Hello Everybody. I have been lurking around here for awhile and figured it was time I said hello. My name is Scott and I am 6’3” and weigh 395. I am just beginning the process of finding my surgeon and have learned a lot from reading all the posts. I am interested in some personal experiences from people living in and around the Coachella Valley (Palm Springs, CA area). I live in La Quinta and have no problem driving to Riverside or San Diego for the right doc but would obviously like to stay close to home. I have already heard some great things about Dr. Coon at Parkview Community Hospital (Thanks Rose) and will be attending one of his seminars soon. I am also interested in any program fees you were required to pay. I have Anthem BCBS and they cover 90% of the cost but I have heard of additional program fees from zero to $8000.00. I know there is a lot of discussion on this board about the legitimacy of program fees, but let’s keep those conversations on the other threads. I am just craving information here. Thanks everybody.

Hi Scott, we are glad you decided to join and start posting. Have you checked out the local forums for your area? You will probably find a lot of information on doctors near you there.

Scott,

I go through your area everytime I see my surgeon. I had my band done in Mexicali. My total cost including lifetime fill was $7000.00. No program fee for me.

Hello Everybody. I have been lurking around here for awhile and figured it was time I said hello. My name is Scott and I am 6’3” and weigh 395. I am just beginning the process of finding my surgeon and have learned a lot from reading all the posts. I am interested in some personal experiences from people living in and around the Coachella Valley (Palm Springs, CA area). I live in La Quinta and have no problem driving to Riverside or San Diego for the right doc but would obviously like to stay close to home. I have already heard some great things about Dr. Coon at Parkview Community Hospital (Thanks Rose) and will be attending one of his seminars soon. I am also interested in any program fees you were required to pay. I have Anthem BCBS and they cover 90% of the cost but I have heard of additional program fees from zero to $8000.00. I know there is a lot of discussion on this board about the legitimacy of program fees, but let’s keep those conversations on the other threads. I am just craving information here. Thanks everybody.

Hey! I know where that is!! LOL - I'm betting it's hot there right now, no?

Welcome to LBT, you'll love it here.

Best of luck!

Hey! I know where that is!! LOL - I'm betting it's hot there right now, no?

Welcome to LBT, you'll love it here.

Best of luck!

Not to bad today, only 115 degrees. Love it!:thumbup:

Hello from San Diego!

Hot here today, but not the heat your are feeling.. but, hey.. it IS a dry heat, no? :thumbup:

I am in San Diego, also have BCBS, pays 90% and I am going to Dr. Bhoyrul who is in La Jolla. No program fee from any information I've received so far. I went to three seminars down here and I liked him, his staff, and personality (as a match to me) the best. I don't doubt that there are good surgeons closer to you too though.

Someone from our San Diego Bandsters group had his surgery in Norwalk I think? Kart Man is his name, you might want to reach out to him.

Welcome!! I am just starting my journey as well.. I wish us ALL luck and may we be half the people we used to be in the future!! :thumbup:

Edited July 15, 200917 yr by sandiegokate

Oh, and I love your signature... wish I would have "measured twice cut once" with those baseboards in my house...:thumbup:

Hi there, I live in La Quinta as weel. I just decided on this surgery after looking in to it for 2 years. I am attending a seminar this wedneday. Can I ask what doctor you settled on?

I ended up going with Dr. John Coon in Riverside. His program fee is $1,500 and he and his whole staff have been fantastic. They are located at Parkview Community Hospital which didn't have the greatest reviews but turned out to be a great experience. I had surgery on June 8th, have had no complications and have already lost 30 pounds. Dr. Coon's website is below.

http://newimagebariatric.com/index.cfm/PageID/7597

He also shares an office in Rancho Mirage once or twice a month but doesn't do lap-band related work out of it due to insurance requirements, but hopes to in the future. I have Blue Cross and they required that my surgeon be working out of a certified Center of Excellence, which Dr. Coon obviously does. My neighbors also each had a gastric bypass done by Dr. Coon and also speak very highly of him. Let me know if I can answer any other questions, I would be more than happy to help in any way I can. Congratulations on starting down this life changing path.

Thank you for the info. And congrats on your success!! I am so dang excited to start the process!

Congrats on your success! I live in the High Desert in SoCal. I am going with Dr. Krahn in San Bernardino. I hope to be banded in late August.

I am looking into Dr. Krahn as well. If you dont mind me asking, are you using insurance? If so what is the program fee they require?

I am using insurance (TriCare), but he is out of network for my provider, so I have to pay a $4000 cash deposit. I have not heard anything about a program fee. I think I'll be emailing them and asking about that. I've been to two seminars, and had my initial consult and program fees were never mentioned! Have you been to a seminar yet? Let me know if you have any other questions.

I am looking into Dr. Krahn as well. If you dont mind me asking, are you using insurance? If so what is the program fee they require?

Well I had read on this site that many people have had to pay program fees ranging from $200 to $4,000! Even if their insurance pays 100%. I have not done my research on that yet though so I will update you on what I find out. I am currently looking at 4 doctors and the program fee is now going to be one of deciding factors. So much to think about!

Scott,

I looked into Dr. Coon today and he is not covered under my insurance. :-( Thank you again for the info!!

I sent Dr. Krahn's office an email about program fees. I sent it after they closed, so I won't hear from them until tomorrow. They are really good about answering email promptly. When I hear something, I'll let you know!

Well I had read on this site that many people have had to pay program fees ranging from $200 to $4,000! Even if their insurance pays 100%. I have not done my research on that yet though so I will update you on what I find out. I am currently looking at 4 doctors and the program fee is now going to be one of deciding factors. So much to think about!