Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Need help-last straw



Recommended Posts

Hi, this is the first time I have left a message. I have been reading info on this site for a few weeks but was not sure how to get started. I need some help from everyone please. I am not sure where to start or what to do to get started. I seriously need help, how do you decide who to see. I live in Fort Worth, Texas. I called a place today, they do not take insurance but will submit it for you. Insurance is not my biggest concern, right now I just do not know who to go to. So, I need some recomendations. I am at the end of my rope. I have to do something and do it fast. So, any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

KIM

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Obesityhelp.com has patient comments regarding various surgeons. I read every comment regarding a few doctors and about Dr. Benavides before I chose him.

You could also call your PCP and ask if he/she recommends a specific doctor.

www.lapbandsolutions.com is where I started. You could call them too...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Kim,

Hi, There are alot of folks on this board, drop some names and the peoploe who used them can tell you their experence. For info about the band (good or bad) keep reading here! There is alot of good info here.. Good luck and keep us informed...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I sure understand how you feel. How do you know who to trust? So few people I've been in support group with have had the band compared to gastric - how do you get the right help? There is a place in Richardson Texas - that I found while looking on the internet. My sons live in Frisco, and Prosper so I thought I could recoup with them - but my insurance accepted it <finally> , so I'm having it done in Orange County, Ca - an hour away from where I live in Ocean Hills. I found this site last night, and I can't read enough fast enough to find out answers to things I've been wondering about for months! Good luck with your search! I was in Dallas a few weeks ago, it's sure hot...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Check out www.aigb.com This will list several doctors in the DFW area. I don't live in the area, but I am driving in to FW and use Dr. Smith. He is great as are many other docs in the area. Go to their seminars - it's free and you get to meet them. I'm self pay because my insurance won't even discuss anything to do with obesity. From what I've heard, many Insurance companies can be a pain in the patoot (lol) to deal with. You just have to keep at it. It WILL happen for you, if you put the time and effort in. Keep asking questions here. I wish you the best in your band journey.

Terry

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

http://www.lapband4u.com/

Here is the website for Dr. Louis Fox. He has an office at Medical City of Dallas. Know of several folks that have seen him and all liked him.

Do you have insurance coverage or are you going to self pay. I know Dr. Fox uses the Surgery Center of Richardson (SCOR) and they charge 15,000 for banding for self pay. That was in January so I don't know if there has been any change but if so it will probably be very little.

Myra

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I know Texarkana is out of your way, but my surgeon accepted my insurance. I only had to pay my deductible up front. It is something to think about as far as money goes. Her name is Dr. Rachael Keilin in Texarkana, TX. Her husband also does Lap Band Dr. Ron Hekier. You could have surgery here and have fills/ check ups in your area. This is an option if you cannot find a surgeon that will accept your insurance. GOOD LUCK!!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

only thing that I can add is make sure that you have the surgery from one who has done it alot...I didn't want to be the "test" subject...so look for the best you can afford....:)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks so much, I will check into that too. I found some seminars that are being held in the next few weeks. If I am not satisfied with what I find out here in Ft. Worth, I thouht I would try Houston next. Thanks again for the help. Looks like you are making GREAT progesss.

KP

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hey KP-I drove from Central Arkansas to Houston for Dr. Spivak. Made the trip for the seminar/consult and then back for the band (May 24) and I'm going next week for my first fill. It's quite a drive but I would do it again, well I'll keep making the drive. Research him and compare, I think you'll find he has the best track record and reviews.:)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Welcome to the board. This is a wonderful place for information. I am very happy with my decision to have the band. Below is the information for my doctor.

North Texas Bariatric & General Surgery

Dr. Frank Veninga

4333 N. Josey Lane

Plaza II - Suite 207

Carrollton, Texas 75010

PH 972.939.8218

FX 972.395.1789

http://www.bariatricsurgerydallas.com/index.html

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×