Hi Everyone! This is my very first post! I am in the very initial stages of getting everything together for lap band surgery. I have been on the phone with my insurer twice today discussing critieria, approved surgeons, coverage, etc. Here are the doctors that I can use. If any of you have any insight into any of them, good or bad, I would love to know your thoughts!

– Harvinderpal Singh, MD

– Ata Ahmad, MD

– Bradley Waggoner, MD

– Carlos Ferrari, MD

– Syeyam Kodali, MD

– Erik Wilson, MD

– Terry Scarborough, MD

– Sherman Yu, MD

– Hadar Spivak, MD

– Robert Davis, MD

– Patrick R Reardon, MD

– Garth P Davis, MD

– Richard Wilkenfeld, MD

– Richard Collier, MD

– Felix Spiegel, MD

Robert and Garth Davis (Father and Son) are on that show "Big Medicine" on TLC (I think). They appear to be very good at what they do, but it does look like they push bypass more.

Since I am from Alabama, that is about the only help I can offer...LOL.

Hi Lisa,

Dr. Ata Ahmad did my surgery through Journeylite. I really liked him and his staff. The folks at Journeylite are amazing-very friendly. Most who work there are banded and can answer my questions based on experience.

Dr. Collier is another surgeon who also operates out of Journeylite. I haven't met him, but I have heard great things about him.

Good Luck!

I will be banded of the 20th by Dr. R. Marvin. He is with the Davis, Reardon group. For me, the plus side is the procedure is done at the Methodist Hospital in the medical center so...if there are any complications you are where you need to be with the best of the best. Good Luck with your journey.

Hey LisaMc,

I live in Central Arkansas and drive 8 hrs for Dr. Spivak. I was banded May 24, 06 and am 8 lbs from goal. He is great, I researched alot of Drs over a 6 mo period before choosing Dr. Spivak. At least, attend one of his seminars before you make a decision. He has a very calm, laid back manner. His staff is great too.

Jobelle

You guys are awesome! Thanks for the input! I haven't made a decision on a doctor yet. I am in the process of finding open seminars for the ones I am interested in. I worked in the Texas Medical Center for 10 years, and I absolutely HATE to drive down there anymore. Guess I burned myself out on the traffic forever! Journeylite would be more convenient for me, but I do like the pluses of being in the Methodist system.

I watched the whole series of "Big Medicine." While the docs appear very qualified, I have read so much on the internet about being rushed through their processes.

The dealbreaker for me would be an office staff that wasn't helpful. They are the people you deal with 90% of the time in my opinion.

Lastly, I have downloaded the 30 pages of criteria from my insurance company's website. After reading it all, I decided I would be much better off picking a surgeon and letting his staff muddle through the maze of paperwork and requirements. They do it everyday, and they can do a better job than me for sure!

Again, thank to all of you for your input and insight into the process!

Lisa