Lusco or Olsofka patients?

Has anyone gone to Lusco or Olsofka at the Louisville Surgical Bariatric associates?  I'm going to their seminar on September 9th and was wondering what you all thought of them.  I've had a friend who went to Dr. Allen and really liked him, but his seminars are while I'm at work.  Thanks!

   Hi! Welcome!! It's a great seminar for info but they charge you 4000.00 up front.. they do not approve of what ins companies pay.. They tell you that it may get reimbursed but it will be for the amount the ins would pay not the full 4000.00 you pay them... It is very informative about the band though.. I went and listened and then found out there are doctors who take my ins!!
  Good luck!!
Dawn

Well, that sucks!  Maybe I need to look into someone else?  I have Humana insurance and know they cover it after 6 months.  Maybe I should find someone else?

DonnaB said that she kinda wanted to go to Olsafka and Lusco but they are not network dr's for humana so they wont pay for the surgery, but she said they were working with Humana.  But I had looked into them and 4000.00 up front I could not do.   And I know the reimbursement for lapband is like around little over 1900.00 so I would only get 1900.00 back out of the 4000.00 I would have paid them so I chose to look eslewhere that would work with my insurance and I am happy with my surgeon and the choice I made

I went to the seminar to learn about the surgery but as far as what Dr...I started asking, researching and reading as much as I could on all of them.  We have a pretty full range of Dr we have all used so ask away........I had Allen as well.

I went to one of the seminars that Dr. Olsofka held.  I really liked him and would choose him except they do not accept my insurance.  I also have Humana but unless it just changed within the last two weeks, that practice does not accept Humana.  They have been in the process for several months trying to get approved to accept Humana.  I also don't have $4,000 to put down up front.  I am going to go ahead and do my six month diet/exercise program and continue checking out the doctors at Norton and make my mind up on which doctor within 3-4 months.  Good luck with your decision. 

 Norton's has alot of doctors and Like Donna B said.. start your six month NOW~!~
  You see your primary doctor every month, have them note your weight and how you all have discussed what you will do that month to loose weight.. make sure it's dated the same time every month, so that while your researching surgeons, you are getting that out of the way. I had Humana insurance, and half way thru my six month "diet" THEY STOPPED that ruling!!! SO check with your insurance. I know the state program still does the six month. the teachers insurance...
 I think all Dr.Shina's seminars are during the day too... So not sure what to tell you.. maybe come to some support group and listen to the peeps talk about their surgeons.. Then you could narrow down who you wanted to go to seminar's of??
  Good luck!!
Dawn

Thank you all...I tell you what, I am so glad a friend of mine told me about this board.  It has been a wealth of information! 
I'm going to try to get to Allen's seminar on Sept. 2nd.  (My friend went to him and loved him and I notice that there are several of you on here who have him.)  I have to take off from work, so I'm trying to get that approved.  I work for the state in our elementary school as a Family Resource Coordinator, so I DO have the state version of Humana.  The day seminar would actually work out better for us.  (We wouldn't have to find a sitter for our kids.) 
I have never had a general dr., just my ob/gyn.  I finally got one today to accept me, but can't get an appointment until Sept. 26th.  I thought that was okay.  Gives me a chance to go to a seminar and have my info with me when I go. 
I really appreciate you all being so welcoming and friendly! 
Thanks again and I'll keep you posted on where I end up going!

GOOD LUCK!!!! Dr.Allen has a new surgeon in his area, Dr.Tanner.. he is getting some good reviews!!! I know Dr.Allen is A BUSY MAN!!!  Hope you make the seminar and remeber no questions are stupid questions!!!!
  dawn

Yeah, I know he is busy.  My friend warned me that she has to wait an hour or so to see him for fills.  But, honestly, I would enjoy the wait!  LOL!  I have 3 kids ages 7, 3, and 7 months.  I NEVER get a chance to sit and read a good book.  I keep a book in the car with me at all times for DR. appointments.  LOL!  I've heard lots of good things about Dr. Allen.  No complaints, except that he is a busy dr.  We'll see...