I have my very first appointment in a couple weeks and was hoping to get some feedback from others that used Dr. Miles/Alabama Weight Loss Surgery. I've read nothing but good things, but would like to hear from someone with first hand experience. Any info will be much appreciated.

@ photogal85 Dr. Schmitt said the $11,900 was the total out of pocket. No taxes added, no other fees. Now you will have to pay for your first initial consultation which ran me $210. I think.

I have not scheduled the surgery yet but he said he could get to me in a few weeks if I wanted to go ahead and schedule.

Edited January 8, 201511 yr by Beautiful Mess

That's awesome...I'm actually at a crossroads right now as I have found a dr in Murfreesboro, TN (45 min from me) that will do all inclusive self pay for 12,300. He said he can get me in for surgery on Feb 12. How cool is that?!?!

So now, I'm trying to decide if I want to pay the 12k and have it done in about a month or deal with meeting all the insurance requirements which will save me about $5k and have it done in June.....Trying to rational about saving the money but I'm ready to get this show on the road!

Wow that's great! Decisions decisions!

I opted for Dr. Miles because I wanted the earliest available appointment and it was him. My appointment is Monday, December 22nd. From what all I've read, they both seem very impressive. I have a running list of questions to ask. I'm curious what their requirements are for the preOp diet. I still have 6 months of insurance-required weight loss attempt, so it will be a while before I'm to the point of actually doing the preOp diet, but inquiring minds want to know lol.

I also would like to know what/if Vitamins they require postOp. Also, if they send me home with blood thinner injections. These are just a few of my questions. Like I said, inquiring minds want to know lol.

Hi Darby, I am also in AL and starting the 6 month supervised diet requirements for insurance. Good luck on your journey!

Hi Darby! I am in Alabama and just submitted for insurance approval. My surgeon is Dr. Schmitt. I am anxiously awaiting their response. This is my second attempt for approval. Three years ago my BMI was too low without three years of any comorbidities. Of course, due to more failed dieting, I am now three years above a BMI of 40. I see from your mention of insurance you have PEEHIP. Are you a fellow educator like myself? Good luck and best wishes, the 6 months will go faster than you think!

Hi Darby! I am in Alabama and just submitted for insurance approval. My surgeon is Dr. Schmitt. I am anxiously awaiting their response. This is my second attempt for approval. Three years ago my BMI was too low without three years of any comorbidities. Of course, due to more failed dieting, I am now three years above a BMI of 40. I see from your mention of insurance you have PEEHIP. Are you a fellow educator like myself? Good luck and best wishes, the 6 months will go faster than you think!

Yep, I am a teacher. Thanks for sharing your story. Dr. Miles' insurance person was emphatic that I would be denied, so I haven't been pursuing it any further. It will be 2017 when my "low" BMI is outside the 3 year range. I am trying (again) to lose weight on my own...otherwise hello 2017 I'll try to get approved then.

My surgery date is April 16th with Dr. Schmitt!