Hello everyone,

I just started researching lap-band about four weeks ago. I'll be self-pay, so I'm shopping around for doctors in the Atlanta area. My first seminar is next week at the Atlanta Bariatric Center at Johns Creek. The next week, I have an appointment with Dr. Champion in Marietta, as well as a seminar in Albany, GA for Dr. Bagnato's practice.

I'd love any advice or tips on this stage of the journey.

Hey there!

I too am from Georgia and self-pay. I am going to Dr. Freeman in Anniston, Alabama. It's about 2 hours west of Atlanta but significantly cheaper than any of the doctors I researched in Atlanta. I just went to the seminar today, great staff and doctor.

Best of luck!

Hi ugagirl,

I just checked out your doctor's website, and he and his staff sure do look friendly.

Is it possible for you to give me a ballpark figure on his cheaper costs? That definitely piqued my interest.

Dr. Freeman charges $14,400 which includes six adjustments.

If you want more details feel free to email me, I'd be happy to answer them.

gagirl75@gmail.com

Hi ugagirl,

I just made an appointment with Dr. Freeman's office for a seminar in two weeks. Their 4-hour session sounds pretty extensive. That will be a mighty early morning with the drive from Atlanta and the seminar starting at 8am! I'll let you know how it goes.

Dr. Bagnato's fees were $17,400. This were all inclusive and you get 5 fills per year free. Not just the first year. The hospital has an obesity clinic and that's where you go for the fills. For this price, he also repaired 3 hernias at no additional cost. I was extremely satisfied with him and his staff.

I have a friend who had Dr. Champion perform a by-pass and she swears by him. I did find that his price for the lapband was quite a bit more than Dr. B's.

Good luck with your appointments.