maltomeel
Appetizers
Mar 04, 2007
I had my first Dr. consult in late January with Dr. David Mayer in Huntington, N.Y. My sister (who had LAP last year with Dr. Ren in NYC) came with me to make sure I asked all the right questions and got the right answers! He was lovely and his office manager, Kim (who also had LAP by Dr. ren 4 years prior) was excellent. They both were very honest and supportive. They handed me a large packet of info, and MANY referrals for the various tests I will endure prior to insurance acceptance. I was told I am an excellent candidate but will have to fight the good fight with Empire BCBS to get coverage.
3/4/07 I have had my PCP visit (she wrote me an EXCELLENT letter for insurance), complete fasting bloodwork (all good), echocardiogram, EKG, esophagram, psych eval to date. I have the nutritional counseling and pulmonologist visit this week. Then my packet will be complete and I can get to the submitting. I am a "do it now" sort of a gal and wake everyday with a hope that this will happen.
I was really concerned about the recommended 6 month medically supervised diet that some insurance companies require. I called my provider and after much ado, got a case manager on the phone who explained that the 6 month diet is no longer a requirement. I do have 3 months to show but really would prefer not to wait another 3 months to set a date. Please cross fingers for me!
This site has inspired me so as well as prepared me for the "what ifs". My sister did have slippage and Dr. Ren removed her first band and replaced it with a Vanguard. She feels great now and is back on track. I feel mentally ready....although I do know that this is a tool and just the beginning. Food has been my vice almost all my life. The buck stops here.