1st fill

[roband 0]

I was in Houston for my first fill on the first with Dr. Speigal. I was please that Dr. Speigal did the fill. As a self pay, I was surprized to discover the charge was $100 - cash!! This could of course add up over the next several years...) An expense I really did not consider.

After waiting in a room with about 20, I was called in weighed, then sent back to the room to wait. The Dr. stopped in the room to announce that everyone would have to drink a bottle of Water prior to leaving - to make certain that the fill is providing proper restriction. I felt that made sense.

The fill took less than a minute (awesome!) Then I ask where I could get the Water. They told me I could get some down the way at the deli! OK, maybe I missed something? Why couldn't the Dr. provide a bottle of water to a patient that paid in full for their lap band as well as their fill? It would have taken little effort on their part...I could not believe they could not afford a stinking bottle of water!!!

I was able to drink my purchased bottle of water and left. It's been 4 days, and I am only able to consume liquids & Soups. I attemped some solids and could not keep anything down. Not sure how long it will be before I am able to get some solids down. Anyone have experiences to share that may help?

Thanks!

[babygrl1234 6]

That is pretty crappy. I mean if they want you to drink a bottle of Water before leaving they really should provide it to you.

[MyKdsDad 1]

Live and learn. My wife's doctor provides a small paper cup of Water that she must consume before we leave the office. Looking at it from a business point of view... You've got several hundred (in a week) fat people running around looking for a bottle of water. You set it up so that you profit from that, too. I'm sure he gets a cut from the deli. Also, if he provided for every patient that needed a drink, that would cut into his profits...

[enterprise01 0]

Live and learn. My wife's doctor provides a small paper cup of Water that she must consume before we leave the office. Looking at it from a business point of view... You've got several hundred (in a week) fat people running around looking for a bottle of Water. You set it up so that you profit from that, too. I'm sure he gets a cut from the deli. Also, if he provided for every patient that needed a drink, that would cut into his profits...

That's just plain greedy. If you buy water in bulk, you can easily get it for 50 cents a bottle or less. Let's say the doctor fills 400 people a month, which I think is a huge overestimation. The doctor would lose $200 a month if he provided water for patients. Is $200 a month worth all the ill will he's creating?

Dr. Spivak provides each patient with a 16 oz. bottle of water after a fill. I'm so glad he's my doctor.

[MyKdsDad 1]

enterprise, think about it. They give you a shot of saline solution, with or without flouro. Takes, what, 3, 4, maybe 5 minutes and charge your insurance $1000. Or if you pay, $100 to $250??? How greedy is that?

[enterprise01 0]

enterprise, think about it. They give you a shot of saline solution, with or without flouro. Takes, what, 3, 4, maybe 5 minutes and charge your insurance $1000. Or if you pay, $100 to $250??? How greedy is that?

You got that right!!! They're making the big bucks on the fill, so you'd think they could at least spare a bottle of Water for each patient. Cheap, cheap, cheap.

[roband 0]

Thank you for your thoughts!

A little customer service training would not hurt a bit!

Best,

[Karyn 0]

Roband-

I agree with Dr Spiegel providing Water. I had to walk down to the deli also. I thought it was silly that they didn't provide, sell at office, or just tell you to bring one!

I have had some concerns with pb/sliming when eating solids since my fill. I am just now getting to the point of major frustration and scared something might happen to my band. I think I'm going to call office tomorrow. Are you still having problems?

I can do liquids and some solids...but majority solids come back up!