Lap Band surgeon in Tulsa area

Hi all-  New to post and searching.  Yes, I'm a newbie and very nervous already.  I want to know who the best is in the Tulsa area for Lap banding.  I actually live in Owasso.  I had called Gorespie's 800# and they only have seminars from 1-5pm and NO kids are allowed.  I have read some of the testimonials from this website and what turns me off is the "short & to the point" comments.  I don't want someone rushing me in and out and treating me as another NUMBER.  I prefer a Christian doctor.  Also, does anyone have Federal BCBS insurance?  Thank you in advance. Beka

My only problem with the website is yes the comments on there are short and to the point.  However Dr Goropse and Dr Kirk do not treat you as just another number.  They both come to ALL of the support group meetings.  They also do several events and pay money out of their own pockets for the Christmas formal dance and dinner.  As for the conferences, they are attended by about 200 people per conference, thats how in demand he is.  He simply does not have the time or resources to have smaller more accommodating seminars, but then neither do most doctors of this surgery.  As for the character of Dr Gorospe, he is top notch and so so kind to everyone.  He takes the time at your consult to answer any questions you have and his staff is available 24/7 to ask anything your mind can think up.  They are truly at the top of their game and are so nice.  I love that I chose him for my doctor.  If you would like to talk more or ask me or the other Gorospe Gratefuls ANYTHING, feel free to let me know.  Best of luck in your journey.

Let me clarify  "short & to the point". Some comments on the testimonials say that he and staff are "short" and it seems as though they are suggesting that he doesn't take time.  This is what I mean.  Sorry.  After WLS (lapbanding), are there lifting restrictions?  I have a 60# child that is Special needs that I lift regularly.  Thanks for the reply.

Hi Beka! I don't know the answer to your surgeon question since I'm from Norman, but Dan, or some of the other Tulsa folks can help you with that question. But, I do have Federal Employee Program BC/BS and have been delighted with their coverage and service for my VSG to this point. They did not have any predetermination to be done. If you meet the criteria (BMI of 40 or >, or BMIof 35 or > with 2 of their accepted co-morbidities) then you are covered. Check the coverage brochure for percentage specifics of coverage. I have been one of the first to have VSG covered by insurance and I am thankful for FEP BC/BS Standard Option. Good Luck!

I understand what you mean about the Gorospe website, but please don't judge them by that.  Both Dr. Gorospe and Dr. Kirk are wonderful and neither of them treated me as a number.  I have Federak BCBS insurance and if you will send me a personal message with your questions I would be glad to answer them, or I will give you my phone number and we can talk.  I would recommend Dr. Gorospe for anyone in this area.  I think he and Dr. Kirk are an awesome team.  I am 8 weeks post surgery today and I felt like God's hand guided me to thier practice.  Lots of luck to you as you begin your weight loss journey!!  Dionne

Beka, Welcome to Oklahoma OH. Good luck to you on your new journey, Rita

Hello, I am using Surgical Associates of Tulsa. They have evening seminars. I chose Dr. Steve Katsis. He seems to be a  very nice Christian man who is very knowledgeable of the different surgeries. They do their surgeries in St. Francis which is a center of excellence for weight loss surgery.

Beka, My surgeon is also Dr. Katsis from Surgical Associates in Tulsa.  I have been very happy with him.  I know for a fact he is a very family oriented Christian man.  One of the girls I work with used to be in the church choir with him.  If you have any questions, feel free to PM me!  Good luck on your journey and welcome to the OK board! Michelle

Beka I can understand your concern, however Dr G has one of the  best bariatic reputations in the state.  When I chose my surgeon (in Dallas)  I too was concern about everything I read about his bedside manor. (very similar to Dr G) however someone told me something that I feel I need to share with you, you are not looking to his man for his loving personality, you are looking to him for his experiance.  I don't anything about the other surgeons in Tulsa area, but I do know that Dr. G is one of the best. 

I used Dr. Katsis and I also have BCBS Federal.  Dr. Katsis is an excellent surgeon and I'm very happy that he did my surgery.  You can check out the Surgical Associates website surgassoc.com.  I met a gal that used to be a nurse at St. Francis and she spoke very highly of him too.  If you'd like more details, send me a message.