HELP--Fill Dr. for Outside Patients

I am looking for a fill Dr. , again. I can go anywhere from New Orleans to Baton Rouge (Metairie, Laplace, anywhere). I was banded in Mexico by Dr. Joya and anyone who knows about him knows that I had the best of care. I am stalled until I find someone reasonable who is willing to take a chance. My insurance will cover everything except the actual fill. Can anyone recommend someone?  It can even be an NP. I saw one of those when I lived in TX and she was the best. 

Hello Rahnava, There are doctors in Baton Rouge who will take you on for fills, but "reasonable" is the word to keep in mind -- not very. I've often recommended the Lavin Group (Covington or Slidell) because they also have opened an office for fills and aftercare in Baton Rouge. They have an NP named Chris who is the fill-giver to many of my associates and a few very close friends. They can't say enough good about her.  I think the practices is the Surgical Specialists of Louisiana. They are led by a Dr. Thomas Lavin. I'm going to double check the name, but in the "Find a Bariatric Surgeon" search page, look for Drs. Lavin, Thomas, Moore and (I think) Redman. I have a very close friend and work associate who is a patient and I can get the two of you in contact if you need more. All my best, Frances

Thanks Francis. I think they charge $2500 for a year worth of fills. I work for the State so that's not possible, but I would appreciate more information. I did get a fill with one Dr. in Metairie, but he didn't use numbing medicine and I passed out. I don't want to be forced to go back to him because I am desperate for a fill. When I was living in Texas after the storm there were so many choices for excellent aftercare and they didn't care that I went to Mexico. Here you would think I was banded by the plague. I haven't lost weight in months. I don't mind losing slowly because I don't have unrealistic expectations from my tool, but to not lose at all... Anyway, any information you could pass along would be appreciated. You can also let them know that I am a very compliant patient.

I gave them a call. The Surgical Special of Louisiana charges $2500 for first-time patients and this covers new patient fee, some medical tests (like upper GI) and the first year of fills. The fills are $50 after this point. I recommend them often and hadn't realized the policy had changed. Bariatric surgeons in the states that aren't bordering Mexico are constantly changing their policies to deal with the competition from Mexico and the demands aftercare puts on their practices. I did once hear that there was a fill-giver traveling from New Orleans to Baton Rouge and giving fills at Vista Surgical Hospital and very cheap. You might want to call Vista on Perkin Road. I don't recommend my practice for fills much because they are very good, but very much not wanting to get into a "fill-giver" situation. They did take on some patients after Katrina and one that I speak to often that still sees my surgeon Dr. LeBlanc. On last check, they were charging about $350 for a fill. I have never had fluro or numbing medicine. My port is very close to the skin and positioned in a way that it takes a very small needle. I barely ever feel a thing, but a tiny ***** There is another pratice nearby and I think the charge is similar. If you want to pay around $350 for aftercare, I can make some calls and see if I can facilitate an appointment. I hope this helps, but I do know it's far from good news. All my best, Frances

$2500 is a lot when the Dr that I saw only charged $185. I may have to go back.  I did call Vista and they were gone for the day so I will check back tomorrow. Thanks for your help. I guess I was spoiled to a point with all of the access in Texas, but the honeymoon is over.

Hi!! I am in the same mess you are in, I am from Jena, LA and I am having trouble finding someone to do my fills. I was banded in Mexico also on the 13th of October. I have done great with it so far but I knew I would need to be finding a dr or np to do mine also. I hate to have to travel to the end of the state but if I have to I will. So if anyone knows of someone who can do the fills near central LA let me know. Also, I know how you feel as far as the cash goes, I didn't have insurance, thats why I went to Mx to have mine done. I am currently a student and this was my christmas/birthday/valentine's...you name it present from my parents.LOL So if there is someone who can do the fills that won't cost me an unborn child, plz let me know,,,,,thx