Lab-band in Central Florida

Hi!  I'm considering lap-band surgery.  I live in Winter Park and would like to hear from anyone in central Florida who has had the procedure done.  When and where did you have your surgery?  Why did you choose that surgeon?  Would you do it over again?  What would you do different?   I'm self paying and thought about going to Mexico but I don't want to have to worry about follow-up care, treatment and fills.  I'm presently filling out the forms for U.S. Bariatrics in Celebrations for two reasons - it's the closest to me and they use Florida Hospital System, which is the same hospitals that my other doctors use. Thanks for any information and/or thoughts!

Hi, I had the lapband done back in July of 2005 with Dr. Jawad. I chose Dr. Jawad because he is one of the best surgeons out there. (I know, we're all bias when it comes to our surgeons) Dr. Jawad is up in Ocala, and I'm here in Orlando. Geography didn't play a huge part in my decision on my surgeon. I definitley would of loved it a lot better if Dr. Jawad wasn't over 100 miles away from me!! LOL!! Because I had a lot of problems and complications with the lap band so I was making a lot of trips back and forth to Ocala, but I don't regret it. My husband also has the lap band and also had Dr. Jawad perform his surgery.  Dr. Jawad does have a satellite office now here in Orlando where they perform all follow up care for us here, you just have to have the surgery up in Ocala. Unfortunatley at the time of my complications the Orlando office was not up and running yet.  So that's my information and thoughts!! LOL!!  Good luck, Jo Ann

Morning Jo Ann! Thanks for the reply and information!  I read your profile, wow!  You went through a lot, but remained strong and committed, that's so great!  Glad things have worked out for you!!!!

Hey Pattilyn! Girl, you know how I feel about going to Mexico - that is not a risk I would be willing to take. I am glad you are thinking along those lines too. Of course I am going to reccommend Celebration and Dr. Kim. I like that idea for you since you know me and Tami who both had Dr. Kim. I cannot say enough great things about him and his staff. So caring. So kind. So knowledgable. They have this down pat. I know they have worked out deep discounts for self pay with Florida Hospital. Good luck in you journey. ((( Hugs ))) I think it would be a good idea to check out all the Drs that you get reccomended from this thread and see if one of them is more cost effective.  There is also a lap band forum, so post this question there as well.

Morning Marli! Thanks for your reply!  Yes, I know, Tami is totally supportive of Dr. Kim and now you, so that's very important. Hope you're continueing to get strong!  I'm hoping to see you again real soon - maybe next week at the TOPS meeting. Take care!

Hijack!! Hi Marli! :wave: Kristen

Hello.  I am new to this board but read this post and thought I might be able to chime in with some advise.  I live in Casselberry, not to far down the road, and am also thinking about lapbanding.  I went to Celebration the other day for a seminar and it was wonderful. The place is beautiful, the doctor seemed nice, staff was great.  I left there really excited and hopeful that this will all get done pretty fast.  I filled out the papers and they said they would call me.  They called last night with the good news that it was covered by my insurance. Now I do not know the route you are taking but if you are using insurance this is important.  I was told all was going to be paid for by my insurance expect my physician fees (surgeon fee) for the procedure.  I thought well, that might not be much, but it ends up being something like $5000 to $7000 out of pocket.  I guess my insurance will pay for the hospital stay but the doctor will not bill my insurance for his reimbursement because the amount he gets back from insurance is "not as good" as me paying out of pocket.  It really sucks for people that have insurance that are willing to pay for everything.  I called around today and talked to a doctor in Altamonte Springs that does the surgery.  He does the same thing as doc in Celebration, not billing my insurance.  Like I said this might not even apply to you but if it did I thought I should warn people before they get their hearts broke like i did.  I am now lookinig into a doctor in Tampa area that comes recommeded from a surgeon at ORMC that I work with. I will let you know his name if you end up needing it.  Good luck!

I think you're smart for posting questions like this on a potential surgeon.  I would look at national statistics, whether they have been a member of ASBS for a while, if they are a center of excellence and what the patients have to say.  I also want to know if a surgeon does open or lap procedures because open requires more healing time and increases the risk for infection. Of course I would recommend Dr. Jawad who is a leader in the field and is ranked #4 in the country!

I am putting my 2 cents in for Dr. Beltre, Altomonte and does his surgery in Celebration (same as Dr. Kim). I really like him and am having SG surgery in July.