Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum - Considering Dr. Kirshenbaum

Shesha · December 1, 2006

Hi there,

I am considering Dr. Kirshenbaum in Aurora, CO (www.lapbandrockies.com) I know that there are a few of you in LBT that went to him. I am interested in knowing your thoughts on him and if you have had any complications. I am just a little leary since the price is so low, there is little on the internet about him, and I will be traveling from WI to have this done. Any information you could provide would be much apppreciated...

Thanks!

Sheila:)

VABandster · December 6, 2006

Sheila,

I am actually having my surgery w/Dr.Kirshenbaum next week!! I'm flying in from VA (my sister lives 20 min. from his office, so I'll stay w/her). He seems very nice on the phone and his staff has been very helpful so far. I can let you know more when I get back on the 17th!

I know one person on the list had to have a port replaced, but it sounds like it may have been a manufacturer defect not a Dr. defect...but she's still doing well.

Stay tuned and I'll keep you posted!

Kirsten (banding 12/15)

kwhenrykerr · December 6, 2006

What are his cost?

VABandster · December 6, 2006

He charges $9950 for the entire surgery, plus pre-op consults w/the nutritionist, and post op follow up and fills for 3 mos. Then the fills after that are only $15 each.

Shesha · December 9, 2006

Hey Kristin!

Thanks for the info. I wish you well.

Yes, please tell me how it goes. I have a consult with him on 12/19 and my banding is (right now) scheduled for 2/8. Let's just hope the weather cooperates!

marjon9 · December 9, 2006

I had a phone consult with Dr. Kirshenbaum a few days ago and I'm scheduled for surgery 1/16. He is very personable and helpful on the phone. He said he has done 60 Lap Bands now over the last couple years. That is not a very large number but he is also a very experienced laparoscopic surgeon in general so I feel OK about it.

I was also concerned about his low price, but as a self pay I have to go that direction. He says he wants to give people an alternative to Mexico, and I don't have any reason to doubt his motives. Personally I think that there are many excellent Mexican doctors, many people have had great experiences with them. But I still wanted to get the surgery done in the U.S. because I hear it is a little easier to get aftercare that way. At this price, $9950, it's pretty much the same as Mexico. He says that his patients so far have had no complications.

I also had a phone consult with the nutritionist. She seemed quite knowledgable, too.

So, I'm heading to Colorado in January! I'll let y'all know how it goes.

Mark

DrewsLou · December 9, 2006

I was banded by Dr K in May and can't say enough good things about him. He is a great doctor and I think he truly cares about his patients and their success.

Good luck to you all!

Peace.

VABandster · December 9, 2006

Mark, where are you traveling from?? I am coming from VA to Dr. K, but fortunately my sister lives only 20 min from him so I am staying with her and she'll be there for me!

I chose Dr. K for the exact same reasons you did! I have had nothing but good interactions w/the office so far, so I'm looking forward to my surgery in 6 days!!!

I'll keep you all posted and let you know how it goes!

sea · December 10, 2006

Mary C Vernon MD in Lawrence, Kansas? Favorably mentioned in this month's Men Health's magazine

MS_mom_1965 · December 11, 2006

Does Dr K stitch the band to the stomach to prevent slippage?

DrewsLou · December 11, 2006

MS_Mom... yes he does.

marjon9 · December 11, 2006

Kirsten, I'm traveling from Maryland. Still looking to see if I can find fill docs in this area.

VABandster · December 11, 2006

No Way!!! Where in MD??? I live in Northern VA (near Dulles Airport)....

I know there is a Dr. in Frederick MD That does fills for Mexican patients, so I'm sure she'd do yours as well....if that's anywhere near you I can PM you w/her contact info.

Dr. K may also be able to refer you to someone. I'm going to have him do at least my first fill.....and then decide if I want to keep going back to CO (which is easy for me b/c my sister lives there, so she is happy anytime I visit), or find someone closer to home. I guess it will also depend on how many fills I have to have too.....

I'm leaving on Wednesday and will be back on Sunday and will let you know how it all goes!