Hi! I'm new here but almost 10 years post-op. had surgery in CO but moved to CA. Looking to get established with great office for annual band check ups and occasional fills/ adjustments. I am halfway between SF and LA (in San Luis Obispo) so open to drive anywhere in CA for an excellent fill Doc or his excellent fill staff. Who do you love and want to rave about in CA? Please tell me what you especially like or appreciate that makes you treasure them so much?

Thank you!!

Did you ever have luck finding a fill doctor? I am in a similar position and was looking for a fill doctor as well. Thanks!

Dr Coirin in Modesto. AMAZING!

Hi! I'm new here but almost 10 years post-op. had surgery in CO but moved to CA. Looking to get established with great office for annual band check ups and occasional fills/ adjustments. I am halfway between SF and LA (in San Luis Obispo) so open to drive anywhere in CA for an excellent fill Doc or his excellent fill staff. Who do you love and want to rave about in CA? Please tell me what you especially like or appreciate that makes you treasure them so much?

Thank you!!

Dr. Coirin is not only a bariatric surgeon but also a trauma surgeon. He is one of the most talented dr in the area. He has done over 8000 procedures so he has a lot of experience. His staff is wonderful and caring as is he. He works with you and communicates with you to make sure you are successful but also is very real with you.

Why go to someone with less experience when you can work with the best.

Did you ever have luck finding a fill doctor? I am in a similar position and was looking for a fill doctor as well. Thanks!

I found a handful, actually! :-) Here's what I learned:

1) A *very* experienced and respected bariatric surgeon, Dr.Cirangle of San Francisco, does give fills in a few different locations including Templeton (northern San Luis Obispo county) to other surgeon's patients but his office charges $2,000 cash per year for that situation. If someone is newly banded and getting fills each month, it would be cost effective.

2) There are (at least) three band surgeons in Santa Barbara, each of whom said they'd be happy to give fills.

Dr. Michael Thoman sounded great, has seminars and support groups. I haven't yet met him,

Dr. Farida Bounoua (she's French and her name is pronounced Boon' wah.) I met and adored her. She seems both warm and very smart- a great combination. Her office staff was really nice. Her office is designated a "Center if Excellence."

Dr. Helmuth Billy- I don't know much about him but he was recommended by someone on LBT. His office staff was nice but he didn't take my insurance. His office is designated a "Center of Excellence."

I heard that there is someone in Santa Maria but don't (yet) have a name.

Dr. Coirin is not only a bariatric surgeon but also a trauma surgeon. He is one of the most talented dr in the area. He has done over 8000 procedures so he has a lot of experience. His staff is wonderful and caring as is he. He works with you and communicates with you to make sure you are successful but also is very real with you.

Why go to someone with less experience when you can work with the best.

He sounds fantastic! I'll find out how far a drive it is to Modesto.

He sounds fantastic! I'll find out how far a drive it is to Modesto.

Could be 3-4 hr drive Santa Barbara is about two hrs.

Yes, a little over 4 hours. For someone exceptional at fills and guidance, I could imagine driving that far but I'm not sure that I'd drive home that same day, which would adds hotel bill to the cost. I'll need to think about it since, so far, I'm impressed with Dr. Bounuoa.

You sound really impressed with him though and that's what I'm looking for. Someone really experienced, really good, with patients who strongly recommend him or her.

Thank you!! :-)

I found a handful' date=' actually! :-) Here's what I learned:

1) A *very* experienced and respected bariatric surgeon, Dr.Cirangle of San Francisco, does give fills in a few different locations including Templeton (northern San Luis Obispo county) to other surgeon's patients but his office charges 2,000 cash per year for that situation. If someone is newly banded and getting fills each month, it would be cost effective.

2) There are (at least) three band surgeons in Santa Barbara, each of whom said they'd be happy to give fills.

Dr. Michael Thoman sounded great, has seminars and support groups. I haven't yet met him,

Dr. Farida Bounoua (she's French and her name is pronounced Boon' wah.) I met and adored her. She seems both warm and very smart- a great combination. Her office staff was really nice. Her office is designated a "Center if Excellence."

Dr. Helmuth Billy- I don't know much about him but he was recommended by someone on LBT. His office staff was nice but he didn't take my insurance. His office is designated a "Center of Excellence."

I heard that there is someone in Santa Maria but don't (yet) have a name.[/quote']

I'd go with Dr Frenchy. She sounds wonderful!