DBarrett8

Despite all the insurance/money hassles, the surgery was well worth it. I've lost 40 lbs so far and on my way to a new me. Try not to be nervous, you'll will be fine. Let's us know how you do next week as soon as you feel up to it. Good Luck!

Spiegel and Spivak's practices must have done something to cause all these issues with UHC. And now you say Spiegel is requiring CASH only. I would definitely find a more financially secure organization than theirs. Good luck with your surgery!

Thanks Melissa. I hope to join you in September. I was banded in February and think I need some up close and personal support. My weight loss has slowed a bit.

I was banded by Dr. Spivak in Feb using UHC insurance. Spivak required a $600 payment upfront prior to surgery. When my claim was processed, Spivak owes me $500 and will not refund it until his court case against UHC is heard. I had to call numerous times to find this out. His office only sent me a poorly written letter stating they were refiling the claim. Now he does not accept UHC or does the surgery center that he and Dr. Spiegel invested in. Spivak seems to be an excellent surgeon, but his aftercare leaves much to be desired...you do feel like you are part of a cattle call.....and now I am wondering where to go now..... If Spivak was really interested in his patient's well-being he would offer a solution to his UHC patients by finding a new doctor for them in Houston that will accept UHC for after-care service.

Wheetsin, I think you mean Parantha....my hubby is British and I've been introduced to lots of different Indian foods...he loves to cook. Here's a website with a basic recipe...you can add fresh herbs and such to change the flavor....http://www.indianfoodsco.com/Recipes/breads.htm Another great one...is Naan Bread.....I love the one with raisins and pistachios. Good luck if you try this....the ones I have had taste really fattening!

I just started reading this message board. Sounds like you will have fun. I'm in Spring, too. Count me in for a June gathering!

I live in the Spring Area (Cypresswood and Treaschwig). I was banded on Valentine's Day ( a present to me from me :grouphug: .) I used Dr. Spivak after a bit of research. At the time Dr. Spivak accepted UHC, but his surgical center did not. I had the surgery at Park Plaza Hospital. Now my fills are at his surgical center...so far I have only had to pay by UHC $25 co-pay for the fills even though the surgical center is out of network. As for my UHC insurance and Dr. Spivaks surgery bill...I paid him $600. He filed a claim against UHC....now UHC says I only have to pay $100. All else was covered at the contracted rate they had with Spivak...I need to call and ask his office for a $500 refund. Has anyone else had to do this?

Thanks so much for all this info. I had my second fill on Monday (today's Thursday) and I have had problems with each meal. I tried scambled eggs...no good. A chip with Salsa went down fine...put I probably chewed it to sawdust stage. Tonight soup got stuck. I'm new to this so I need to go find out what you guys mean by PB....but I have probably been doing that since Monday afternoon. I think I will try the liquid diet through the holiday weekend. If I still cannot get any solids in without the "stuck" feeling, then I will call the doctor on Tuesday. Thanks for all the great in-put!