Question:
has anyone in florida had lap band surgery? (gastric banding)

I am considering lap band surgery and just heard that it is finally FDA approved in the USA. Has anyone in Florida had the surgery? I am interested in the cost since I will probably be self pay. Also can you recommend a doctor?    — sandra O. (posted on July 1, 2001)

July 1, 2001
I don't know the cost of it, but Dr Robert Marema in Ft Lauderdale does that type of WLS. You can go to the find a surgeon page and do your research so that you can make an informed decision. He also has a website, the address is www.browardobesitysurgery.com. I wish you all the best.
   — dandjon

July 1, 2001
I live in Jacksonville and had lap-band surgery in mid-June. I chose to go to Mexico to have it done, though. Dr. Rumbaut practices in Monterrey and is an excellent surgeon. He trains US doctors on the procedure. Whomever you go to, ask about the number of lap-band surgeries they have performed. You want somebody who has performed at least 50. Dr. Ponce in Dalton, GA is one of the most-experienced Lap-BAnd surgeons in the United States. His Patient Advocate, Beverly Poach, is very good at getting insurance coverage. For more info, go to the Bandsters support group on Yahoo Groups. (groups.yahoo.com/Bandsters) Karla
   — Karla K.

July 1, 2001
I think that Dr Overcash in Ocala does the LAP BAND!
   — imano1momy

July 2, 2001
Yes, there are FL surgeons, but I would travel to Dalton (1 hour North of GA for experience). It matters with Lap-Bands. Surgeons that I know of: Dr. Jacobs Coral Gables, FL (very highly regarded) Dr. Overcash Ocala Dr. Marema Ft. Lauderdale, FL Dr. Rosenthal Ft. Lauderdale, FL Once again, to really understand the band and get various opinions on surgeons, join Bandsters on Yahoo Groups. AMOS is still rather RNY focused.
   — Karla K.