To anyone who has used these doctors-----any info, advice, suggestions, tidbits...anything would be greatly appreciated! I know that you have to pay upfront at the OMC. I have requested info. Just looking for experienced info =)! Thanks

~Dawn

I had my surgery done by Dr. Smith. You might check to see where else he does the surgery besides OMC. I had mine at Harris Northwest in Azle and haven't paid them a dime. I had to pay for the psych exam and dietician fees at his office, but nothing else. (I have United Healthcare) He is a great guy and has lost about 100 pounds himself with the band. Only negative I can say is that his office staff is over-busy and isn't always the best at returning phone calls. Just stay on them and all will go well. I had a great experience with the staff at Azle. It is a SMALL hospital and gives you that "small town" feeling which some of the bigger hospitals do not. So if you don't mind driving a bit farther (it's about 15 minutes West of Ft. Worth), it's worth the trip.

Did your insurance not cover those expenses? I was hoping that they have a psych doc on my plan so that it woudl be covered also. Did you have to use someone that they choose for both things? Thanks!

~Dawn:D

Dawn,

My insurance did NOT cover the psych or dietician. I was told sometimes insurance will cover the psych, but mine was denied. I pretty much was told by the staff at Dr. Smith's office who to use, but never really questioned it. Guess I should have! I just did it all through them. You might ask them if you have a choice of those so maybe your insurance will at least partially cover it. I'm just glad the surgery itself (and fills later) was covered! Dr. Smith does give information seminars every few weeks which might answer a lot of your questions as well. Might check with his office as to when the next one is scheduled. I learned quite a bit from it myself. Good luck!! Let me know if I can answer any more questions for you. I get my first fill next Friday!!!

Thanks! I will probably go to one of the next seminars since he is on my insurance. Congrats on your first fill! That sounds so exciting (I am easy amused)! I cant hope that I will be in that position soon. Thanks again!

~Dawn