My first visit to Lap Band Solutions

Idgett · June 16, 2008

Well my fist visit to the center sure wasn't what I thought it would be. It is actually Lapband Houston office. Dr. Felts does surgery there once a month. I was under the impression I would be examined, and see a doctor. I was given a book to read (actually a very informative book) and talked to a lady a little bit, she was mostly an insurance advocate, and once she found out I was self pay cash, our conversation got shorter. Then the nurse came in, poked on my tummy a little, and told me if I was not a Lapband Solutions patient she would start me on the pre op diet, but that would be up to them to do that when I called them to schedule my surgery, and once I scheduled my surgery I would have a pre op visit with the doctor. Pretty much it was a waste of money in my opinion. I plan to stick with Lapband Solutions, because of Dr. Felts. But they are going to get an ugly letter from me.

Is this what I should have expected? Is this what normally happens?

traycew · June 16, 2008

Im not from Houston but from Bham. Before we can schedule appt w/dr we have to attend a seminar...Very informative...first visit with Dr. was great and they answer any questions and let you know what you need to do to get started....Good luck

danielletx75 · July 5, 2008

I am very disappointed with lap band solutions. I was told back in March that I would have to do 3 months of seeing a dietitian and to be monitored by a physician to fulfill insurance requirements. No problem. So I saw their suggested dietitian and go to ALL the monthly appointments for 3 months. All expenses combined I spent about $480.00. This does NOT include what my insurance paid. They sent my information into the insurance and I immediately received a denial letter. My employer has excluded it from my policy as a covered surgery. Now I am angry. I feel as if me and my insurance carrier have been scammed. I asked Lap Band Solutions why I was told it was covered when the whole time it was never a covered surgery and all they said, was I'M SORRY. Also, now I have to pay the $15,000 to have the surgery AND I could have already had the surgery back in March!!!!

Idgett · July 6, 2008

Sorry to hear about your experience. I didn't stick with them after all. They know with the first call to the insurance company whether there are exclusions for WLS in your plan. unfortunately a lot of these WLS centers are just into it for the money. Had I stuck with them I may have had a lap band by now BUT it would not have lasted. Four years ago I had surgery to repair a hiatal hernia; I had heard that it could cause problems,so to dig out the truth I went to a gastro doctor that had no affiliation with lap band to make sure I was a candidate. It can be done, BUT I was at much more risk for failure, and more importantly complications. Lap Band Solutions had said " sure your a candidate, the previous surgery is no problem"

I believe Lap Band Solutions would have let me continue to have appointments or may have even done the surgery knowing I would later have complications that could lead to additional surgery or to have a revision. In any case they did not have the chance. I decided to get away from the cattle call clinics and search out a private Dr. that does WLS. I am very happy with my choice and will soon be reaping the success of a gastric sleeve. Out of all the WLS out there, I choose the sleeve, and all three of my doctors (primary, gastric, & WL surgeon) agree it is the best surgery for me.

As for Lap Band Solutions.... I believe their practices to be deceptive, and maybe even risky. I have directed a letter to the AMA an the TX medical board telling them of my experience. I hope others like yourself will do the same.