NC girl considering Dr. Ponce in GA for lap band..HELP

I am going to be self-pay and am, of course, trying to get  the best care for the most reasonable price.  His website, lapbandinstitute, indicates that he does an outpatient lab band with follow up fills for 1 year at $13500.  I'd love to hear some updated information, since what I've found so far on the reviews has been from '05 or '06.  Is anyone here a current patient?  How many fills is average in the first year?  Later years?   Thanks for helping me with my research! Shelbi

Shelbi, You might want to ask this question on the Lap-Band Board... Norma

Hey Shelbi, I did not have my surgery with Dr. Ponce, but I would recommend 2 things for you.  1st Check out the Lap band forum on this site and 2nd check out Dr. Rashid at Peachtree Surgical.  She was great and I have only had great things to say about her.  I wish you the best. Kareem

Thanks for your replies.  I'm posting this on the lap band forum too and I'll check out Dr. Rashid.  Thanks again for your help!  shelbi

Awesome Dr...   Really nice guy.. Fills are based on the person...   Some people made need many... some only need 1...   It is all how your tummy is. I originally had my surgery in Arizona...   I moved here to Georgia and actually had some problems with my band.    He took me as a patient and fixed me right up and I go to him now of course because it is closer.   He also did my gallbladder surgery. His assistant is very good as well..   I rarely even feel her poke me with the needle and would say about 98% of the time she nails it on the first try. He also uses fluoro to do the fills..   He watches the rate of liquid that goes down while you there to make sure it isn't to much and isn't to loose. Very much recommend him as long as you can make it to his office easily...   Lapband surgery is something that needs to be monitored and adjusted...   So easy access to a surgeon is important.