Didnt know where to put this question, so I figured FL would be the best thing.

Since my plans have now changed and my new insurer will cover the procedure (instead of self-pay) I need some names besides Dr. Grossbard, Dr. Jawad, Dr. Jessee. to research on.

I'm waiting on the approval from the corporate office after I gave them the CPT code so I can go for a visit. I then have to have them make it medically necessary to do the surgery i.e. M.O. and 6 months they will pay for it.

Did you have your band placed by a Florida Doctor? If yes I would appreciate - the name, website and price if you know it.

Anyone with info is a great help since I only know of those 3 here in FL.

Thanks

I know you said any names beside the three you listed....I was actually banded in Dalton, GA by Dr. Jaime Ponce.....then moved to FL for my job. I had my first fill today w/ Dr. Grossbard. He mentioned that there are less than 10 doctors in the US that has performed thousands of these surgeries.....he is one! He is a bit cocky....but I could tell he was also confident! He popped that needle in and I had my fill in seconds! He is also going to be an expert witness in a case in MI ....really seems to know what he's doing.

There is a Dr. Kim in Orlando w/ FL HOspital....you might look into him....I don't know much as he was quite expensive to get the fills if he didn't do the surgery!

God Bless,

Melody

Banded 3/20/06 -38lbs :eek:

Oh yeah Lisa....he has 3 partners...Dr. Krishnaraj, Dr. Bala, Dr. DiCicco...

www.pascosurgical.com or www.floridaobesitysurgical.com

Hope this helps!!

God Bless,

Melody

Banded 3/20/06 -38lbs

Thanks MelodyJ

Im curious about this:

He is also going to be an expert witness in a case in MI

what's this mean? Am I being a bit obtuse here? do you mean about WLS or a crime? hehehe let me drink some more coffee and see if it is clear then.

How much was your fill if you didn't get your surgery done by him? On my other thread - someone said $200, but I have seen up to $500

Look for Dr. Kim out of Orlando.

Below is the doctor I used. I think he is wonderful. He works out of St. Vincent's Medical Center in Jacksonville. I was private pay at $16,500.00 and then includes all fills, etc. that are needed for one year.

Javier Herrera, M.D.

http://phys.svremote.com/images/MSLPhys/HERRERA.jpg

Office Location: 1801 Barrs Street

Suite 900

Jacksonville, FL 32204

(904) 389-8861

Click here to view map to Office Gender: Male Foreign Languages: Spanish

Specialty Board Certified Education General Surgery YES Medical School: University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami FL

Thanks Susan Im going to go read up on your Dr. after my head clears from my confusion with Dr. Grossbard information I got heheheh

Since I have a 6 month wait now, Im going to take a long needed break and do no research, no reading anything pertaining to WLS so I can start fresh and maybe that will help with getting facts figures etc all straight.

Did anyone have to stay in the hospital overnight? I just learned Dr. Grossbard doesn't require it! that's a big plus for me since I live close and could be at home in 1 day.

Thanks again

Dr. Herrera keeps you overnight. I live only 20 minutes from the hospital, but am glad he does that. I personally feel like this is not minor surgery and an overnight stay should be required. I had problems with my blood pressure during the night and was very glad to be in the hospital where they were able to monitor it and keep things under control. Plus, the instant gratification of pain meds through the IV during those first 24 hours are wonderful too. :sick

Lisa--

If I understood correctly....another doc banded someone and there were complications and since he's done so many....they are using him as a witness!

They charged me $200 for my fill....but if you do the surgery w/ him he will include those for the first year.

I only stayed from about 9am-3pm ....I just went and slept the rest of the evening. I had no problem!

God Bless,

Melody

Banded 3/20/06 -38lbs

In Melbourne Florida, DR. Mark Fusco at Life shape.com

Oh wow Melody I hadn't heard that about Dr. G - they usually put stuff like that in our local Pasco Section of the Trib.

Wow - only 6 hours in the hospital, that is less time than I spent in outpatient for a laproscopy (sp). That's what I would love to have to do - back home where I can make sure my kids get fed LOL

Lisa--

Dr. G also had the procedure himself! I don't know if I told you I did my procedure in Dalton, GA.....but moved....that's how I got in touch w/ him.... the need for a fill.

Don't know if you'll be up to feeding your kids that evening!! Depending on how far you live....you may want to at least stay in a hotel nearby?! That's what we did....we actually lived 2 hrs away from where I had my surgery...they felt like one night would be good in the hotel close by... "just in case".....I felt fine and checked out the next morning w/o problem!!

God Bless....

Melody

Banded 3/20/06 -43lbs

Melody, thats how I first found out about Dr. Ortiz (he was the dr I was going to be banded by)

Dr. G's office is about 20 min from my house, so when I saw articles in the local newpaper last year, I started researching. I found out Dr. Ortiz banded Dr. G and said, hmmm he has to be doing something good if he banded him.

I wanted to go to the Cancun facility but it is closed, so I went with the TJ facility.

I have medical coverage now that says they are 99% sure they will cover the band through Dr. G - BUT I had some conflicting info on different things from different people when I started asking questions months ago.

Soooooo I am back at square 1 - researching and waiting on medical tests to see if my Urologist is going to release me on May 18th for the band

and waiting on my approval from the home office of new coverage.

When and if all are a go, I think I am going to Dr. G's since I can go home quickly if all is ok. If insurer doesn't approve it, then I am back to square 1 with being Self-pay going with Dr. Ortiz (maybe Cancun will open by then hehehe)

BTW... Welcome to Florida

Lisa--

Praying that your insurance covers you!!! I was a self-pay.....it's a lot of money but my husband said I was definitely worth it!! I am blessed!!!

God Bless,

Melody

Banded 3/20/06 -43lbs

In Melbourne Florida, DR. Mark Fusco at Life shape.com

I used Dr. Fusco (very expierenced) in Melbourne also. He and his staff are wonderful people. Monthly support groups are included in the price of the surgery. Did I say great people....

http://www.markfuscomd.com/

http://www.lifeshape.net/meet_our_team.htm

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Dr. Fusco in Florida (melbourne) his staff is wonderful alot of insurances pay, after surgery they do weekly fills until you are where you need to be , you have access to their cell#s for questions and problems they have all been wonderful. I have lost almost 30 lbs, banded 3/14/06. Good Luck