Has anyone used Dr Apparao Vanguri?

I found him on DSFacts. The surgeon I've been hoping to use has a large fee for the dietician/nutritional service. It's actually a separate company and it's got a $2k fee. That's really steep for my family right now.

So before I write DS off my list for this year... I was doing a last ditch for surgeons in my area. I'm in the DC/MD/VA area.

This doctor was listed on the DS website - but the hospital's website is lean when it comes to info.

So any takers on more info?

Thanks!

Beth28 had Dr V. She seems pretty happy with him.

--gina

She doesn't show up on the member search. I'd be really interested in finding out what she remembers about the cost.

Gina, I wanted to use your doctor - but their group they use for the nutrition portion is 2k out of pocket. Not that it isn't totally worth it - but if that's the cost I can't do it this year so exploring other options and found this dr on dsfacts.

Any info anyone could provide about the bariatric center at Franklin Square in Baltimore would be helpful.

Once you get your surgery you can come join our once a month support group. No fee, come as my guest. :)  The last dietitian never enforced Dr E's patients only.

--gina

Gina, Beth28 had Dr. Voellinger of North Carolina, not Dr. Vanguri.

Ah! As I was.

--g

Here is a profile I saved around two years ago, of someone who actually did have a DS with Dr. Vanguri. http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/angieb67/  I don't know why we don't get more patients from him posting.  (In the section where the poster gives a review of the surgeon, there are several places where "rn" appears.  That stands for return/ the poster hit the enter button to start a new line or paragraph, but OH's format refuses to let there be a break there.)  Dr. Vanguri does the DS open, but I think that's fine.


Dr. E's financial policies are unfortunate, indeed.  It is my understanding that his surgical fee that must be paid by the patient is much higher than the $2k that is the impediment now with the dietitian aspect.  For WLS, he does not accept as payment in full the meager amount most insurances will pay.  All this to say, even if you do save up the $2k, there would likely be much, much more needed before you could go ahead with Dr. E.

Thank you so much for all the info! I really and truly appreciate it.

I am sure Dr E is totally worth it. At this point I just want to do the research to see if this other practice and dr is a viable option. You get what you pay for, but the reality is you only have so much that you can pay.

I will save up if I have to. I truly beleive the DS is worth the wait and I don't mind doing the work for another calendar year to roll around and our situation to be different. But honestly there is a need and the sooner the better. I am in this for the long haul.

Scars aren't a big deal to me. I tend to heal quite nicely (or have in the past from 2 c-sections) and at least if the procedure is done open they'll be able to visualize any other potential issues.

Thank you both again. You are fantastic.

Brenda

 Yes! I had my DS exactly 5 years ago TODAY with Dr. V.!!! Today is my surgiversary!
I'm not on the boards as much but I'm glad I saw this today.


I highly recommend him. He saved my life! 

Congrats on your surgiversary!

Was he very expensive? I know your experience is some time ago but just curious?

Anything you could share about your experience would be nice and greatly appreciated!

Brenda