new and questions in Easy Valley AZ

[wantolose155 0]

Hi, I am new and have been researching the lap band quite a bit..

My insurance excludes wls and I will have to finance...

I am thinking about Dr blackstone or dr nirmul at true results I have my seminar appt 2-2 at true results, any comments on either of these docs, I am surprised by the fact that you go home same day, I am a little freaked out by that, what if something goes wrong when I get home? I take several meds and am worried about not being able to swallow them anymore..I have sleep apnea, high blood pressure and fibromyalgia.

The whole food getting stuck thing freaks me out as well, and so does the thought of having a cathedar!

I guess I am a big chicken in general.

Any advice or comments about docs or ??

Thanks

[betrthnever 107]

Hi wantolose155, The surgery only helps your issues. Often after weight loss many end up not having to take so many meds. Also there are pills in different forms and/or different ways to take them. And Dr Blackstone doesn't do the catheter - you wee before & afterward. She's really good, though. Have you been to the orientation meeting?

[wantolose155 0]

Havent been to her seminar yet, still scheduled for the dr nirmul one on 2-2 dr blackstone was more expensive they quoted me for self pay 20675(hospital) or 19100(outpatient) that is a few thousand more than dr nirmul @ true results..decisions decisions

[betrthnever 107]

Just curious, have you thought about going out of the country for it?

[wantolose155 0]

I thought about it for a fraction of a sec, then decided no, if I want cheap I will go to dr kirschenbaum in coloradop everyone speaks so highly of him, however upon further research, I have determined flying back for the cost of fills or joining a "program" here in az for fills makes it about the same as ahving it here, I would rather be close to who ever does the surgery for fillos, emergencies, questions, whatever

[betrthnever 107]

Yeah, I think about that, too (being close to the Dr). One day we might move away but I shouldn't have a problem getting fills. All I know is is that if I could have or knew about this 5-10 years ago I would have gotten it (or if the band was as good then as it is now). I wouldn't have waited. And I can't wait! 27 days to go and counting:lol:

[adorkbl 156]

I used Dr Kirshenbaum and will be going to Dr Berger for fills and followup. He is in Flagstaff, uses Fluoro for all fills. I just went with another Dr K patient for her first fill with Dr Berger and I was very impressed.

I think the combo of Dr K and Dr B will be a lot cheaper than going through Dr Blackstone. If $$ is an issue to you. It was to me. I have nothing but good things to say about Dr K. He is extremely skilled. But you are right, it is not cost effective to return to CO for aftercare.