Hi, everyone. I'm new to this website looking for help.

I have been looking for Lapband surgeons in Tampabay areas and have shown interest to see a surgeon by the name of Dr. Lee Grossbard. I attended his seminar & started to do my Pre-Op procedures since the middle of this year. I come to conclude all that was needed to then be told by his Office/Staff that he is only seeing cash paying patients only. So, I asked is he no longer going to see patients with insurance coverage at all and I was told not anytime this year possibly next year but no guarantees. Now I'm asking myself what is really going on because my Insurance which happens to be United Healthcare stated that they show him as a In Network Surgeon who they cover to do the Bariatric Surgery. Does anyone know anything about this that may be able to help or shed light on? Thanks for all replies.

The surgeon can opt out at any time.. I believe, and if thats the case, he isn't worth your time... I'd find a new surgeon. I went with Dr. Jawad in Ocala, though I don't know if he has any more appointments before the end of the year. Best of luck to you!

Thank you all for your responses. :-)

I can't really answer why Dr. Grossbard is just taking cash paying patients at this time. I did want to let you know that Dr. Murr and Dr. Gallagher at Tampa General are doing Lap Bands and they are a center of excellence. I had the gastric bypass done by them and have done very well. I wish you all the best in your journey. Patty

Hi Yanselli, I live 40 minutes from Tampa - I live in Bradenton. Dr. Jose Erbella at the Manatee Memorial Hospital takes insurance with no problem.....you can find him on this site, o.k. I had my lap band surgery three weeks ago. I am doing great....I hope this helps. He is a great doctor and oh so very kind. I think you would like him a lot. -Holly

Welcome. I don't know anything about Dr. Grossbard but if you are looking for a great not just good bariatric team, try Dr Michel Murr. He is at Tampa General Hospital (USF-University of Southern Florida). I had surgery by him 20 months ago. By the way the hospital is the best I have been treated at and I drive there for all my surgery which is 3 hrs away. If you need anymore information just email me or post here.

It is possible that you misunderstood or the office didn't explain something clearly. At this time of year, it may not be worth the patient's time and effort for the office to verify insurance benefits if you cannot be submitted before the end of the year (when your policy is likely to change benefits). For example, say you have Aetna. Aetna, for submission, requires a three-month multidisciplinary program or six month diet/exercise program. There is no way that an Aetna patient can be submitted before 2007 (assuming that the patient hasn't done their pre-determination requirements already). So, most offices will not verify benefits until the new year (USB does, however). I hope that helps. Kristen

Hi, Ms. Kristen I want to Thank you for your reply and just wanted to let you know in detail more to the concern I have. I literally had been under Dr. supervised diet program which as well was unsucessful so that's when I turned to consider the Lapband. I then researched on the internet and found a Lapband seminar which I then attended. I turned to go with Dr. Grossbard on researching surgeons, in fact he himself has the Lapband. I then start to follow his program procedures in July 2006 to get Insurance approved for surgery. I complete the procedures needed early this month and I'm told by his staff that I can't see Dr. Grossbard because he isn't seeing Patients covered by any Insurance. I then got to speaking with the staff and was told he stopped seeing patients the 2nd week in August. So, I feel if that was the case the Office should have told me to Discontinue the program so I can move on to another surgeon's program to get you Insurance approved. And I tell you this because I am noticing that each Surgeon do things different and have their own way and for me Unfortunately I wasted time and That's the Frustrating part of it. Just because time is something you can't recuperate at all. We only have one life to live. Its just like the saying one day that you spend Unhappy is a Day loss of Happiness, If you know what I mean. Thanks again and May you have a Happy Thanksgiving day! ;-)

Hi - I also attended one of Dr. Grossbard's session in August of 05. A friend of mine also went at another time. I was enthralled because he was a recipient of the surgery and could "practice what he preached". However I have to be honest in that the presentation made me feel like I was being sold a used car. My insurance would not cover lap band, which is why I looked into gastric bypass. And I am now thankful for that. I am having gastric bypass surgery with Dr. Murr at Tampa General on Dec. 13th, and am thrilled. My friend just had it yesterday with Dr. Murr and is doing well. I know many others have recommended him to you - please listen to them! I wish someone would have told me - I had to research and discover Dr. Murr for myself. I have never been treated so well and made to feel so comfortable, and that's saying a lot coming from a person who has been obese her entire life. I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and support from Dr. Murr and his staff. He also has the only award recognized program in the state. As for your lap band experience, one has to wonder about a program that bases its patient base on those who are cash paying only. I wish you luck!

i have no idea... but wanted to wish you good luck with what ever and who ever you choose!