Who are the best Lap-Band surgeons in the Tampa?

Hi..I am new here and would like to explore Lap-Band Surgery.  I have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis and asthma and am overweight...etc, etc. My primary doctor tells me I don't need wls, that it costs about $40,000 and is not covered by insurance.  I disagree! I am looking to find a surgeon in Tampa who might be able to help me.    I would appreciate any suggestions that you all might be able to give me.  Thanks in advance!

Hi, There is a great surgeon in Clearwater/Largo whose name is Dr. Richard Gordon. He is fellowship trained in laprascopic bariatric surgery and someone fellowship trained is hard to find. He is very personable and has a great bedside manner as well. You can find his website through this site. I live in Ontario (Canada) and I was considering having Dr. Gordon do my surgery. If I were you, he is the doctor that I would go see. Sharon

Thank you so much for the information, Sharon.  I will definitely consider this doctor!  I learned today that my insurance plan covers the procedure, so I'm real happy about that. Are you planning to have the surgery any time soon?  Good luck to you! Lin

Hi Lin, Yes, I am having my RNY surgery on June 13th. I so wanted my surgery done by Dr. Gordon but since my main residence is in Ontario I would have had to keep on going back to Clearwater for my follow-ups and that would have gotten very expensive.  One of my other concerns was not knowing if any doctors here in Ontario would look after me if I ran into any emergencies and honestly, they probably would NOT have wanted to look after me.   But, as I said before, if I could have, I would have definitely gone to Dr. Gordon.  Do check out his website and call his office to see when he is having his next information session. Thanks for your good wishes and good luck to you too.  I don't check the Florida forum all that often so if you want, you can email me privately through this site and let me know how you are progressing.  I would be interested in knowing who you decide to go with! Sharon

Most Insurances DO cover Weight Loss Surgeries now as their a proven elective procedure cure for diabetes.
Check out these Surgical Centers in Tampa Bay and attend their Seminars www.journeylite.com   and  www.obesitynomorefl.com OH, your Primary doesn't know anything about WLS that's why their saying that bull.
These practices can suggest other Primary practices near where you live.

Mike who was your doctor, because I also went to Palms of Pasadena, Dr.Jessie did my surgery, She is great!

Hi, Dr. Fernandez  is doing the lap band now out of Brandon hospital and he is excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dr’s Gordon and Gonzolvo (727) 586-3751 are some of the best!  Most insurances will cover the surgery… the are out of Largo and have an information session Wednesday

Hi, I just thought I would add, Dr. Gallagher and Dr. Murr at Tampa General are excellent.  I couldn't be happier with their care or my results.  Now my sister would say Dr. Dietrich at UCH but I don't know much about him, but I know he is doing alot of lap bands now too.

I had Dr. Richard Dicicco and Dr. Lee Grossbard. I love them! They are independant or work with Journey Lite. Dr. Grossbard has a lapband himself and is a spokesperson for LAPBAND.  you can go to www.journeylite.com or www.floridaobesitysurgical.com I could not go through journey lite because my insurance did not work with them so I had to use Dr. Dicicco independantly and my insurance paid 100%!  Message me if you have any questions and feel free to check out my profile. They do a payment plan as well if you are self pay. Good Luck