Trying to make a decision...

CaliGirl626 · February 19, 2008

Hello Everyone,

I'm seriously considering LapBand procedure. I've been to two seminars already. I guess this is not really a question, but I would love everyone's opinion on this.

Between the two doctors, I don't know which doctor to pick. Here are some of their info.

1) Dr. O: His office claimed that he had done 2,000 + bariatric surgery. (He wasn't at the seminar because he just had a knee surgery). The cost of the surgery is $ 16,800 which includes 1 year of fills. However, after 1 year, if I need to get a fill, it would costs me about $ 250/fill. His office is 15 mins from my work. I had asked the doctor if I could maybe set up an appt to meet with the doctor (since I didn't get to see him at the Seminar), they told me that it will costs about $ 200 for a consultation. (If I choose this doctor, then my $ 200 will be apply towards the surgery cost).

2) Dr. K: he probably in his mid 30s, he said that he had been doing Bariatrics surg for about 6 years (never really mentioned how many he had done). The cost of surgery is $ 15,500 with free lifetime fills. His office is 45 mins from my home. This doctor also said that he will be using the 3rd generation of the band (came out June-July of 2007) on all his patients.

Both doctors said their complication rates are less than 3%.

My husband said the price difference is for the experience. He fully support me 100%. Money plays a big role for me since I will be paying for the surgery myself without any of the insurance's help.

Based on these information, anyone have any ideas? I'm really confuse right now... :confused2:

thank you!

Kat817 · February 19, 2008

Will either of them let you speak with former patients?

Do they both use a hospital for surgery?

Out of curiosity I would call the 2nd Dr.and ask for a consult just to see how his office handles it---if it is simpler to get into the 2nd Dr. and they treat you better, I would research with him in mind.

I believe since the first Dr. was not at the seminar, you should be courted, and allowed to meet with the Dr. Sounds to me like they could care less if you choose them or not.

Now you might try to reschedule a seminar where he IS going to be there----

Research them both thoroughly!!!!

Be VERY informed!!!

Welcome to LBT!!!

Kat

QuasiTova · February 19, 2008

Have you searched this board for posts about these two doctors?

I would think SOMEONE on here has used one or both of them; and if not, I would be very hesitant.

I was very relieved to hear all of the wonderful things people on this board say about my doctor.. and now, I join them in their praise of him.

But, all things being equal about patient care, I would go with the one who offers free fills for life. You never know when you are going to need to be filled or unfilled (they charge for these too).

Also, if you are self pay, you should check out these threads...

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f15/money-issue-52282/

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/poll-self-payers-50953/

Good luck :unsure:

CaliGirl626 · February 19, 2008

Wow, Thank you so much for the quick response!

Kat187: The first doctor will be doing the surgery at a Specialty hospital. The second doctor will do it at a surgery center (he said this is a special surgery center design for the bariatrics). I will try to contact the first doctor again and see if at the least I could attend other seminar to see him in person.

Quasitova: I tried putting both doctor's names in the search engine and didn't really find anything on them.

well, I guess I should just say the doc names.

The first doctor is Milton Owens. The second doctor is Jeremy Korman.

Thanks for the threads, I will definitely check them out!

Thank you so much ladies, you have been a great help!

mommyof5 · February 25, 2008

I'm right now in the process of beginning the steps to Lap Band Surgery. Hopefully! I was wondering if you ended up meeting Dr. Owens or get any feedback on him. I also live in the San Bernardino area & am considering him as well. Thanks!

minpinmom · February 26, 2008

I would find out how many LAP BAND surgeries they have each done. There is a huge learning curve and they may be awesome at the RNY, but maybe have done only a couple hundred lap Bands. I would make sure you go to someone who has done 500 or more Lap Bands. JMHO