing.

That's exactly my situation. Same insurance (UHC). I found a Dr. at Methodist which is better paying, but not as much experience. I am leaning for the experience and will get "caring" from DH.

I never thought Dr. Spiegel was a "caring" doctor. I thought more that his track record was good. That was my driving concern. A caring doctor wasn't going to help me if my band slipped. Or sentiments something like that. My impression of Dr. Spiegel was one of generating revenue and lots of it. I stated that before. Now I am second guessing my decision. I could get it done with another Doctor that uses a facility my insurance covers. My concern is I want less complications after surgery and a surgeon who has done more successfully may be better. Guess now I have to rethink my thinking.

I live in Humble, just off 1960 E. I think there are quite a few of us. I am waiting for my insurance approval and going to Dr. Spiegel. I might find another Doctor if United Health doesn't cover his facility. I see there is a doctor using Methodist at Willowbrook. They are covered by my policy. Hope to meet all of you soon. Company coming tomorrow night or I would be at the Woodland's location for their meeting.

1. Sit down next to guy I overhead saying that all fat people should sit at the back of the bus. HMMM ... I might not wait for this one! 2. Go for a long walk and not worry how to make the return trip. 3. Get on a plane and not worry if I am spilling over to the next seat. 4. Buy clothes that require the blouse to be tucked in and belted.

I live in Humble. Waiting for insurance letter. I am going to Dr. Spiegel. Hubby and I plan on Alaska cruise end of May so might wait until after that to get the band. I have a fear of being gone and having problems. I am getting excited about the band, but know it will be a major life change.

I also have UHC. I called them and I'm covered. I have been dealing with Dr. Spiegel. I expect that they will want their 20% upfront that the insurance doesn't pay. To expect the patient to pay the difference between what they said they would take for In Network is not right. I hope Dr. Spivak is not aware of this and that his front office has made a mistake. I am surprised at the unusual way these Doctor's view the surgery and the cost. It does make you believe this is a money making machine and we are the machine!

I'm more concerned with how I will feel. At most it will be 8 weeks after surgery. I won't be able to get banded until end of March. It's just the fear of the unknown, but the thought of being 30-40 lbs lighter for the cruise is appealing.

I'm in Houston. Dr. Spiegel is going to do my band. Waiting for insurance approval. Question: Cruise scheduled for end of May. Should I get it done now or wait until after the cruise?