Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Dr. Spiegel - Would you recommend him?



Recommended Posts

Hello,

I'm considering having lap band surgery by Dr. Spiegel. I'd like to know if you've used him and if so, would you recommend him and how would you describe your experience with him.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

He banded me on the 27 of March and i feel great. He explained everything to me and answered all of my questions, so to me he is Great.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I researched and researched and he has such great success and is really the top surgeon in the US. Don't expect him to guide you through every single thing - you are paying him to install the band - surgeons are a different breed of people. If my insurance wouldn't have covered him, I don't think I would have used my insurance. I probably would have had to wait a few years and be self pay. I really respect him that much.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi, he banded me on January 30, 2008. I think he is probably the best and he has the experience behind him. Don't expect him to spend lots of time with you discussing everything...he has a great staff to handle that. I also attend his support groups in his Galleria area office and he actually does most of the talking and I have found it to be very very informative.

Good Luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

He banded me yesterday! I'm home and feeling bloated but okay. I went to him several years ago and couldn't get covered by my insurance. My insurance changed this year and so I decided to try again. When I found that this policy wouldn't cover bariatric surgery either I went ahead and self-paid. I really think I made the right decision.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Texgirl and camrynsmommy that is awesome!! I wish both of ya'll lots of luck. Please keep in touch and we might all run into each other at office visits.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had the option of him and the doc I actually used.. I wasnt impressed with him..I kinda thought he came off as an arrogant a**. I realize that hes very successful doc but I was more comfortable with my doctor who took the time to spend quality time with me..I even had pics drawn for me by my doctor! lol..I just felt like a number with spiegel, whereas at my doctors office they recognize me when i walk in..even once when i came on the wrong day! lol

but these are just my impressions!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was also banded by him on 3/7/08. He's been very informative so far. My husband went to the seminar with me back in Feb and thought his presentation was very thorough as well. My process was very fast! I would recommend you going in for a seminar to hear his explanation. I don't think you're obilgated to schedule a consult, but you may want to call to confirm prior. Hope this helps! :thumbup:

I wonder if the other 2 that replied that were banded the same day were someone I saw. Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to talk to anyone while I was there. I wish you all the best of luck!!!:thumbup:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

How funny! My surgery was at University General but I am from the Beaumont area so attended the seminar in his Port Neches office. My post-op is Thursday in his Houston office though.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was band by Spiegel in 2005. The first night I had problems with nausia and I called him late at night and he returned my call. His office staff is always nice and return my calls/emails. His exprience alone says volumes. Good Luck! One thing to keep in mind is SUPPORT GROUP. It really helps.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Cool! Same here...surgery at UGH! Probably saw each other. There were quite a few people from what I understand. I'm also scheduled in his Houston office tomorrow @ 1:30. Would be cool to meet you & keep in touch!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think Dr. Spiegel is a great surgeon. Very few have ever had complications and none due to his technique to my knowledge

Good luck

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had my sugery June 07, Spiegel will tell you just how it is. It is up to you to do what he tells you to. If you want the best it Spiegel. If you want someone to hold your hand, he's not for you. I would not use anyone else!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×