I went for my first consult with Dr. Nguyen at UC Irvine.

Everything I read says UCI is one of the best places to go in southern California. My PCP, although very much against WLS, said that should be the place to go. I also like the fact that it is isn't a private business. The aftercare and support programs seem to be pretty well established as well.

However, it is a learning hospital. I forgot to ask if he would be doing the surgery. I am on the fence whether or not I want a resident working on me even if he is watching every move.

When I was researching for the band last year, I was finding so many of the private doctors want $4k program fees and the like on top of the insurance payments. That really did not sit well with me.

So I am asking how do I go about researching doctors and complication rates? Who did your surgery, were you happy with it, and how did you come to that decision?

Dr. Bhoyrul in La Jolla. I heard that he is one of the best in the nation. I love him and he is awesome!

I live in Long Beach and went through my insurance. My IPA only refers to The Association of South Bay Surgeons so I chose my surgeon out of the 4 within the bariatric practice. My surgeon was Dr Aileen Takahashi (she is the bariatric medical director at Torrance Memorial). She's an amazing surgeon....very thorough and meticulous and Torrance Memorial is Center of Excellence for bariatric surgery.

I couldn't be happier with how my surgery went and the care I got!!

I've been reading up a lot in my surgeon, Dr. Jeremy Korman at LA Bariatrics and he's known across the US! He's been on dr. Phil and dr oz and a few main stream morning programs! His anesthesiologist is one of the best in the biz too! Dr. K's stats are amazing! He works out of Marina Del Ray hospital that is dr owned, so he has an amazing staff!

His office is complete!!! All tour visits are done there... The physch, nutritionist, physical therapist, endoscopy, physical and a full time nursing line too!

I'm self pay cause my ins denied the procedure, and although I saw a few others before him for less money I wasn't "clicking" but I (& my husban who goes to all visits and seminars) both clicked right away!

They offer long term nutritionist visits and monthly and weekly support visits and it's just a one stop shop!

My surgery is tomorrow and I feel completely comfortable in his hands!

Being a wife and mom of 4.... This is a big decision and I'm confident I made the right choice.

Good luck!

TeamBrown, what is your out of pocket expense going to be?? I won't be covered by insurance either and am looking at places in the US and Mexico.

Hold on to something... Well sit down maybe better advice.... But it was $20k!!! Yep!!! Now that's all my preop and hospital an post op for 5 years. The only thing my ins is used for us prescriptions.

Now I looked into the Mexico route, know some that have had success and some that had horro by going there.

For me, it wasn't a safe option(for me and my needs & concerns).

In large I needed to have peace of mind to, be close to my hospital and surgeon. Be able to have my husband sleep in the hospital with me. Be able to have care after convenient. I had to get to know my surgeon & anesthesiologist and all and know I could see him anytime ASAP.

Now it was a personal choice for me and if that is something u can do then u should.

No matter why u decide it's gotta be a personal choice your comfortable with because everything else is out of your control after that!!!!

Good luck