ObesityHelp

Weight Loss Survey Responses
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Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Gerald Demarest, M.D.
My first visit to my dr was actually the hardest one. that was when i knew i had a serious weight problem. my primary care dr was not very understanding, he said i could loose the weight if i had willpower, but he did get me my referral to the surgery specialty clinic in albuq, nm. That referral was ready and approved in about a week. my first visit to Dr Demarest in albuq was jan 13, 2000. I waited 2 hrs to see him, he was a very kind man, but before I saw him I had to talk to his nurse and then his assistant. They were all very nice and undersatanding. The first thing he asked was what efforts had i made to loose the weight. Then we both agreed I had been battling this problem for 20 yrs. Now the surgery info, they gave me several pages of info about the surgery anf the after care. Then I was given a list of tests I had to have before the referral could even be sent to the ins. co. During that first visit they also gave me a list of patients that they have performed the surgery on including their phone numbers, for me to call and ask any questions. They really stressed to me that alot of my success will depend on me......
Insurer Info:
presbytarian
The main thing my ins co wanted was several tests done prior to even considering me for approval. I had to have several blood tests cbc, thyroid, liver panel, ekg, chest xray and even a psychological evaluation. Gloria is the one handling my ins and she has said that presbytarian is very good about approving referral for the surgery as long as you are at least 100 lbs overweight. The main thing is to just be patient. Even tho my approval has not come back yet (as of 3-3-00), my surgery has already been scheduled for april 7, 2000..My dr has faith in my ins co!