Folks. I was referred to Memorial Hospital Weight Loss Centers in Chattanooga Tennessee because they were good and affordable. I live in Nashville Tennessee. I had my surgery done in Mexico, like thousands of other people around the globe and I kept calling for three days straight to get in touch with them to schedule my first fill.

Today, I got through. They require a $2,000.00 flat fee to transfer to Dr. Rose. I asked what the transfer fee is for and they said "Because you had your surgery done in Mexico, you have to pay a flat fee."

I am livid. I had one of the best surgeons who is also a surgeon at Baylor Hospital state side to perform my surgery. I am more than happy to pay a fee especially since I paid out of pocket for my surgery, to get my fills.

I am very disappointed that there seems to be no rhyme or reason for this. I have my surgical notes, records and x-rays and have in fact lost 23 pounds since 11/21/08.

I can not beleive this! If anyone knows anyone else in Tennessee who are not donkeys, please send them my way.

You might check with your doctor to see if they can give you a list of known doctors that take their patients. I wish you the best of luck getting a doctor in the states.

AMEN!! I could not agree with you more!!! I live in MS and my surgery is scheduled for Jan 29th in Mexico and I have called everywhere!! Every doc's office I talk to gives me this attitude and tells me what a mistake I am making by having my surgery in Mexico. I even had one doc's office tell me today that they wouldn't touch "Mexican Patients" (her words) because they didn't know what type of bands they had and that alot of the bands were missing parts??!! By this time, I was livid and basically let her have it!!

Who do they think they are anyway?? We are only people who are trying to get our lives back the only affordable way we know how?? Do they not think that we would have surgery in the US if it was financially feasible?? AAAARRRRGGGHHH!!

Sorry for venting... But I am so frustrated!! Good luck to you.. If you find a doc in TN please let me know... I will drive to TN...

That is crazy. You can try calling the gastric band institute at 423-899-1000. I am not sure if they are also with Dr. Rose, but I don't think they are. I had my surgery done at Memorial, but it was with Dr. Paynter. I had to go through Memorial for the nutrition and psych evals though, so I don't know if they are connected. I have insurance that covered my surgery, but they required me to pay a $1000 "program fee" 1 week before my surgery. It is a big rip off and they should not be allowed to charge like that. Good luck.

Mississippi Gurl,

I finally contact Dr. Morton here in Nashville at Baptist Hospital. He accepts patients and charges 500.00 per fill. I asked if they do it under flouroscope and they said no, but I think I will request it. Anyway, they were NOT rude or demeaning, just straight to the point. My first fill was to be the first week of January but they only had 2/2/09 available and I took it.

His number is 615-832-8186

You can also try Dr. Rutledge in Chattanooga. I know he does quite a few different weight loss surgeries. His number is 423-265-6578

Thanks Carrie!

I finally found a nurse today less than an hour from me!! She was banded in Mexico 5 years ago and couldn't find anyone around here to do her fills either. She contacted her surgeon in Mexico and she went back to him and he trained her how to do fills!! She says she has patients coming from all over the US and she only charges $100!! I am so thrilled!! If anyone else wants her name, just let me know.

Please let me know!

Hey Smajors, her name is Margaret and her number is 662-346-3307. She is sooooo nice and she really eased alot of my fears about this surgery.. Give her a call and let me know how it turns out. Good Luck!!

lWill do! Thanks Mississippi Gur;

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Would love to get your nurses name who is doing your refills? I am in Atlanta. Looking to pay out of pocket but worried abou the follow up. Thx

be very careful giving out that information! You could be putting that nurse's license at risk if she's not covered. Just make sure it's ok with her before posting something like that. State Board of Nursing can be very strict when it comes to practicing outside scope.

Yes, she really shouldn't be doing it. She could get into a lot of trouble.

be very careful giving out that information! You could be putting that nurse's license at risk if she's not covered. Just make sure it's ok with her before posting something like that. State Board of Nursing can be very strict when it comes to practicing outside scope.

Of course I made sure it was okay with Margaret before I gave her name and number out... She does the fills under the care of a doctor and she is certified to do the fills..

Once again, I encourage everyone to do their own homework and research. Give her a call if you are looking for someone to do your fills. She will answer all of your questions and you can decide for yourself.. Good luck!!