Utah-Surgical Weight Loss Center/Dr. Richards

[HarleyGirl 1]

Just wondering if anyone on the boards could give a reference for this center or Dr. Richards!

Thanks in advance!

[Chappy08 0]

Hello. I am scheduled to get my Lap Band put in 5/6/08 with Dr. Richards and Cottam. I have not been able to find too much information on this forum regarding these surgeons and the weight loss center.

From what I have experienced so far, the Weight Loss Center seems to be doing a good job. I have had lots of support and plenty of information. I am anxious to get it over with.

[minidriver 0]

Hello. I'm planning on going with them as well. I will be sending in all my paperwork tomorrow. I'm self-pay, so I'm hoping the wait won't be terribly long. How long did it take you to get scheduled?

[HarleyGirl 1]

I was scheduled fairly quickly.....I went to the informational meeting on February 7th and had my surgery on March 18th....I did have to call one time to let them know I had the money, was very serious, and just wanted to get on with it....once I did that, everything went quickly and smoothly.

I've been happy so far......they are there if you need them.

[minidriver 0]

Oh, good! I'm hoping to be banded sometime in June. What was the psych eval like? Just curious . . .

[HarleyGirl 1]

Oh, good! I'm hoping to be banded sometime in June. What was the psych eval like? Just curious . . .

Interview with the psychologist and then took a 100 question test...never heard anything about it after the day I went in, so I guess it was okay.

Nothing to worry about.....

[minidriver 0]

Thanks, Harley Girl. I can't believe how much weight you've lost already. You didn't have to do any sort of pre-surgery diet, correct? So all of you weight loss is post-surgery, correct?

[HarleyGirl 1]

Thanks, Harley Girl. I can't believe how much weight you've lost already. You didn't have to do any sort of pre-surgery diet, correct? So all of you weight loss is post-surgery, correct?

No, I did a week long pre-surgery diet....I lost eight pounds pre-surgery and the rest is post....I'm happy with my progress!

[Chappy08 0]

Hello. I just had surgery yesterday with Dr. Richards and Cottom. I wanted to provide some feedback with my experience.

My experience as a whole was very great! I will be going in for my first post-op appointment soon.

Has anybody any feedback with the band fills here?

[HarleyGirl 1]

Hello. I just had surgery yesterday with Dr. Richards and Cottom. I wanted to provide some feedback with my experience.

My experience as a whole was very great! I will be going in for my first post-op appointment soon.

Has anybody any feedback with the band fills here?

I've had adjustments with both doctors....quick and painless.....no problems at all. I've been very happy.

[lotzasunshine 2]

I just had a fill from Dr.Cottom this week. I was banded out of state, but I wanted to find someone closer to get fills from. I have to admit though that my experience was mixed. The office was wonderful, and welcoming, and the Ladies in the front were great. Dr. Cottom was 25 minutes late, but that is normal with all doctors. However he seemed to have virtually no bedside manner. He seemed offended that I would go out of state to have my surgery. I was self pay and had to look for an affordable and reputable doctor, which I found and LOVE. He implied that my doctor must be incompetant because Dr. Cottom had not heard of him. Also, when he was filling me he did not find the port right away, which would be understandable, but then he inserted the needle forcfully 4 times, and dug around for almost 5 minutes before he finally got to the port. I thought I was going to be sick!!

I understand that doctors have bad days and maybe this was one of his. But I feel that if I am paying $150 for a fill, I should be given a fill and not his opinion on my surgeon, and a feeling of belittlement!

[phm731 0]

Hi everyone... I'm really new to this and attended the seminar last night in Ogden. I have struggled with my weight all my life, but other than a few B-12 shots about 20 years ago and a prescription for phentermine last year, most of my dieting has been on my own. I'm hoping because of my comorbids my insurance will cover my surgery, but I'm wondering how much "hoop-jumping" I'll need to do before I can get approved for surgery. Any thoughts?