MD, VA or DC Doctor Recommendation

Lisa07 · May 9, 2009

Hi, I'm looking for a recommendation of a Bariatric -Lap Band doctor in MD, VA or DC. Getting information from Insurance is difficult, I have CareFirst Blue Choice (FED) and the list of Gastro physicians within the network is huge and I don't know how to make a selection. Do all Gastro physicians do Bariatric Surgery?

I've spoken to several people that have had the procedure in my area but none of the doctors are within my network.

Any advise is really appreciated! I just want to get started.

lindas0809 · May 9, 2009

Hi Lisa,

I live in MD in Howard County and go to Johns Hopkins Bayview. I don't think all gastro Dr.s do lap band, generally you want to find a hospital that has a bariatric program and see if the surgeons are in your network. I'm not sure if you're in MD,VA or DC. I know that in MD St Agnes, Sinai, GBMC, UMMS, Shady Grove and JHU all have programs, but they are all closer to Baltimore. I know I talked to another person on the site that was seeing a surgeon in Reston, VA. I would just google bariatric surgery + your state and see what you get.

Also call your insurance and make sure bariatric surgery is covered under your plan.

Good luck!

sherryred73 · May 9, 2009

Hi,

My doctor is Dr Singh at St Agnes Hospital. I think he's awesome and his staff is very knowledgable and friendly. His front desk lady Mary is so nice and his nurse Cathy (who had gastric bypass) is full of great information and calls right back when you have a question. In the hospital my nurse had a lap-band and was so helpful and encouraging. Good luck to you.

Sherry

Lisa07 · May 10, 2009

Thank you both for your replies, I ended up taking the names of each of the Lap Band doctors in our area and searched for them on the CareFirst Blue Choice website, I originally put gastro as the specialist but I was only able to find the doctors if I leave the specialist blank. I'm going to post another message to see if anyone has been to Cynthia Long in Silver Spring, MD. I live all the way down in Lexington Park, MD but drive up to New Carollton every day for work and Silver Spring would be close enough that I could probably get my fills while I'm up in that area during the week. We'll see. Another doctor that was recommended and is on the CareFirst list is Dr. Tran in Woodbridge, no convenient but like I said before, I want to go to someone that is recommended. Thanks again for your posts and good luck on your journey, I hope to join you before long!

inneedofhelp · May 15, 2009

I have BCBS Carefirst and I went through Dr. Van Reuden at St. Agnes Hospital.

SLIM SLY · May 14, 2010

Hi, I have care first bluechoice. I was banded by Dr. Marc Rickford at Providence hospital in Washington, DC. He is a excellent surgeon and a very personable physician

He makes you feel very comfortable, however, he is conservative with fills but I think he's looking out for patient best interest.