Through earlier conversations in a separate thread, it was suggested to have a specific thread for Spivak's patients to share experiences. Please feel free to join in.

Lynn, Terry and Deb hope to see your updates here.

Take care,

Kim

*To be banded Monday, February 5th

Kacee,

I was just banded on April 27, 2007 in Houston by Dr. Spivak and had no problem with nausea. I had a little left shoulder pain the day after, but none since. I feel pretty good today (4-29). Not ready for the Boston marathon, but feel good.

I've been banded a little over a week now. I am having some pain where the port is [on my left side]. The first few days I had major nausea. Anyway, I'm excited because I've already lost 8 pounds.

Dr. Spivak and his staff are top notch

Everyone keeps talking about nutritionist meetings, psych tests, etc. I only had to do two things...Stress test and EKG (which I had done last month anyway because I was having chest ache (not pain) (which turned out to be nothing) and blood work (which I had done last month during my regular 3-4 month checkup at the doctor). There's been no mention of psych test or anything else. Could it be because I have hypertension, high triglycerides, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea (just tested for that thre weeks ago) and diabetes runs in my family? I am 55. Also expect to be self-pay. What were the rest of you Spivak patients required to do?

On another note....how long did it take you guys to be approved/denied by your insurance, and is there anyone with CIGNA in the bunch? I haven't done the 6 month program with a doctor to lose weight (not going to), so that would be the basis of my denial. I think they probably submitted on the 19th or 20th. No word back yet.

Everyone keeps talking about nutritionist meetings, psych tests, etc. I only had to do two things...Stress test and EKG (which I had done last month anyway because I was having chest ache (not pain) (which turned out to be nothing) and blood work (which I had done last month during my regular 3-4 month checkup at the doctor).

I just had blood work - a complete metabolic panel, liver panel, and an upper GI.

Each person's tests are different. I was a self - pay - the surgery was excluded on my husbands insurance through his company.

I didn't ahve to do anything...no pre op diet, no testing. Self pay. Certainly speaks to the individuality of this journey.

I had to have an upper GI. Also had a session with nutritionist over the phone and a session with a psychiatrist over the phone. They both sent reports of my need for surgery to Dr. Spivak's office. Rachel took care of putting everything together and sending to my insurance company. Insurance paid after 6 months of monitoring by my doctor which was a waste of time. I just went once a month, got weighed, he wrote a note about how I just can't seem to lose. Finally, after 6 months of this, they approved me. I also turned in a letter of all the million different diets I've done throughout my life.

Regarding nausea, I had some right after surgery befor I left for home, and they had the antinausea patch on my. It didn't last long... I'd be surprised if Texas used a different anaesthetic than the rest of the country.....

Everyone keeps talking about nutritionist meetings, psych tests, etc. I only had to do two things...Stress test and EKG (which I had done last month anyway because I was having chest ache (not pain) (which turned out to be nothing) and blood work (which I had done last month during my regular 3-4 month checkup at the doctor). There's been no mention of psych test or anything else. Could it be because I have hypertension, high triglycerides, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea (just tested for that thre weeks ago) and diabetes runs in my family? I am 55. Also expect to be self-pay. What were the rest of you Spivak patients required to do?

Most of those tests, dieticians, psychologists, etc. are required by the insurance companies. If you're self-pay many times you don't have to go thru all that. I was like betsyjane....no pre-op anything except for a low-carb diet. I have co-morbidities but not anything serious like diabetes or uncontrolled high BP.

Hi everybody!

I've made it 3 days out of surgery.

I'm feeling pretty good.

Ran some errands today with no ill effects.

Will try to go back to work Tuesday...light duty.

I have a question...when I drink or eat (mushies) I have to burp right away and it's a little uncomfortable. Like pressure in my stomach. Is that normal? I eat slow and when I drink I take small sips. Any suggestions?

Hi there rho_z I did the same thing and still do. And at the meetings they say that happens alot. I am glad that you are feeling better. Stacey

Have any self payers received a seperate bill from the Surgery Center? I just got an $800 bill in the mail and I just about fell off my chair. It was presented that the 12,900 covered everything. Did this happen to anyone else?

I didn't. Call the center. I'll bet that's a mistake.

I posted this as a separate thread but rec'd no replies, so I thought I'd post it here. Hi everyone. I'm planning on having my surgery in 7 weeks by Dr. Spivak. Right now he's offering a price of $12,900. I'm a self pay and I'm scared to death he's going to raise his price before June 15th, when I'll have all the money saved up. I heard his price used to be about $3000 more but he started a special at the beginning of the year this year. Does anyone out there know if they are planning on holding that special price for at least a few more months or so?

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I paid $15000 last November. I would guess he's dropping his rate bacause there's more competition around, and the price will stay down...but what I'd do if I were you, is the call his office and tell them you're afraid about the price, just like you said it here. Se eif they can assure you that your price is set. If they won't then ask them if they can set the price if you give them a small deposit now. My guess is that they will work with you.

I called and spoke to one of the ladies in the office and she said that it's the surgicenter that determines whether they can keep that price? She said they basically know on a month to month basis whether the price will be held. Oh, and they won't take a deposit :target: Darn