Anyone have surgery at the Oliak Center in CA?

[Macmom 4]

I have a borderline BMI OF 34.5 and struggled to find a surgeon who would perform a Gastric sleeve. I live in MA but the only one who would perform this is Dr Oliak in CA? Just wondering if anyone has had surgery with him ? Good or bad?

[Elidh 239]

Are you saying you cannot find a surgeon closer than CA who will do the surgery through even if you self-pay? I had a BMI of 34.3 when I had VSG surgery. There was no problem finding a surgeon, but I had to pay for it myself.

[Macmom 4]

Hello. Thanks for responding. Yes, I’ve tried multiple hospitals in MA, NY and Then Florida who all told me I was not qualified because my BMI was below 35. The only place I could find that would do it was Oliak Center in CA. if you don’t mind me asking, where did you have it done? I’d greatly appreciate it.

[Elidh 239]

Due to my lower BMI, I was not qualified to have my insurance cover the surgery. I went to Cleveland Clinic to have mine done. It was quite expensive ($26,000), and I could have paid far less if I had chosen another place, for example, JourneyLite in Cincinnati (about $14,000). I went to Cleveland Clinic because they had replaced a heart valve a few years ago and I felt comfortable there.

[Macmom 4]

Thank you. I am self pay too and every facility/ hospital I called I let them know that but still zero luck. I will check out Journeylite as well!! I hope you are doing well and are pleased with with the results 😊

[Elidh 239]

LMac67, I am thrilled with the results. I have about 10 or so more pounds I would like to lose. At this point, my weight loss is REALLY slow - 1 or 2 lbs./month, but I'm just sticking with the program and letting it work for me. I feel fortunate that I am not struggling with anything, and had a pretty easy time of it right from the start! Good luck, and keep us up to date on your progress finding a surgery center!