Southern California Doctors

[stinababy 13]

Hey all. I've been searching for a doctor who is in network with my insurance (ANTHEM PPO) and was able to find Dr. Feiz in Valencia. I'm going on the 28th for my seminar and find myself a little nervous. I've tried every diet fad out there and I get minimal results and gain the weight back plus some. I am crossing my fingers double time praying all goes well with my insurance and the procedure itself, I feel this is my last hope. What has been your journey, do you have any words of wisdom you can send my way? Also, are there any questions I should ask the doctor when I go in for the seminar?? I want to make sure I cover all basis.

[depressed_bandster 72]

I have Anthem BC PPO also. They approved my band on the first submitted auth request and approved it very quickly; about 5 workdays. I think my BMI was about 38-ish and my only comorbidity was sleep apnea.

If for some reason you are not happy with the dr at your seminar, I have been VERY please with my doctor(s) from LapBand VIP. There are 3 doctors there, all of which are WONDERFUL! I started with another lapband company and was not happy, switched to LapBand VIP, had surgery November 2011, and have lost 64 pounds. My docs have been very responsible with my fills & I have had NO problems, no over-fills, no vomiting, no sliming and have follow-up appointments every 4-6 weeks (more often if I feel the need). Their main office (& surgery center) is in Tarzana.

Make sure you are able to contact your docs anytime you need to (I have al my docs cell phone #s). Ask how they do their adjustments (fills), I think these should be done on an individual basis; I have heard some docs do "routine" adjustments, giving everyone the same amount. Ask if you will have available to you a nutritionist at no cost to you; this will be very helpful to you should you ever have a plateau or just need some advice. A nutritionist familiar with the lapband is additionally helpful, so if the office offers this, it is a BIG plus (mine does). Can't think of any other questions to ask at the moment. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me anytime. I recommend the band to anyone who is willing to put in the work...the band is a tool & does not do all the work for you. It was the best decision I made for my life!!!

[tattoomommy 37]

Welcome, i, like so cal am going through lapband vip & am scheduled for the 30th. It was hard on me at 1st because i couldn't find a surgeon within network. Vip informed me that if i wasn't approved, my insurance had to help me find a Dr within 50 miles. We couldn't, so i asked for outta network approval. Like so cal stated, communication with the Dr is important and knowing i can call them directly set my mind at ease, good luck....

[stinababy 13]

Thanks ladies for the advice. It really means a lot! I will definitely make sure I'm comfortable with my doctor. I tried LapBand VIP first but my insurance was out of network.

[elgrande 55]

stina,

You should look at DR Billy in Ventura county hes really good nd has been doing it for awhile. He also takes anthem blue cross.