Hi. I've been reading the forum for several weeks, and am about 90% sure that lap-band is the right decision for me. I need to lose about 115 lbs. My employer has a WLS exclusion, so I'll be self-pay.

I've gone to two seminars, and am torn between the two surgeons (Dr Nick Nicholson in Plano, TX, and Dr. Frank Felts in Richardson (True Results)). The cost is the same, but Dr. Nicholson's includes fills for life and complete coverage for complications (if the complication can be resolved with day surgery, and no hospital). The True Results package is only 10 fills (which may be enough, anyway), but I'm told that they try to code any complication-related procedures so that they would be covered under insurance.

Dr. Nicholson does fewer lap bands than Dr. Felts, and I have a feeling that the True Results after-care program may be better, since it is focused on lap-band only (the Nicholson Clinic does about 60/40 bypass/band, and the support groups are mixed).

I think I should probably also consider Dr. Benavides (also True Results). He's got more experience than Felts, but I hear Felts has the better bed-side manner and rapport with the patient.

Does anyone have any opinions on any (or all) of these doctors and their overall programs?

This is such a hard decision, and I have a tendency to second-guess myself.

Thanks!

-Marianne

No one has any thoughts on these doctors?

My doctor is Dr. Felts and he is a great guy. I have had no problem with him, his office or my surgery.

My doctor is Dr. Felts and he is a great guy. I have had no problem with him, his office or my surgery.

Same here;

Thanks for the replies. At this point I'm leaning toward True Results; I hope to have my final decision made this week.

-Marianne