Hi everybody! I'm an absolute newbie here and have been researching the gastric sleeve surgery since late last year. I've been lurking on this site for a month or so now and really enjoy all of the information and support that everyone gives here. It really has helped me understand how this all works and I'm SO excited to have this procedure done!!

I have a couple of questions:

1] Has anyone here has had the procedure performed by Dr. Heider at the Lake Norman Center For Surgical Weight Loss? I am scheduled to attend a seminar there in a couple of weeks. So far, I am very impressed with the folks that I have dealt with over the phone.

2] I'm going to be a 'self pay' because like a lot of folks here, my insurance has the dreaded exclusion clause. If there are any other 'self pay' patients that have been sleeved by Dr Heider I just wanted to check and be sure that there were no hidden fees or 'bait and switch' maneuvers to look out for. I'm going to be driving about 3 hours to go to the seminar - and if all goes well, to have the procedure, so I don't want any surprises if I can avoid them.

Thanks again for all the terrific information and support that all of you give.... even to someone lurking like me!

That's the first place I went to when I first started thinking about having the surgery. Make sure that you ask for everything required and all costs that you can expect. I ended up not being really happy with them and went elsewhere. Some of that's my fault for being naieve. But I also don't feel they were completely up front with me on all that was required or at least understanding of me being new to the process and being thorough with me. Not saying they are deceitful, just not sure they are aware of how much information overload it is to use prospective patients and making sure they are clear on all of the details.

Im 3 weeks out today, i was a self pay at Lake Norman! I absolutely love them! Everyone is so supportive. I did go there for a consult last year, i could not afford it. Well since they have a self pay plan! I actually paid a little less than what was quoted! Several of his staff have had the sleeve, i can email them anytime, and receive a response with in hours. Everyone has an individual email, so if you need to talk to the nut or the assistant! I would give them 5 stars no questions asked!