Has anyone had WLS from Dr. Podkameni? He is one of the surgeons at Banner Gateway in Arizona.

I had my last weigh-in this morning. Waiting on insurance approval to come through. Dr. Podkameni and his staff Donna and Janice have been wonderful. It is also very impressive to note that his staff trusts him enough to have this surgery too. Two of his staff (maybe more) have had the vertical sleeve gastrectomy and they are doing great!! Inspiring! :thumbup:

Edited July 1, 201016 yr by Papillon

Hey there. I had surgery from Dr. Podkameni. I know this is pretty late, I generally enjoyed my experience with Banner Bariatric. Dr. P is really cool. The rest of the staff so so. Send me an email if you want any more info.

It is official my surgery date is set for September 13th. How are you doing Bubba? :thumbup:

Dr. Podkameni was wonderful. He took great care of my husband and I. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a very skilled surgeon in Arizona. He takes a bit to warm up to you (trying to keep that patient doctor distance) but, he is very friendly once you get past this part. He checked in on my husband and I daily when we were in the hospital. I am so glad he was our surgeon. He is professional and very skilled. The anastesiologist Dr. Wang was wonderful too. He took the extra time to talk to me about the surgery and what was needed for anastesia. I am a singer (as most of you guys know) so it was very important to me. He was willing to take extra precautions and I have not had any problems with my voice. I was able to sing at a voice lesson one week after surgery. Stamina is still coming back but there is nothing causing problems and I am very happy about that!!!

Edited September 26, 201015 yr by Papillon

a little over a month out now and I am singing with no problems! My stamina has returned full force and I am able to sing the same repetoire I was before surgery. Bring on the Puccini and Verdi. I am so happy I went with Dr. Podkameni. He took extra care with my surgery because of my voice and has been very good to me and my husband. He is a very skilled surgeon and has taken the time to really get to know us and make sure we are following his suggestions. I can't believe it has only been a month... it feels like so much longer.

Papillon, were you "self-pay"? If so, what was the total cost?

I have UHC insurance and the entire surgery was covered. I had a $150.00 copay and a few other doctor visit charges.

Unfortunately, Dr. P. has left Banner Bariatrics for a practice in Northern NJ--Bergen County, I think. He was my surgeon for two months of my three month pre-op and I liked him very much. I have now been assigned to Dr. Chen who, so far, I like equally as well. I agree with BubbaCrab so far in the assessment of some of the office staff as being so-so, particularly the insurance clerk.

Unfortunately, Dr. P. has left Banner Bariatrics for a practice in Northern NJ--Bergen County, I think. He was my surgeon for two months of my three month pre-op and I liked him very much. I have now been assigned to Dr. Chen who, so far, I like equally as well. I agree with BubbaCrab so far in the assessment of some of the office staff as being so-so, particularly the insurance clerk.

He will be missed! My husband and I both really admired him and appreciated his expertise for this surgery.

Dr. Podkameni is back! I have an appointment with him this Monday. Nervous and excited! I am in my 6 month of supervised weight loss. Hoping for a quick approval.

Dr. Podkameni is my sugeon--I liked him a lot during my initial consultation. I am in my six-month supervised exercise/diet insurance requirement, but everything is great so far! Hoping to have surgery in November.

Amy

I'm scheduled with Dr. Chen on Monday. I have had nothing but excellent patient care with Banner. Gateway. Cara Codner has been an absolute God Send in getting my auths and approvals! I would recommend this facility to anyone!

Dr P is my surgeon. I am scheduled for 10/1. I really like him. He is very honest and up front. That's what I need. I love the staff. The are super supportive and encouraging.

ON another note, during the pre op diet phase, did you mix your Protein shakes with Water or almond milk?

It is my understanding that only water may be used with protein shakes during the pre-op liquid diet. Almond milk is not listed as an option in the binder of instructions received during the three-hour class. I was told to take a very literal interpretation of the instructions and to follow them exactly. If we have any questions beyond that, we should consult with someone at the Banner Bariatric Clinic and to follow the recommendations specific to our own program. Hope this helps!

Hello All, I am in the process of getting sleeved by Dr. Robert Schuster. It is my second go around with pre-op to being sleeved. I decided to try to lose weight and go vegan for a year. The year has come and gone and I havent lost anything. I feel healthy. Anyway, I have been dealing with Banner Gateway for a little over a year. I have to say, everyone I've come in contact with has been awesome. Dr. Schuster has been very personable and I feel like he is an exceptional surgeon.

The only thing I would like more of are the support groups. I work in N. Scottsdale and it takes me over an hour to get to Gilbert after work at 5pm. The chances of fighing traffic only to get there late is slim. I know having support is key to my well being. So, I am looking for other avenues.

BTW if you are a Banner employee there is talk about the co-pay going down. As employees we have to pay a $5000.00 co-pay. It's crazy! So, hopefully it will go down. We will know next month.

I hope to get sleeved in January.