Hello from the Coachella Valley

[The Big Boy 1]

Hello Everybody. I have been lurking around here for awhile and figured it was time I said hello. My name is Scott and I am 6’3” and weigh 395. I am just beginning the process of finding my surgeon and have learned a lot from reading all the posts. I am interested in some personal experiences from people living in and around the Coachella Valley (Palm Springs, CA area). I live in La Quinta and have no problem driving to Riverside or San Diego for the right doc but would obviously like to stay close to home. I have already heard some great things about Dr. Coon at Parkview Community Hospital (Thanks Rose) and will be attending one of his seminars soon. I am also interested in any program fees you were required to pay. I have Anthem BCBS and they cover 90% of the cost but I have heard of additional program fees from zero to $8000.00. I know there is a lot of discussion on this board about the legitimacy of program fees, but let’s keep those conversations on the other threads. I am just craving information here. Thanks everybody.

[*susan* 1,709]

Hi Scott, we are glad you decided to join and start posting. Have you checked out the local forums for your area? You will probably find a lot of information on doctors near you there.

[FailureIsntAnOption 0]

Scott,

I go through your area everytime I see my surgeon. I had my band done in Mexicali. My total cost including lifetime fill was $7000.00. No program fee for me.

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,282]

Hello Everybody. I have been lurking around here for awhile and figured it was time I said hello. My name is Scott and I am 6’3” and weigh 395. I am just beginning the process of finding my surgeon and have learned a lot from reading all the posts. I am interested in some personal experiences from people living in and around the Coachella Valley (Palm Springs, CA area). I live in La Quinta and have no problem driving to Riverside or San Diego for the right doc but would obviously like to stay close to home. I have already heard some great things about Dr. Coon at Parkview Community Hospital (Thanks Rose) and will be attending one of his seminars soon. I am also interested in any program fees you were required to pay. I have Anthem BCBS and they cover 90% of the cost but I have heard of additional program fees from zero to $8000.00. I know there is a lot of discussion on this board about the legitimacy of program fees, but let’s keep those conversations on the other threads. I am just craving information here. Thanks everybody.

Hey! I know where that is!! LOL - I'm betting it's hot there right now, no?

Welcome to LBT, you'll love it here.

Best of luck!

[The Big Boy 1]

Hey! I know where that is!! LOL - I'm betting it's hot there right now, no?

Welcome to LBT, you'll love it here.

Best of luck!

Not to bad today, only 115 degrees. Love it!:thumbup:

[sandiegokate 0]

Hello from San Diego!

Hot here today, but not the heat your are feeling.. but, hey.. it IS a dry heat, no? :thumbup:

I am in San Diego, also have BCBS, pays 90% and I am going to Dr. Bhoyrul who is in La Jolla. No program fee from any information I've received so far. I went to three seminars down here and I liked him, his staff, and personality (as a match to me) the best. I don't doubt that there are good surgeons closer to you too though.

Someone from our San Diego Bandsters group had his surgery in Norwalk I think? Kart Man is his name, you might want to reach out to him.

Welcome!! I am just starting my journey as well.. I wish us ALL luck and may we be half the people we used to be in the future!! :thumbup:

Edited July 15, 2009 by sandiegokate

[sandiegokate 0]

Oh, and I love your signature... wish I would have "measured twice cut once" with those baseboards in my house...:thumbup:

[Kanary 0]

Hi there, I live in La Quinta as weel. I just decided on this surgery after looking in to it for 2 years. I am attending a seminar this wedneday. Can I ask what doctor you settled on?

[The Big Boy 1]

I ended up going with Dr. John Coon in Riverside. His program fee is $1,500 and he and his whole staff have been fantastic. They are located at Parkview Community Hospital which didn't have the greatest reviews but turned out to be a great experience. I had surgery on June 8th, have had no complications and have already lost 30 pounds. Dr. Coon's website is below.

http://newimagebariatric.com/index.cfm/PageID/7597

He also shares an office in Rancho Mirage once or twice a month but doesn't do lap-band related work out of it due to insurance requirements, but hopes to in the future. I have Blue Cross and they required that my surgeon be working out of a certified Center of Excellence, which Dr. Coon obviously does. My neighbors also each had a gastric bypass done by Dr. Coon and also speak very highly of him. Let me know if I can answer any other questions, I would be more than happy to help in any way I can. Congratulations on starting down this life changing path.

[Kanary 0]

Thank you for the info. And congrats on your success!! I am so dang excited to start the process!

[Amaris 0]

Congrats on your success! I live in the High Desert in SoCal. I am going with Dr. Krahn in San Bernardino. I hope to be banded in late August.

[Kanary 0]

I am looking into Dr. Krahn as well. If you dont mind me asking, are you using insurance? If so what is the program fee they require?

[Amaris 0]

I am using insurance (TriCare), but he is out of network for my provider, so I have to pay a $4000 cash deposit. I have not heard anything about a program fee. I think I'll be emailing them and asking about that. I've been to two seminars, and had my initial consult and program fees were never mentioned! Have you been to a seminar yet? Let me know if you have any other questions.

I am looking into Dr. Krahn as well. If you dont mind me asking, are you using insurance? If so what is the program fee they require?

[Kanary 0]

Well I had read on this site that many people have had to pay program fees ranging from $200 to $4,000! Even if their insurance pays 100%. I have not done my research on that yet though so I will update you on what I find out. I am currently looking at 4 doctors and the program fee is now going to be one of deciding factors. So much to think about!

[Kanary 0]

Scott,

I looked into Dr. Coon today and he is not covered under my insurance. :-( Thank you again for the info!!