I have been a pt. of Dr. Minkin for 2 years in July. I have lost over 75lbs and have been pleased with him. My wife and sister-in-law was banded by him also. He is strick with things and make sures that you are complying with things before he will do fills etc.

Chris

I have been a patient of Dr. Minkin's since last October. I had my lapband surgery April 1. I am extremely pleased with the professionalism and kindness I experienced with Dr. Minkin. Although it is still relatively early in my process, I am pleased with the outcome and feel (for the first time in a long time) hopeful that I can get control of my weight. I am thankful that someone like Dr. Minkin decided to get involved with this procedure.

I was just banded by Dr. Minkin on 10/15/09. Everything has been fantastic, my first fill is scheduled for 11/18, and I'm looking forward to it.

Between the Pr Op Diet and post op pounds I've lost. I am very please, and he seems to honestly be proud in the success I'm having also.

I really think for the St. Louis Area that he is a great surgery that others if looking to be banded should definitly consider.

Hi, I have my first consult with him on the 23rd. I was wondering what to expect then. Do they do the blood work and all that - that day? Or do you usually come back? How long did it take you to get your surgery from the date of your first appointment?

Thanks so much,

Heidi

Make sure that you have all the paper work filled out. You should also have a letter from your own doctor talking about things. If you send me your e-mail I can forward you a letter that I did two years ago. WHen you go in he will talk about your medical history, why you wish to do this etc. and then see if you are a good fit. If he says yes then he will set you up for a one day walkthru at the hospital that will include a stress test, breathing, meeting the dietian, and the psych. He then will have you come backand go over the resluts. At that time he will then submit all the stuff to your insurance company for approval. Also what does your insurance require? Everyone is differant. For my wife and I it took less than 30 days to get approved from the time they submitted the paper work. For us that was 2 years ago. It might have changed a little but I doubt it. If you have any questions just e-mail and I can help you with it. He is very good at what he does. We have been please with him.

Chris

Hi Chris,

Thanks so much. My email is heidshosh@aol.com. I have heard from people on here that with Tricare Standard it has taken about 48 hours to get approved after the paperwork is submitted. (now watch me be the case of months... ha ha - I hope not). We are an air force family and I haven't had a steady doctor in years so I have no idea that my doctor would write me a letter without even knowing me (we just moved here in July). I do have a disability through the VA and have had other medical issues and have that paperwork, hopefully that helps.

Thanks for sharing what to expect.

take care,

Heidi

Dr. Minkin will be performing my surgery on 12/28. I was very pleased by his professionalism. I think he is a very good choice. I have to drive 3 hours one way to see him, and wouldnt change doctors for anything!

I am considering going with Dr. Minkin for LapBand. While I know this is a process I am looking forward to being aggressive about my weight loss. Would you say he gives you fills based on how your body is feeling? I have seen some posts about other Drs. being so conservative in giving fills that they are barely loosing. I want to make sure the Dr. I go with will listen to me and my personal needs, not just some basic time line for fills. Thanks for any info one this!

I was banded by Dr. Minkin a little over three years ago. I have lost 70 pounds and could have lost more if I would stay on the plan outlined by Dr. Minkin. I love this man - he is great at his job and knows that if I go to an appointment with less than the desired results, it does no good to lecture. He never makes me feel guilty which I appreciate because I can do that to myself quite well thank you. If I was considering having the band done again, I wouldn't hesitate one minute and I wouldn't let anyone else do it but Dr. Minkin.