I am new to the forum and I am trying to research as much as I can about the Lap-band procedure. Unfortunately, I am not covered by insurance so this will be self-pay for me. I have been looking at having the procedure done at the Detriot Medical Center. Has anybody had theirs done there and what has their experience been? I also have a BMI of 34 which is low by weight loss surgery standards and it is hard to find doctors that will do it. DMC will do it as long as your BMI is 30 and that is why I have been seriously considering it.

Hi,

I went to DMC in July, had Dr. Laker as my surgeon. I HIGHLY recommend everything about them except the place they have you stay at. Find your own hotel, or try to negotiate staying someplace else. The surgeons, hospital staff, and everyone associated with them is EXCELLENT!!!!! I can't say enough about all of them. They all treated me like I was the only patient in their care. Dr. Laker is so wonderful too, I've heard great things about the other surgeons, but only met him. I had an adjustment about 10 days ago, flew back to Detroit from Boston because I think so highly of them there!! Feel free to email me with any questions. By the way, my BMI was 33.5 before surgery. -kathy

Hi,

I went to DMC in July, had Dr. Laker as my surgeon. I HIGHLY recommend everything about them except the place they have you stay at. Find your own hotel, or try to negotiate staying someplace else. The surgeons, hospital staff, and everyone associated with them is EXCELLENT!!!!! I can't say enough about all of them. They all treated me like I was the only patient in their care. Dr. Laker is so wonderful too, I've heard great things about the other surgeons, but only met him. I had an adjustment about 10 days ago, flew back to Detroit from Boston because I think so highly of them there!! Feel free to email me with any questions. By the way, my BMI was 33.5 before surgery. -kathy

Hi Kathy-

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, I was only able to come up with a portion of the money for the procedure and not nearly enough. So, I looked into Mexico and they had much lower prices (I know, it is not always about the price) and there was very good reviews on all the doctors. I am scheduled for banding on the 14th of September with Dr. Francisco Gonzalez in Tijuana. I hope all goes well with you and your band. I am in PA. I would be interested in hearing from you regarding how it goes for you since you have a lower BMI also. I am especially interested in knowing what the weight loss rate is. I am assuming with a lower BMI the weight may not come off as quickly as it would for someone with a higher BMI. If you wouldn't mind, could e-mail me at brown-eyed-sheila@peoplepc.com with your experience thus far I would really appreciate it.

Dr laker was My doctor, His recovery nurses were horrible, after one year, He told me my band is broke and it will cost another $10,000 to fix. Cash pay assumed risk and not covered, Lawyer said no recourse!