Oh the questions I have. I am just deciding to have lap band surgery. I was always thin until about 8 years ago and now I HATE being fat. I hate shopping because nothing fits, etc., etc.

Here are some questions for those of you who have had the surgery or anyone who can help.

Doctors - I was initially going to go with Dr. Spiegel because I live in Beaumont...but I've heard so much about the cattle call, I'm not too impressed with that.

Then, I saw where Dr. Spivak no longer accepts United Healthcare.

Insurance -

I have United Healthcare Choice Plus. Can anyone give me the names of doctors that they have used that have this plan? of course, only if it is a doctor you liked :~) And, if you could throw in the total cost...that would be great also!!

Secondary Insurance-

I am also on my husband's plan. He has PHCS. How does that work with insurance. This is the first time I have been on two insurance plans.

With UHC, my deductible is $1000 then they cover 80%. My husband's insurance is the same.

Qualifying -

I am afraid I will not qualify...which would be really sad for me :cry . I'm 5'5" and weigh 218 lbs. My BMI is 36. But here are my exclusions, I have hypothyroidism, acid reflux. I did have my gallbladder removed (does that count for gallbladder problems?). I had gestation diabetes with 2 pregancies. Last couple of times I have had blood work done because of my thryoid, my TSH was a 38 and my cholosterol was high. Blood pressure is borderline 130ish/80.

Thanks for all of your help.

size8beauty,

I don't really write checks much so that part didn't bother me as much, however there are check verification systems out there such as verisign, I was more dissapointed that he didn't except credit cards.

I haven't seen anyone post that they hated him, however I do think that each one of us has different requirements. I am very appreciative of the comments made on this thread because I was trying to choose between Dr. Speigel and Dr. Spivak. By reading this thread, I was able to determine that Dr. Spivak was a better fit for me.

I am very happy to hear that the lap-band has been a total success for you. That is great to hear. I will be joining you soon.

I have UHC choice plus, I went to Dr St Laurent.(super nice) I didn't have to pay anything, just my $15 co-pay for doctor visits. Things may have changed since Oct./05 but it wouldn't hurt to try. He's on the corner of 1960 and 249, near Willowbrook Mall.

oh and he didn't measure me so say your 5'4" and put some quarters(a role) in your pockets and wear heavy clothes:)

I have UHC choice plus, I went to Dr St Laurent.(super nice) I didn't have to pay anything, just my $15 co-pay for doctor visits. Things may have changed since Oct./05 but it wouldn't hurt to try. He's on the corner of 1960 and 249, near Willowbrook Mall.

oh and he didn't measure me so say your 5'4" and put some quarters(a role) in your pockets and wear heavy clothes:)

You didn't have to pay anything for the surgery??? WOW!!! sign me up!!!

happyk

That is great to hear! Mine would have been covered if I had selected the out of network option on my insurance.

I could wait and change it next year, but I am too anxious to start the process now.

Dr. St. Laurent is out of network for UHC. I was going to pay $2500 out of pocket, same as Dr. Spiegel. He is a great aftercare program from what I can tell. I did visit him and was going with him, but at last minute jumped back with Dr. Spiegel. There was an insurance snafu and I didn't want to postpone my surgery date.

I think most of them are good and its such an individual choice. You need to pick who you feel comfortable with. I wanted a surgeon who had a good track record for the surgery. Most of the complications resulting from lapband will have to be handled by other doctors, not the surgeons. So for me, the choice was easier.

Good luck to all of you.

I can tell you that after much research prior to my band, I went with Dr. Spivak in July of '05. Everything about him was fantastic and still is. I of course didn't have UHC at that time. My insurance did cover my surgery at that point and then in January of this year my company switched to UHC. I haven't really had any problems with my insurance at all. Several people at my office have had surgery since me and even though the majority of them have went with Spivak, I know of one or two who went with Speigel.

I wish you all the best in determining what is a "right" fit for you.

Despite all the insurance/money hassles, the surgery was well worth it. I've lost 40 lbs so far and on my way to a new me. Try not to be nervous, you'll will be fine. Let's us know how you do next week as soon as you feel up to it. Good Luck!

I have UHC and Dr. Robert Marvin is doing my lapband Thursday 08-24-06 He also did my husbands July 27th. He is a very good dr. and is staff is wonderful. You do have to go through alot of test, but he does not want any surprises while you are on the table. His aftercare has been wonderful also.

Dr Spiegel is also now BACK in network with UHC. He did my surgery in March of 2006 & I have already lost over 50 lbs. He is great, the #1 surgeon in the Nation with over 4000 surgeries performed. His phone # is 713-960-0003 he does require that u attend a seminar/consult with the him in order for him to determine if u qualify.

Dr Richard Wilkenfeld in Conroe Texas is a provider for UHC his office # is 936-756-3133:)