travelchick 5 Posted January 9, 2008 Hello everyone, I just started researching lap-band about four weeks ago. I'll be self-pay, so I'm shopping around for doctors in the Atlanta area. My first seminar is next week at the Atlanta Bariatric Center at Johns Creek. The next week, I have an appointment with Dr. Champion in Marietta, as well as a seminar in Albany, GA for Dr. Bagnato's practice. I'd love any advice or tips on this stage of the journey. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ugagirl 0 Posted January 9, 2008 Hey there! I too am from Georgia and self-pay. I am going to Dr. Freeman in Anniston, Alabama. It's about 2 hours west of Atlanta but significantly cheaper than any of the doctors I researched in Atlanta. I just went to the seminar today, great staff and doctor. Best of luck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
travelchick 5 Posted January 9, 2008 Hi ugagirl, I just checked out your doctor's website, and he and his staff sure do look friendly. Is it possible for you to give me a ballpark figure on his cheaper costs? That definitely piqued my interest. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ugagirl 0 Posted January 10, 2008 Dr. Freeman charges $14,400 which includes six adjustments. If you want more details feel free to email me, I'd be happy to answer them. gagirl75@gmail.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
travelchick 5 Posted January 16, 2008 Hi ugagirl, I just made an appointment with Dr. Freeman's office for a seminar in two weeks. Their 4-hour session sounds pretty extensive. That will be a mighty early morning with the drive from Atlanta and the seminar starting at 8am! I'll let you know how it goes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nip50 2 Posted January 16, 2008 Dr. Bagnato's fees were $17,400. This were all inclusive and you get 5 fills per year free. Not just the first year. The hospital has an obesity clinic and that's where you go for the fills. For this price, he also repaired 3 hernias at no additional cost. I was extremely satisfied with him and his staff. I have a friend who had Dr. Champion perform a by-pass and she swears by him. I did find that his price for the lapband was quite a bit more than Dr. B's. Good luck with your appointments. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites