Heylo,

I am a 32 yr old breastfeeding new mom with about 100lbs to lose. In '04 I lost 80lbs w/ diet & exercise. I accept that the yo-yo game will be a lifelong issue & am ready to get lifelong assistance w/ the Lap-Band. I am in need of referrals and/or info to be able to comparison shop as I only have Medical and will be paying out of pocket.

Thank you for your time... have a healthy day! ~Mimi

Hi Mimi, I too have yo-yo dieted and I received my lapband a little over a year ago. I was also a self-pay and I choose to have my band in Mexico with Dr. Kuri, becuz it was quite a bit cheaper (7,500). Some people hear the word mexico and freak out ... I had a great experience there. I know many people who have gone to Dr Kuri and everyone said the same thing. He was a wonderful doctor and the hospital was very modern and clean. I have no regrets getting the lap band and no regrets about going to mexico. Good luck ... you will be happy you did it .. i know i was!

If you can give a city or county it will be easier to try and recommend a doctor. If you are self pay, ask for the cash price and it is cheaper than the price they give for people with insurance.

Mexico is definitely less expensive but you have aftercare to think about as well. Dr. Robert McKeen at South Bay Bariatrics in San Jose is exceptional. I think he is roughly $15k.

Thank you for your responses. I am in San Dimas, CA but I had left the search range blank to get a worldwide range of worthy referrals. I & my family have always happily had our dental & medical care in TJ @ the Grand Hotel Medical Tower, (Lapband @ $6,600 all included). It is just with my lil baby, (opting to delay her vaccination schedule until 2yrs old) I can't just hop over there like I used to.

Plus in my research it is sinking in that I need to join into aftercare/ brain rewiring therapy on regular basis. I did start the shellshocking presurgery diet plan & lost 5lbs this week.

Have a blessed day!

~Mimi

Welcome to the group! I would like to recommend the medical group I am in. They are called Top Surgeons and the doctor is Dr. Joseph Naim that actually does the Lap Band Surgeries. I have had some cosmetic proceedures done with this office with Dr. Michael and Julian Omidi. They are very nice and efficient. Their main office is in Beverly Hills and that is where the seminar is however the surgery is done in West Hills.

I am in the health care industry and what impresses me the most about them are when you call the doctor for any help or questions, the doctor actually calls you back and not a nurse or a member of the office staff. The also offer 100% financing at 0% interest for those needing it.

The website for Top Surgeons is

weight loss Los Angeles lap band Beverly Hills Los Angeles lap band

and Dr. Joseph Naim is Los Angeles LA Weight Loss Bariatric Center Dr. H. Joseph Naim M.D., F.A.C.S.

Good luck on your journey,

Sincerely,

Dawn - 39 years old

Corona, CA

Aetna approved for Lap Band 06/11/2008

And waiting for surgery date

Lisa, please read your email...I sent you a private message.

Hi there,

I am with Dr. Santiago Horgan at UCSD Medical Center. The total cost for a cash pay is $16,500. That said, he was instrumental in bringing Lapband to the states and is one of the foremost robotics surgeons in the nation. He also is very funny and very nice. I am getting banded this Wednesday, but one of my really good friends was banded by him a year ago and has lost 70 lbs+.

Best to you with your search!!

Kristin

Hi Lisa, I too live in Apple Valley:smile: glad to hear someone in my town is (hopefully) going to be banded as well. Im sorry you had a bad experience at Top Surgeons, but I had quite the opposite, my seminar was very informative, all my questions were answered and the front office staff is the reason im having my surgery on July 11th, they did all the calling and scheduling for me, if you would like to talk privately just let me know.

Mel