Doctor Hornbostel says no!!

[PattiCakes 0]

Ok I need to give a brief intro first...I had my consult with Dr. Philip Hornbostel in MO July of 2006 and my first appt. was supposed to be Oct. 24, 2006. My father became ill with lung cancer and subsequently passed away during that time so, suffice to say, I did not go to my appt. I talked with Dr. Hornbostel's office staff this morning and they said they quit the Lapband because THEIR patients gained all the weight back plus some! She even went on to give me examples of two clients who were banded two years ago and after initial weightloss are now heavier! :faint:

This can not be reality for everyone! I have seen losers on here that are 3 and 4 years out that are as skinny as ever! If you follow the program you should not regain it! Anyway, they offered to schedule me for gastric bypass. No offense to anyone, but I want the BAND NOT BYPASS! I know the bypass is great and lots of you have done super, but it is not for me.

So, now what??? He only does bypass. I don't want bypass........I am a Medicare patient so it has to be at a Center of Excellence and he is the only one I know. Can anyone give me any info?? I am flabbergasted! I am willing to travel for my surgery, so if you know of a Medicare approved in your area, please do not hesitate to let me know!

I am so disappointed! :think

[alysedg23 0]

Is there only one physician in your area that does lap band??? Lap band surgery is very popular among most surgeons because its easy money for them. It's a simple procedure that many many surgeons are starting to do more and more.

Screw him and his gastric bypass...call your insurance company and ask them what other centers of expertise are in your area..believe me, you will be surprised at how many there are.

Or, forget insurance and go to Dr. Ortiz in Mexico...you will probably pay about the same when you consider the copay and deductible and all that..I dont know what kind of plan you have..but my Blue Cross would only pay 60%..so by going to Mexico...I saved a lot of money, and more importantly, TIME, since they schedule you very soon in the near future.

If you insist on going with your insurance....it shouldnt be too hard to find another surgeon in your area. Or ask your "anti lap band" doctor to refer you to someone who is more willing to give you the band.

[alysedg23 0]

Oh, and check obesityhelp.com...they have surgeons listed and reviews on those surgeons..

Good luck

[beachgirl 2]

I agree, I call Dr. Zapata in Mexico, who's done over 7000 of these and in 2 weeks was having my surgery. Total cost for absolutely everything including travel, food, hotel stay, all hospital costs, and free fills for life, 7500.00.

[PattiCakes 0]

You both have been so helpful, thank you! I will check obesity help and see if I can find it. I agree with you all , by gosh...If I want the band I am entitled to get it! <humph!> LOL

Thanks a ton!!

[Anyalee 0]

I'm going to Dr Johnell in Greeley Colorado. He is a center of excellence & has great results!!

[Ja9 0]

I know Dr. Colin Brathwaite in Smithtown, NY does the surgery (both) and does accept most insurances including medicare. Hope that helps, good luck. Ja9

[Band Chick 3]

Try these:

Surgical Review Corporation

OR

Find Members of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

I'm going to Dr. Neal in Washington Pacific Surgical

Don't give up! Move on! {{{hugs}}}

[PattiCakes 0]

Thanks everyone! You all have been so helpful! I hate starting over again, but I know it will be worth it!

[big chris 0]

Hey patti

I live in Sedalia and went to his meetings and my insurance wouldnt pay so I am going to Mexico and getting the lap band Lador day weekend by Dr Kuri for $7500 I had to borrow some money and take it out of my 401k but I am ready for a life change. I didnt know he quit the band, by what I have read you still have to change what you eat and exercise. I need the help of not eating so much so I hope this is the tool I need to geterdone

good luck Chris

[Linda S. 0]

My insurance won't pay so I am seriously considering going to Tiajuana Mexico but I am scared. Can anyone reccommend a doc in Tiajuana? I can drive there in 4 hours. I would rather hear from someone who had a complication and was happy with the doctor. Any doctor is good as long as nothing goes wrong.

[jennypoo 0]

Im also considering going to Mexico.I only found the one site for Ortiz.How about the other doc Zapata?He seems cheaper.Ortiz gave me the amount of 9500.But Im all the way in Va.

Jennifer

[B A looser 0]

My insurance won't pay so I am seriously considering going to Tiajuana Mexico but I am scared. Can anyone reccommend a doc in Tiajuana? I can drive there in 4 hours. I would rather hear from someone who had a complication and was happy with the doctor. Any doctor is good as long as nothing goes wrong.

* Where will you be driving from???? Just like you I started asking around, and this forum for me has been a blessing ..there's so many nice and helpful people here you will be surprised,so I hope I can help you a little at least to ease your doubts, on my original list of I don't now how many doctors in Mexico,I finally narrowed down to two, Dr. Francisco Gonzalez and Dr. Ortiz, I will be happy to share any of my findings with all of you if you care for my input I will be having my surgery in a couple of weeks so I will let you guys know how everything goes as soon as I decide to wich doctor to go to...getting closer

[bizzyjan 0]

Hi, I was banded in Mexico on July 31. It went really well; the toughest part was the language barrier, but my hubby and I bought a Spanish-English dictionary and had fun with it. I would HIGHLY recommend my doctor, Dr. Salvatore Valencia. He has taught at UCLA and has an excellent medical ethic. My anesthesiologist came by twice, before and after: Dr. V and I talked twice before surgery, and he came by 3 times afterward. I picked him partly because he doesn't seem to spend all his money on advertising. He prefers word of mouth. Good luck with whomever you choose. Jan

[tdl 0]

check out dr. Rodriquez. I am going to use him - he has you fly into San AntonioTexas and they put you up at the La Quinta Inn the day before your surgery and drive you into Mexico have the surgery, stay in the hospital for the night and then drive you back to the hotel for another night stay. I live in Va - where do you live? tara