I am new to this forum and was wondering if anyone could give me any information on a couple of doctor's. The first doctor is James Bradley Ray (goes by Brad Ray) out of Bloomington IN. The second doctor(s) is out of Loyola University Chicago. You can actually choose from 2 doctor's there. one is Dr Vafa Shayani and the other is Dr. Sharfi Sarker. I am in the beginning stages and trying to find the right doctor. I actually have a consult set up with each, but would like input from people that have already used one or the other. Thanks for your help!!

They are not in my insurance group. How much is a fill there, and do they charge a fee for the first visit. A few places I called had a 400.00 fee and then a 250.00 fill fee. The fill fee I understand, but the get to know me fee I just can't budget in. Know what I mean? This is frustrating. Thank you, Mandy.

Is silver cross hospital on the insurance plan? They bill my fills through the hospital and it gets paid 100%. They do take my insurance but it is easier to get paid as a hospital then as a doctors office I guess. All of my fills are done under floroscopy (sp?) so they are done in the hospital. If you go out of network do they pay at a lower benefit level? I know that if I go out of network I have to pay 20% and my co-pay. I don't know how or what the fee schedual is for them, but I know that they are reasonable and see a bunch of Horgan's patients. It might be worth checking into. ~Mandy

Hi all!

I am in Indiana and in the process of researching the surgery and doctors. Where is Dr Pleatman located? What is the cost through him? I am hoping to find a good doc with lot's of experience to do the surgery and also be nearby for the aftercare. I will be self pay.

Dr. Pleatman in in MI, near battlecreek I believe. He is a member here, look him up. Also he has a web site. http://www.laparoscopy.com/pleatman/index.htm

Hope this helps, Mandy

IN response to the first question. I am working with Dr. Ray out of Bloomington IN so far his assistant has submitted my request for ins. I have met with the surgeon, nutritionist, and a mental health professional. I am anxious to get some news. A co-worker of mine has had the band from Dr. Ray 2 years ago Insurance paid. bcbs of mass. Dr. R has preformed 125 banding procedures. Cant wait to see my band date.. :bandit