Ok I went to see my surgeon for the first visit today. He is Dr. Schmidt in port neches ,Texas. I found him because there is a big new hospital in the area that has an obesity wing all made for lapband and gastric bypass patients. There was an ad on tv to go to his seminar so i went. Well i had my appt today and he was very nice Said I was a perfect candident (spelling) for the band Then i asked him if lap band and gass by pass was all he did He said no, he does all kind of surgerys and he has only done 12 LAP BANDS BEFORE!!!! I dont know if that is good or bad I mean i dont want to go to someone that i will one be 1 of a million lap bands he has but i want to make sure he knows what he is doing I mean the hospital hired him to be the dr for ther obesity center So!!!!!! what do you think???????

Onlygo,

((((Hugs)))) It is scary to think about your doctor doing so few, however he does do it at a hospital that has a special obesity wing. So you should take comfort in that.

When I went to my doctor's seminar in January she had only done 10 on her own since her training. But by the time I had mine done this week she has done over 30. I was really pleased and the team she used at the hospital is the same team she uses each time so all were familiar with the lapband surgery. It was smooth for me and I am happy so far.

Is there anybody around where you live that knows any of the previous 12???? Maybe one of the 12 is a member here at LBT and can give you some feedback on their experience with this doctor.

Take care and I will be thinkling of you.

Just keep in mind that at some point, even the most seasoned of bariatric surgeons had a number 13.

Have you tried www.obesityhelp.com ? You can look up a lot of info on docs at that site. Also, try www.drscore.com . Have you done a search here for his name? If you are uneasy for any reason, do what you can until your comfortable with your choice. It may mean going with someone else. Only you can make that decision.

I know my husband is very superstitious and wouldn't even let me call the insurance company on Mon the 13th. Didn't bother me, but I took his advice.

Best of luck to you on making a decision!!

Hi,I'm from Bmt,Tx and since you live in PortNeches you should try Dr.Felix Spiegel he has done several surgeries of friends and co-workers of mine and they are doing excellent, the only thing is, he does'nt work with BC/BS of Texas.

I guess I was lucky. My doctor has been doing these for more than 2 years. But there had to be a first and a thirteenth. I've always considered 13 a lucky number. Good Luck, I hope you have a great experience with being banded, whether with this doctor or the other that was suggested. It couldn't hurt to check out Dr. Spiegel before you make your decision.

thanks for all yalls comments. I did go to Dr.speigals seminar but he does not take bcbs and self pay is not an option for me. Also i have heard he is ssoooooo busy that it is very hard to ever see him.