"When I initially met with Dr. Mehta I wanted to have the lapband. He told me that I needed to have bypass due to the amount of weight I needed to lose. Relucantly I agreed. I went through my 6 months supervised diet with his office and lost 55 pounds. I was originally scheduled for surgery August 10th but fell down a flight of steps in late July and did nerve damage and was off my feet for a few weeks so my srugery had to be postponed. When I spoke to his office regarding my leg he suggested since I was approved I get the band done. I questionned this since it was not an option when I came in initially. I said no I would wait the few weeks of therapy out. My surgery was rescheduled for August 31st. I went for my pre surgery visit a few days earlier and had a severe respiratory infection. I asked for an antibiotic but did not get one. He felt I would be fine in a few days for surgery and collected my $3,000 co pay. I called him the day before surgery and was very sick with a respiratory infection and he said I could not go under anesthesia like that and would need to postpone. After this second disappointment I decided to lose the additional 60 pounds so that I could get the band done. I asked them to return my copay and I would continue working with him on the medically supervised diet until I lost the additional weight so I could get the band. The receptionist informed me that my $3,000 copay would be returned and we would work towards the band. Well, the check arrived today for $2500 - the doctor kept $500 for him time in reviewing my file. Needless to say I have now decided to use another surgeon. I paid my copay at every visit. There was no reason to charge this fee. My sister is also scheduled for the band and her last visit she was told not to lose any more weight or she might not be eligible for the surgery. I have to wonder is it the patients best interest or his pocketbook that he has at heart. Very disappointed at how he handled this situation. "
