lap drs in houston area

BigDavid · May 25, 2006

His Totol cost for the lap-band is $15,050.00 plus any pre-op testing (UGI, Blood work are a must. Then after he reads your blood work results there could be a few other things.) I was also self-pay it cost me right at $16,500.00 but I had extensive testing done. The avg. is probably $500.00 to $1,000.00 less then I paid. But let me tell you after having Dr. Spivak do the surgery I would not even think of using anyone else and I would pay what ever. He is without a doubt the best there is no question!!!!!! Stick to the instructions he and his office staff give you and you will be completely pleased. I was banded on 4/3/2006 I've already lost 33lbs in just 3weeks. Good Luck. Big David (soon to be little David)

vergie · May 25, 2006

That's great!! I guess what we have to remember is you have to feel comfortable with your surgeon. I have not heard anything bad about Dr. Spivak, as a surgeon, only that he is not as aggressive with the fills as Dr. Spiegel. The point is we are all in this to lose weight and change our life some of us will do it quicker than others but ultimatley we all have the same goal. Good luck and hopefully we will be calling you "little David" very soon!

Marlluvia · May 29, 2006

I am also looking for a doctor in Houston that accepts UHC. I cannot seem to find anyone. I have only in network benefits.

biker grammy · May 29, 2006

I am hearing a lot of things about Dr. Spiegel and he did my band. I am self pay. He was o.k. the only thng is I would have liked for he to spend a little more time talking to me. I have to admit the main reason I went to him is because I wanted the surgery so bad and I thought he would do it. I went in weighting 190 and goal is 115-120. I did not think that the other Doctors would do it. I know that sounds dumb but youdo not understand how I wanted this done. I would like to get up one day and not be the first thing I think of is what am I going to eat. Iuse to lived to eat and now I am learning to eat to live. I was band on May 19th. I have to make myself eat. Dr. Spiegel may not be the best Doc but he knows what he is doing. He is out there to make money. And don`t think the others are not there doing the same thing.

Thanks for letting me get this out.

Suzanne.

JGCLUBRIO · May 29, 2006

What pre-op tests did Spiegel require? I went to his seminar and I don't know why I forgot to ask?

MellyBelle · May 30, 2006

wow! wHAT A GREAT THREAD! i also went to go see Dr. SPivak on a reference by my GP. He really was great but I just am not sure if I want to sacrifice NEVER again being able to eat certain foods OR maybe not losing weight OR having to suffer the chance that my FRIENDS will think that I have CHANGED since I am thinner now and not want to be with me when really it is their jealousy that will be the reason. I REALLY THINK IT WILL ALTER SOME OF MY FRIENDSHIPS. Please help and let me know if any of you have had these same issues. THanks!

MellyBelle · May 30, 2006

wow! wHAT A GREAT THREAD! I also went to go see Dr. Spivak on a reference by my GP. He really was great but I just am not sure if I want to sacrifice NEVER again being able to eat certain foods OR maybe not losing weight OR having to suffer the chance that my FRIENDS will think that I have CHANGED since I am thinner now and not want to be with me when really it is their jealousy that will be the reason. I REALLY THINK IT WILL ALTER SOME OF MY FRIENDSHIPS. Please help and let me know if any of you have had these same issues. Thanks!

JGCLUBRIO · May 30, 2006

I have three friends who have had the gastric bypass. They are now skinny and they act as if they know they are beautiful. They are just celebrating their new selves. I think that friendships that are centered around food might change, but you can do other activites. I think a true friend will celbrate the new you. However there will be some jealosy however it may also be a motivator to others if someone in your friendship group lost weight. I know that when my friends lost weight, I was envious. But I know that I am in control of my weight loss and that I need help and that is why I am going to do the gastric band.

JGCLUBRIO · May 30, 2006

Did you have to do a pre-op diet? I will find out this week if my insurance will pay for the band? I am going w/ Dr. Spiegel as well.

Pinkylee · May 31, 2006

Is Dr. Spiegel a good doc for lap banding? I'm in the scheduling phase. Should I seek someone else in the Houston area?

JGCLUBRIO · May 31, 2006

Yes. The only thing that I have learned from the website is that he knows that he is good and that he has poor bed side manner. I am going with him since he is on my plan, and I trust that his hands are steady. I am waiting to see if I get approved.

Pinkylee · June 1, 2006

I've been scheduled!!!! I would search for another doc--but insurance may be pulled on this particular surgery for my husband's company in the near future. I don't like his "lack of service", but---I can't risk not being able to get surgery.

biker grammy · June 1, 2006

Dr. Speigeal had me to only do liquid one day befoe surgery.

Biker Grammy.

sallyjo · June 1, 2006

Dr. Speigel did my surgery on 5-25. He has been wonderful to me. I know I have read a lot of negative things about him but I personally don't have anything bad to say about him. His office staff have always been super nice to me and so what if he is out to make money so is my hubby.His wanting to make money has not interfered with my surgery or weight loss at all. If you choose him for a doctor I think you will be very happy. No he does not talk a lot but he will sure answer any questions that you may have. Good luck to all.