"This medical weight loss journey is new to me and I wanted to share my initial experience for anyone in the same position. It was an eye opening experience. I found a website about medical weight loss (Az Weight Loss clinic) It was the first to pop up on my Google search for Tucson medical weight loss. I had my appointment this morning in Tucson after waiting some time. The surgeon was Michael Orris from Scottsdale with AZ weight loss. I realize I need to look into options about weight loss since the extra weight is taking a toll on my body and I'm not as healthy as I should be and have not been successful trying this on my own. My appointment was at 10:30. I was moved into four different rooms to wait for the surgeon. I finally met with the dietician at 1130 who was kind. At 12:00 noon the doctor finally invited me into his office for my consult. I told him I was looking into weight loss options. I had previously given all my health care information weeks prior. I shared that I was interested in lap band surgery. I was informed my insurance was 80/20.I was told my portion of 20% would be around $8600. It was also explained the procedures I must do before the surgery as well as all the side effects after the surgery (Only liquids for weeks after surgery) FYI, This appointment was covered by my insurance and I paid the $40 copay. (This was not a free consultation) I shared that I needed to process everything as it was a huge decision and expensive. He asked if I had questions, I shared that I was surprised at all the prep work. He informed me that all the prep work was 100% necessary and that he would never do a surgery without it and he was surprised that I could think he would perform the surgery on people without having all the prior procedures in place. (endoscopy, cardiac clearance, psych eval, Abdomen ultrasound, chest x-ray and these costs are not included in the $8600.) He asked if I had more questions, again I said I need to process all the info. As I was leaving, the surgeon walked me out and said and I quote, "I need to know if you're interested because this is a lot of work, so I don't want to waste my time or yours." I said for the third time, I need to think about it. He tossed my stack of paperwork on the medical assistant's desk and walked away clearly irritated. As a special education teacher I have dedicated my life to helping others, especially those who are most often overlooked. I expect my students to have challenging behavior as it is part of the disability. I am flabbergasted at this professional surgeon's unprofessional behavior. I also can't help but wonder if he would have treated me the same if I was thin."
