I have been lurking here and researching everywhere I can think of. I was wondering if anyone has used Dr. Patrick Chiasson in Tucson AZ. His website seems to have alot of info. The only thing is that they require you to go to support meetings. It would be a 5hr drive for me to do this. So here are a few questions:

1. Do all surgeons require post op support meetings?

2 Is it better to go to a pysc. they recommend or someone else?

Any info would be helpful. I do have Champva coverage so if anyone knows some info on how that works that would be great!

Thank you in advance.

I to live in az and tuscon would be way to far for me also, its about five hours from where i live, but i live close to vegas so there are a few dr. there and i heard there was one in flagstaff wich is the one im trying to find since im strapped and cant drive all the time

dr berger is the one in flagstaff

I have been lurking here and researching everywhere I can think of. I was wondering if anyone has used Dr. Patrick Chiasson in Tucson AZ. His website seems to have alot of info. The only thing is that they require you to go to support meetings. It would be a 5hr drive for me to do this. So here are a few questions:

1. Do all surgeons require post op support meetings?

2 Is it better to go to a pysc. they recommend or someone else?

Any info would be helpful. I do have Champva coverage so if anyone knows some info on how that works that would be great!

Thank you in advance.

Turtledove,

Where do you live?

To answer your questions:

1. No, my surgeon does not REQUIRE (but still recommends) attending post-op support group meetings. We also have an on-line support community so you can ask questions and stay in contact that way.

2. Are you paying cash for your pych eval or is it covered by insurance? I don't know that it's better one way or the other. You are probably more likely to get a psych clearance from the psychologist they recommend, but it may cost more, too.

I to live in az and tuscon would be way to far for me also, its about five hours from where i live, but i live close to vegas so there are a few dr. there and i heard there was one in flagstaff wich is the one im trying to find since im strapped and cant drive all the time

Hi high hopes,

Here's the doctor in Flagstaff that does lap-band:

Dr. Robert Berger

77 W Forest Ave # 201

Flagstaff, AZ 86001

(928) 773-2222

I know of someone who is having their surgery their soon and have been pleased w/ him so far. Good luck to you.

I live in Southern AZ. So I was thinking of going to Mexico, maybe. I do have insurance that only requires me to have a letter stating that it is medically ness. I guess I just want to find someone that is not going to take along time to get done. I travel for work in the summer and I need to get it done in time to do that.