Let me start off by saying that i have done a large amount of research on Dr. Hadar Spivak and from what i hear i am sold. However, after seeing my PCP and talking about the lap band procedure he referred me to one of his good friends that he says is an awesome surgeon, Dr. Guillermo Ponce De Leon. I have heard very little about this guy but it doesnt necessarily mean he isnt extremely good at what he does. After telling My physician over and over about Spivak he kinda brushed it off and insisted that i go see Ponce De Leon. I am confused as to what i should do. Should i follow up with Spivak, a well known doctor in the houston area or should i go to who my Dr. recommended (someone he knows and confident in) considering that he might be a little more compliant and do everything in his power to get me approved with the insurance co.

WHAT TO DO?

l would go with who you want....in the long run you will be happier...Just bec your Dr might recommend someone, doesn't mean he is any good at what he does...Could be his golf partner...Follow your heart

Go with whom you've chosen.. Period. I chose my surgeon and then my PCP tried to steer me another direction. I just politely said. I have researched many surgeons and the one I have chosen was highly recommended. While I respect your medical opinions I would really like to have the surgeon I have chose. She was great about it and agreed that I should choose the person I am comfortable with and wrote me a letter of recommendation.

If they won't do that for you they are being petty and not professional. It's your health don't settle for someone else.

I agree with Jack. I too was sold on Spivak but it was not to be. I am very happy with my doc. Research the other doc and you may find you like him, too. There are so many good ones in Houston. But, if after looking into it you are more comfortable with Spivak then that is who you should have.

My PCP was against my choice of surgeon until I met with her and showed her the research I had done. Until then she didn't know anything about him. Once she saw the research she agreed with me that it would be a wise choice.

She also said that I am always her patient and she just wants to make sure any other doctors are good choices. She continued to say without many details that when she was a resident a patient went to a surgeon she didn't know and there was a bad outcome.

This may not be what is in play in your situation, but I quite frankly was glad to know that she is that concerned for my well-being.

Good luck with your choice.

I've heard nothing but wonderful things about Spivak - he's the one that most of the nurses I know of go to when they are ready for surgery.