Well, I put a call into the Doctor's office to see how much they are charging for self pay. I sure hope he has come down on his prices like some of them. I had to leave a message for the Insurance Depaprtment to call me back. I bet it won't happen today, since it is so late already. After I talk to them about that, then I guess it will be time for an appointment.

Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Betty

Dr. Provost is one of the first banding doctors in the US. I believe he is also involved in teaching others. I'm not certain of this, but I think he's pretty set in how he does business and maybe not as 'hungry' for new patients.

Anyway, there are quite a handful in this area. I'm sure you'll find someone you like soon.

Betty,

I had to pay the 15k all up front. I will tell you though if you are self paying there is no problem getting the surgery done right away.

Thanks, I kinda figured that it would be faster, but the Doctor's office told me there was a waiting list. I haven't talked to his office yet. My DH and I talked about it a lot last night, and he is behind me whatever I decide. It is a lot of money (which I would have to put on credit) but on the other hand he is close to my house and he is supposed to be one of the best. I am still investigating. lol

Betty

Betty, how about mozzing on down to Houston. My surgeon does it for 12,000. He is an excellent surgeron and has a good staff. He's been doing laproscopic surgeries since 1990. I think the world of him. www.lap-surgery.net/ Maybe they can give you some answers. Good luck on your search!

Marie - He is one of the Dr. I have been looking at. The only drawback on that is I would have to have my DH drive me each time I would have to go, and that would mean loss of work for both of us. I don't know my way around too much here, and he does because he use to drive trucks and knows how to get everywhere. I was only use to 2 lane roads! lol I am going to still looks some, I might also just call Dr. Provost and make an appointment to talk with him. Why can't we all have insurance that pays????

Thanks for your suggestions, you are always so helpful.

Betty

Well, I called Dr. Provost's office today for an appointment, and I got a recording to leave my name, address, etc. They are going to send me a packet and when I send it back they will call me with an appointment. I really want to at least go and talk with him and see if I like him or not. I will decide if I want to go to him after I meet with him. I hope they get things out to me right away.

Betty

Can you talk with a live person at your dr. office? I would think if someone is self-pay, a dr. would be falling all over himself to take care of you. They're going to get their $$ a heck of a lot faster than having to go through the hoops and wait time w/ an insurance company.

I agree with you, I'd certainly want to meet this dr. before you get locked into a surgery. I attended a seminar and met w/ my dr. twice before I committed. These drs. need to remember that it's the patients that are allowing them their comfortable lifestyles. Oh, and girl, if you can ride a Harley, you can drive in any type of traffic! Best of luck!

Betty, any luck w/contacting someone at your surgeon's office? We're pulling for you!

I haven't called back yet, they are supposed to send me a packet of things and then call me. If I don't get it in a day or two I am going to call again. One of the nurses in the surgery department said I could talk to someone at the number she gave me, but when I called it was a recording. I probably have the wrong number. I am just waiting right now! Thanks for asking.

Betty

O.K., while you're waiting, start getting in the habit of drinking enough water to float a barge -- daily! Don't drink w/your meals or at least an hour afterwards. Eat protein first, then veg. Wash and sort all your current clothes. Hang in different size groups. As you lose weight, you can donate the bigger ones. These are all things that I've learned since being banded, but that are really useful to everyone -- just living w/comman sense. (Apparently something I didn't have.) And try to do some form of physical exercise that you enjoy. Baby steps! Now, hit that water!

Great advise! I already drink tons of Water, that is mostly what I drink already. I have been trying tiny bites, just not doing the whole meal that way, but now I will start. I have been trying to do exercising in the pool, but I really need to try to get some other exercise in too! Thanks for all your tips and advice. It really means a lot to me.

Betty

Hello ladies,

I am brand new to the sight. I am trying to use a Surgeon in Arlington and keep waiting on a call back. I even sent an email. I have been told that my insurance will cover it and have done my homework, but about ready to find a new doc in the metroplex.

Betty, have you thought of going to Monterey? My husband personally knows someone who went and he is very, very happy!

Terri

New Update: I finally got a hold of a person at Dr. Provost's office. She said they send out the applications and when they get them back and check out all insurance etc. then they will call me. I told her I would be a self pay so insurance wouldn't be involved. I ask her how long after they got the application back would it be before I could get in to see him. She said with self pay, right away. I told her I called already and left my name etc. but hadn't gotten anything, so she ask my name and when I gave it to her she told me it was going out today. So, maybe now I will get the ball rolling.

Terri - Thanks for the information, and yes I have heard that the surgeons are good there, and much cheaper. I just want to find somone in the states, so I won't have to travel for my aftercare. I am not sure if the Doctor I am going to see is the one I will pick, I really have to feel comfortable with him. I think that is important. I know he is a good Doctor as I have done a lot of background checking on him.

Betty

Betty, I wish you much luck.

I am trying to get in to Dr. Carter in Arlington, TX but they never call me back, either. My research shows that patients are happy with him and I liked his personality when I attended his seminar.

I have also contacted an office in Dallas. We will see.

I want to get it done soon, before my insurance changes.

Maybe you should try calling back again. It took me a while before I could get a hold of a real person. Good Luck!

Betty