I used Dr. Robert Powell in Richardson, Texas and am happy with the surgery. He's done many successful procedures and has a lot of experience as a surgeon.
I believe Dr. Benevides and Dr. Powell work out of the same surgery center, The Surgery Center of Richardson. Dr. Powell and Dr. Benevides' offices are right next to each other in a building across the street. There are also several other doctors that work out of that Surgery Center, all doing lapbands I believe.
The surgery center is run by the American Institute of Gastric Banding, so I'm assuming Dr. Benevides and Dr. Powell are both members of that Institute. You can check out more about AIGB at
www.aigb.com. They also offer informative seminars. Dr. Powell's website is
www.weightnot.net.
Dr. Powell's flat rate for the surgery and a year of follow up and fills was $15,000. I believe Dr. Benevides is the same. In fact, the only difference I have found between the two of them is their post op diet instructions. Dr. Powell recommends a much longer clear liquid stage.
I hope this helps!
Robin
