I am fixing to have lap band surgery, I have heard some good news about my dr. and some bad news. Bad news was six deaths, which I was told to get his license and look on the interent, also local site for where I am at a woman was asking anyone from our area if they had complications from this doctor to email her, she is having complications.....I want this surgery so bad, but now I am so very leary......what do I do

Hi my name is Lourdes and I am both a patient and employee of Dr. Spiegel. I had my surgery on December 10, 2004. I have lost 34lbs and I am feeling great. My weight loss is continuing and I feel so much better about myself and my health. As to the rumors about six deaths by Dr. Spiegel, THOSE ARE FALSE!!!! In my view Dr. Spiegel is the most experienced lap-band surgeon. Dr. Spiegel cares for his patients. He does all patient adjustments himself to insure that our patients have the best care possible. I would not have undergone surgery if I new that he had KILLED SIX PATIENTS!! These are only rumors started by a mentally disturbed individual.

As a moderator, I would like to remind everyone that we should use restraint when expressing our opinions and not let our anger guide our words. Name calling does not work when trying to make your points.

In his Pre-op presentation my Dr shows the stats to be;

Gastric by-pass 1 in 200 deaths

RNY 1 in 500 and

Lapbanding 1 in 2,000

Hope this helps.

Paula

Like everyone has said if you feel fine than I am sure you are. But I was raised on the better safe than sorry.. Do you think you could go to a local PCP? Just to maybe have a once over. I think you would have a real peace of mind & hopefully it would only cost you your co-pay.

Thinking of you - Christina