I have met with 2 doctors in the Phoenix area and they are both SO different on their philosophies. I liked them both, Dr. Debarros and Dr. Simpson. But, one doctor requires so many pre-op tests, ultrasound, EKG, chest xray, EDG (Debarros) and a 2 week Protein diet. The other doctor (Simpson) requires no pre-op tests (just blood) and no pre-op diet. Both are very experienced and from what I can tell, Simpson has does more lap-bands in AZ than any other doctor.

I am flying in from out of state to do this so the easier approach is going to much more accommodating for my schedule. But, I don't want to make a mistake by taking the easy way when my health is at stake.

I am 36 and my BMI is 37 so I wonder if that has something to do with it. Does anyone have any insight? Thanks.

I have met with 2 doctors in the Phoenix area and they are both SO different on their philosophies. I liked them both, Dr. Debarros and Dr. Simpson. But, one doctor requires so many pre-op tests, ultrasound, EKG, chest xray, EDG (Debarros) and a 2 week Protein diet. The other doctor (Simpson) requires no pre-op tests (just blood) and no pre-op diet. Both are very experienced and from what I can tell, Simpson has does more lap-bands in AZ than any other doctor.

I am flying in from out of state to do this so the easier approach is going to much more accommodating for my schedule. But, I don't want to make a mistake by taking the easy way when my health is at stake.

I am 36 and my BMI is 37 so I wonder if that has something to do with it. Does anyone have any insight? Thanks.

I guess my question to you is are you self pay or are you going through insurance? If you are going to go through your insurance they will have a set of hoops to jump through. If you are self pay then I would go through the easy way myself. The only thing is I would go on a 2 week preop diet on my own just to make sure that my liver was in great shape for the surgery. I am going to be banded on the 30th and have been on the Atkins diet for the last 2 weeks per my Dr.

For sure the choice is yours but I think you can do easy & safe.

Just my opinion...

Good Luck!!

I guess my question to you is are you self pay or are you going through insurance? If you are going to go through your insurance they will have a set of hoops to jump through. If you are self pay then I would go through the easy way myself. The only thing is I would go on a 2 week preop diet on my own just to make sure that my liver was in great shape for the surgery. I am going to be banded on the 30th and have been on the Atkins diet for the last 2 weeks per my Dr.

For sure the choice is yours but I think you can do easy & safe.

Just my opinion...

Good Luck!!

Hi, thanks for your reply. Good luck on the 30th!!!

I am self pay, so there are no official hoops except that one doctor has so many more requirements. This decision is making me crazy because there are pros and cons for both doctors. I guess what it boils down to is an EGD, ultrasound of my gall bladder, EKG and chest xray really necessary? Do you know if there is a website that rates doctors and has statistics on it? thanks.

I am going to Dr. Simpson. I am confident that he is the most experienced surgeon and he teaches other docs how to do the surgery so that meant everything to me. I dn't feel like I have to worry about the surgery itself due to his extensive experience level. I am glad that he is not requiring a ton of tests but would gladly do them. More tests are required when you are older and have a BMI of 50 or more. I don't know if any of this was helpful but I think Dr. Simpson and his office are great.

Good luck to you!

The money you have to pay for the extra tests is alot Im sure but any surgery is a major trauma on you body. I say you can never be to safe. There's a reason the one dr. wants more tests. Lets face it, surgery is much more serious for overweight people. After I had my EKG from my family dr. he told me everything was normal, so a few days later I got a call from my surgeons office telling me they required me to see a Cardiologist. Scared the sh$% out of me. I had an ultrasound and was happy and relieved afterwards to find outv everything was fine. I didnt yhave to pay, it was covered but I would do it again even if I had to pay.

I was self pay and did not have to do any pre-op tests. But I had up-to-date medical records. No diet as I had surgery 1½ days from time of appointment as I have really bad anxiety and did not want to go crazy worring about it. My Dr. is Dr Spivak in Houston and is very experienced. I say do the tests if you feel they are needed if not skip it. Just my opinion research it.

Cheri

I know (from the internet) some other people who were banded by Dr. Simpson and they REALLY like him. He also has a philosophy of banding that I really like. That the band isn't about physical restriction, it's about controlling hunger.

My doc was kinda in the middle.. he required an EKG, but not an EDG. No pre-op diet, only Clear liquids the day before surgery.

What might be more important in the long run is what the aftercare / support groups are like. Can you make a visit to each one and see how they fit with you and your schedule? How do you "mesh" with their nurses & office staff? Do they do the fills themselves or is that in the hands of a PA, NP, RN, LVN? Do they use fluoro for fills? UGI and bloodwork at one year out? ETC.

Just some things to consider.