I'm in the Sugar Land area and just wondered if there were any LBTers in the area. There seems to be a lot in the N and NW areas.

My doctor's patient load is still majority RNY - he's not new to lapband, he's just really great at RNY. I'm going to start the support group at Memorial Hermann Memorial City, but know that I'll be in the minority at most meetings. I know that Drs. Spivak and Spiegal are majority or exclusively lapband, so their support groups will reflect that. Unfortunately I have UHC and they've both recently dropped. I'm not going to pay out of pocket when I have excellent insurance coverage.

I was curious about other bandsters in my area. Give me a shoutout if you're nearby.

Hi, I live in Downtown Houston...Dr. Spivak did my lapband surgery on May 10th. Dr. Spivak and the people in his office are great. Anytime I had a question, they were there. Anyway, good luck with your journey, it is a long one but well worth it.

Hi, I previously lived in Sugar Land, recently moved a little farther in, Still SW Houston. I"d love a support group. My Dr. is Garth Davis, no date set yet, still testing, etc.. I'm excited. and a little scared. If you would like to talk email me at kaylehr@gmail.com.

Live in NE section, Humble, but try to join up with NW folks for support. Dr. Spiegel is back in network with UHC so I can only imagine that Spivak can't be far behind.

Good luck with getting a support group up. There is also one at Twelve Oaks hospital on 59 just inside 610. Still a little distance for you, but maybe closer than others.

There is a group of us meeting at Panera's on Saturday (24th) at 12:30 located between 290 and Jones road. I know its far from Sugarland, but if you want to join us you are certainly welcomed.

Hi,

I'm from SWH and just had my banding done on Monday. I had the same problem with UHC. I was already going to Dr. Spiegal, but they dropped me. I then was refered by UHC to Dr. Ira Kasper. He is very straight forward and I am happy with the results so far. Lost 10 lbs this week and down from 275 to 265. I would look him up on the internet.

I was, on the otherhand, not impressed at all with the hospotal. I had the proceedure at 12 oaks medical center and it was lacking to say the least in several areas. I was even released without any wound care instructions or other orders. They claimed the Dr. didn't leave any, but how can't you know about wound care? I assumed that is universal and not Dr. Specific.

ALJ

I'm NOT the only one out here - great. We'll have to organize a get together some time.

Barbara, thanks for the invite. I don't think I can make it this time, but I might another time. I don't mind the drive.

Alij, I've heard that about 12 Oaks - I try to stay in the Memorial Hermann system when possible. Their quality of care is pretty consistent and they have the best staff - I've found that Methodist facilities might be nice, but they have some of the rudest (and careless) staff around. I steer clear of Columbia HCA. My mom lay in an HCA hospital w/a massive stroke for six hours w/no treatment because there was no neurologist on staff (!?) and they wouldn't move her ANYWHERE w/out "paperwork". Great, HCA. She died the next day. She was probably too far gone for any help, but we'll never know because of their delay.

I'm fine with my surgeon - he's super qualified - he just happens to be an RNY specialist. In fact, I think I will benefit from fewer folks in line in front of me for fills down the line! My first choice was Spivak, but even if he's accepting UHC again, I don't want to lose any time having to start the process over even partially.

Are the Spiegal and Spivak support groups open to non patients, since support groups are free, and all? I know I'd find bunches of bandsters there, right? I've already met some of my doc's bandster, but there are just a lot more RNYers.

Hi, I live in Sugarland, was banded 9/05, by Dr Naaman, great team ther, have had 3 fills, this last one my heart burn got rally bad, it seems I am a slow looser, can't seem to get past 176#, for the last month, all off a sudden I seem to be really hungry all the time. Would love a support group in this area.

Great to hear from you! I would really like to get together. Do you need evenings or daytimes? My times are fairly flexible,but right now I am waiting to get a lift installed on my car so I can manage the wheelchair alone. Hopefully that will be done this weekend. Email me and we can make further plans. kaylehr@gmail.com:clap2: :clap2:

I live about 3 minutes from Dr. Spivak's office and I'm hoping to have him do my surgery -- I'm self-pay, unfortunately. Anyway, technically, I'm south of Houston and will be looking for a support group -- hopefully soon.

I have to say after reading all of the posts, I am a bit more apprehensive than I was before. I had researched the surgery several years ago and didn't do it b/c I couldn't afford it. Reading the boards, it seems that there can be lots of problems, but I know the statistics are good.

Looking forward to getting a date!