If your insurance will cover it go with Dr. Atkinson I wanted to go with him so bad since Ive read good reviews, and My friends who got WLS loved him, and the after care. He was 16,000 cash pay so I had to go with Dr. Umbach since he is 6,000 dollars less. You get what you pay for Im 4 months post op and hate everything about my surgeon He totally doesnt seem to care for his patients he even stacks patients, I went to support group yesterday and the receptionist was talking about how he has 9 patients to operate all in one day....shows the money matters more then the patient. Anyway sorry to be so negative, I just didnt have a good experience btw they havent called to check on me at all and see how Im doing 4 months out! Good luck dont let money be why you skimp out on a good surgeon =)