Dr. Gorospe @ Southcrest

I am pre-op and had a question for someone who has used Dr. G. After the insurance approves, will Dr. G. go ahead and give a surgery date to you or do you have to complete all of his testings first such as: cardio/pulm etc visits. I have a busy home childcare program and would like to plan my time off with my current parents!!!! Thanks a bunch! Jacque

Jacque: I just went today and sat through the 4 1/2 hour presentation with Dr. Gorospe and his staff. Very impressive I must say. They told us once you receive your approval letter from the insurance company, they will set your surgery 1 month out to allow you time to have all of your testing done. I have heard some of the doctors even allow you to visit their office on Saturday. After visiting his office today I have no doubt he is who I want to do my surgery. He has done around 3,000 of these surgeries and has only had 6 deaths. (5) from severly morbid obese people who he said would have died within 1 year had nothing been done to help them and (1) who's religion did not allow her a blood transfusion and her family rather than getting her the blood she needed, allowed her to die. He was very upset at that and said now, if he goes into a surgery with someone like that, he has a method of recycling their own blood. He also said of the 5 who died they were a part of a group of 200 super morbidly obese patients of which he said he was the only one who would even touch them with surgery and he had to come to the decision that he had helped 195 of the 200 go on to live long productive lives rather than dying within a year due to their health. So, I feel very comfortable with him. He also said he does the laprascopic technique 99% of the time and for instance - I work in an office and he said I could have surgery on Monday and be back to work the next Monday. Good luck, I guess I have now started the ball rolling trying to get approval. Rita

I am pre op too and I am working with Surgical Associates right now. I am waiting to see the doc next month. Really the only thing that is standing in my way is the heafty fee for the office visit. I have already rescheduled this appointment once. Ok the question is does Dr. Gorospe have a huge office fee too??? I know this surgery will be done in Gods time, I try not to get in a hurry aobut it. Thank you Sarah

Just saw your post. Do you have insurance? I think my BC/BS of MN paid for my first consultation to Dr. G. I paid $20 copay. Right now I am calling my insurance co. every few days for an update on their decision. I used Dr. Cashman for the Psych eval. and Renee Norman for dietary eval. They were recommended from Dr. G. Keep me posted on your journey.... Jacque

Hello Yes I have insurance. I have United Health Care. The doctors office charges 390.00 for the first visit. If insurance covers it you either get it back or they apply it to your surgery. I just wondered if it were any better with Dr. G. I have heard is pretty good. Thanks!! Sarah

When I called Dr. Gorospe's office I was told that for a cash patient the initial consult is $150.00. This is deducted from the total surgeon fee which is around $6500. This information was obtained 5/24/04. Hope this helps.

I had surgery on 2/16 w/ dr. G. As soon as I had my approval number from my insurance, they scheduled my surgery. I did all my appointments in 3 days, and my surgery was scheduled 2 wks after I got my approval. They really pretty much leave it up to you; as far as how quickly you want to go. One thing you want to BE SURE to do before you leave the hospital is INSIST on talking to the nutritionist. I didn't get to, the "missed" me; and I have been really struggling with my food choices, and knowing what to do. I went back to work after 3 weeks, and have had NO problems at all. It will be great! Just say your prayers and have faith in God to bring you through the surgery. Congratulations!! :D Sherri C.