Lap Band in conjunction with Gall Bladder removal

January 10, 2006

Howdy all,

I have been considering lap band surgery for over a year now but have been holding off due to the cost. Today, my gastro Dr. told me that I need to have my gall bladder removed. I have read in the past that for insurance reasons, a lot of people have combined the lap band proceedure with gall bladder removal.

Has anyone on here had this experience / dual proceedures? Are there any particular risks / complications I need to be aware of or increased recovery times?

Also, my gastro Dr. referred me to Dr. Wongsa in NW Houston to do the proceedure. Does anyone have any experience with this Dr.?

Thanks in Advance... Wallace

HeatherGurl · January 10, 2006

Wallace~

Welcome to LapBandTalk. I think you should check out Dr. Hadar Spivak. He is located near the medical center. His website is www.bandmd.com

I did not have to have my gall bladder removed, but the lady that had surgery right before me did. He is an EXCELLENT Dr. and I know that he does both procedures at the same time. Also he will repair hernias, if you have one.

I have NEVER heard of Dr. Wongsa??? Give Dr. Spivak's office and call and try attending one of his seminar's. You can ask him all the questions that you need.

Good Luck and keep us informed on what you decide!

FunnyDuddies · January 10, 2006

I actually checked with my insurance comapny for a similar situation. Only I was checking for Tubal Ligation. My insurance will cover that surgery in full. But if I have the lap band put in at the same time, they will cover NONE of it. I have United Healthcare and there is a written exclusion of any bariatric weight loss surgery. So that nails the coffin shut on insurance covering any of my WLS.

Amy