Who's your surgeon? Vivek Prachand (mine)

Has anyone else used or is anyone else using him as their surgeon? Just curious because Dr. Prachand is my surgeon. I just thought I would try to get others' opinions of him. If that is not your surgeon, you can just share with us who yours was and how your experience was/is. Thanks Cherie

I had DR Frantzides. In my eyes he is the best surgeon!! I did lots of research and with this being such a major surgery I wanted the best! I am glad I did too. Dee

Hi Cherie - My Surgeon is Dr. Jeffrey Rosen w/ LifeWeigh Bariatrics. He's my angel and I absolutely adore him and his team of experts. They are there to help you succeed. Not just pre-op and during surgery, they are in it for the long haul. Christina

I also had Dr. Franztides and he is the best....extremely knowledgable when it come to this type of surgery abosolutely amazing man

Have you tried to call any of the medical schools in your area? Such as Washington Universary in St, Louis and asking there? You might also call the health department in your county and ask them for referrals. Or, any of the bariatric groups in the metro area. I am using Dr. Paul Guske at the Kane Center in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. I have insurance, but had not met my deductable, so my phych evaluation cost me $575 out of pocket. Good luck.

Dr. Prachand is my doctor also. My surgery is on 5/18. At first he tried to steer me towards DS or RNY, but he respected my wishes for lapband. I have two friends that he performed surgery too. The University of Chicago is a Center of Excellence which is great in any insurance's eyes.

Well it is good to meet someone else that is having Prachand perform their surgery. How long did it take you to get to this point (of getting your date and all that)? I am just trying to see how much more I have to do... How did you psychiatry evaluations? Did you get evaluated by Dr. Munoz? What all did you have to do? I just can't wait until it is all done and I get my date. GOOD LUCK and stay in touch to let me know how things are going for you.

Thanks Cherie.  My name is Sharee.  I was evaluated on 2/7/07 by Dr. Prachand, a surgical resident, the nutritionist and the psychologists double teamed me (lol, one talked the other one listened).  I can't recall their names.  He didn't require me to have any additional tests.  I did a lipid profile, thyroid and kidney function tests.  My paperwork was sent on 3/9 and I got approved on 3/28 by United Healthcare.  I believe that Dr. Prachand stated they are the only hospital that takes Medicare, so that's normally backed up a couple of months.