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Hi, I am researching the lapband, AGAIN!!! Anyone have any reccomendations for Houston docs? I just found out that my insurance (Aetna) has now started paying for the band. So I am hoping that when I get brave enough to go through with surg., they will pay for it. I want the surg and really need it. (BMI around 45 with diabetes) but I am terrified of anesthesia. Any suggestions on how to get over it? All info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Sherri (aka chicken "BIG")

Glad to know there are so many in the area. I have not yet attended a seminar but am leaning toward Dr. Spivak. Hoping to gain a little more info from ins. before making appoitment. Don't want to get my hopes up if ins. is not going to cooperate as I am planning to relocate to the Tyler area around Jan. so self pay won't be an option for a while since buying a new house. Would love to hear more about Dr. Spivak from you. Sherri

I ,too, have had my GP be very unsupportive about WLS. About 10 -12 years ago I asked him for a referral to a surgeon. His comment to me was "If you do something that radical, I will no longer treat you." Since I have always had a fear of sx. and really trusted this doc, (he saved the life of my dtr. by referring me to a major medical center when I was in labor and having my dtr. 11 weeks preemie.), I did not want to lose him as my doc so I let it go and did not follow through with it. That was 150 pounds ago.:rolleyes But after I heard about lapband, I became very interested again. Being a nurse, I now know all the right things to ask and feel that I am more mature and can make a decision without his referral, however, at my last visit, I did ask him his opinion of lapband(prior considerations were RNY and VGB) this time his comment was " I am not familiar enough with the docs doing this so just research thourally" He also was somewhat unfamiliar with lapband, but asked me to share my information with him.He was much more supportive this time and explained that his prior hesitancy was due to a friends dtr almost bleeding to death after her staples ruptured. I would ask your therapist about why he is so against it. It could be that he is aware of someone with a bad experience or could be lack of education about WLS. If he can't give you a reason or is unwilling to learn about procedure then I would look for someone who is. Sorry this is so long. Thanks for listening to me harp and gripe.:faint: Have a great evening! Sherri:)

Hi Benfon, I see from your profile you are from Houston. I live in Clute. I'm sorry that you have had such a bad experience with your dr. It is a shame that they have to behave that way. They are no better that the rest of us!I believe that the first course anyone wanting to be a dr should have to take is COMPASSION 101.!! I am currently doing research and gathering info so that I can make a decision on which Dr. to choose. If you don't mind, would you tell me who your dr is? Thanks so much and good luck to you. Sherri:)

Thanks for the info and encouragement. I think I am going to call for an appointment this week. I am continuing to research this and so far, I think the lapband is the best option for me. I am also discussing this with my family and getting GREAT support from them. Thanks again and have a wonderful day! Sherri