Louisiana Weight Loss Forums

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gator28fan
on 6/13/10 12:10 am - Scott, LA

Topic: RE: Any testimonials for Drs. in Louisiana???

On June 12, 2010 at 11:25 PM Pacific Time, gigglee wrote:

Marlene, i see you had Dr Gachassin..he recently did my gall bladder and i chose him also..i go to seminar next weekend and he said i can have my surgery in august..i am also doing the sleeve so i was quite thrilled to hear the info on selfpay b/c my insurance will not pay for it. did you sign up for payment plan?? How was the surgery and how are you doing?? I would appreciate any info b/c i am so nervous but really excited at same time. Its all i think about now. I am ready to get my life back..Hope you are doing well!
Thanks, Gigglee

Gigglee,

I am so happy with Dr G. Loved him since the seminar and his team concept is wonderful. The women on his team are great. I had my surgery on 4-20-10. I lost 27 lbs between my first surgery consult on 3-1-10 and the day before my surgery. Since my surgery I have lost 36 lbs for a total of 63 lbs so far.

As I mentioned, I was self pay. I looked into a payment plan with Iberia Bank near the hospital but I chose to use my credit card because I had some special checks that I could have used with 0% for 8 months. I only had to finance about $3000 as I had some savings, my income tax refund, cashed in a CD and borowed on my life insurance policies. I figured that I could pay off the $3000 in 8 months and not have to pay any interest. I have not regretted my decision to have the surgery and to self pay.

I would recommend that you attend the support group meetings if possible. It's great to meet with other people who have the same surgery as you will have. I also love this website and others. I watch the videos on btv.com and love the recipes on theworldaccordingtoeggface.com

Hope your surgery is successful.

Marlene

HW: 440.6 SW: 401 CW: 281.6 GW: 170

jessperry
on 6/12/10 9:52 pm - Franklinton, NC

RNY on 03/03/10

Topic: RE: Got my Referral letter

Sometimes it takes a while. I had Blue Cross Blue Shield and had the referral from my PCP, but it still took me a little over a month to see the surgeon and then I had to see the dietitian at least twice and the psychologist twice, before even getting to the point of sending in the approval to the insurance company. So, I would say the entire process from initial referral to surgery was about 4 months. I guess it depends on your coverage, surgeon, and what is required to get you approved. Hang in there, it sounds like it is a long time and it feels that way, but it is really worth the wait.

tununi
on 6/12/10 8:31 pm - Geismar, LA

Topic: Got my Referral letter

Okay Guys,
I went to my PCP and got the referal letter to have the gastric sleeve surgery.But my question is now that i got the ball rolling how long is it going to roll?LOL i'm asking because I've been coming across post that people are putting up.okay first let me say this I am on Medicad.Now i've been reading and people are on here saying that they had to wait 6+months to be approved and some even said medicad didnt approve them.So my question is after i visit my PCP and the weight loss surgeon how long is the waiting approval process going to take?

gigglee
on 6/12/10 4:25 pm - Broussard, LA

VSG on 08/02/10

Topic: RE: Any testimonials for Drs. in Louisiana???

gigglee
on 6/12/10 4:14 pm - Broussard, LA

VSG on 08/02/10

Topic: Excited and nervous...decided to have sleeve...

Recently decided to have gastric sleeve ...very excited but also very nervous..I have always been a big girl but with back problems from a wreck two years ago..the wt keeps coming on and I can't exercise b/c it hurts so bad. So instead of having back surgery..i decided it was time to do this. Then had to have emergency gall bladder surgery with doctor who does the bariatric surgery and voila ..I am having sometime in August.
I am presently 315 lbs..and miserable so I am hoping this is going to help change my life. I have been over 200 lbs for a very long time and never thought I would be over 300...Would love to hear from anyone who has had the sleeve and how they are doing...I am terrified but so excited ..Just a mixture of emotions..is this normal...
thanks for any comments!!

goodlife
on 6/12/10 2:52 pm - Mandeville, LA

VSG on 04/28/10

Topic: RE: Anyone familar with Surgical Specialists of Louisiana

Do any of you that were sleeved know what size boughie they use?
I forgot to ask and now I'm curious!

goodlife
on 6/12/10 2:45 pm - Mandeville, LA

VSG on 04/28/10

Topic: RE: Northshore Dr's?

I was sleeved by Dr. French back in April.
What I don't know for sure is what bougie size they use.
I know it's universal across the board just don't know what it is!

Does anyone know that has used Surgical Specialists?

dens
on 6/8/10 6:05 am - Shreveport, LA

RNY on 02/17/10

Topic: RE: Moving down there

Welcome! I too live in Shreveport so I can't help you with the doctors there in Monroe.

I hope you enjoy living here...the heat can be sweltering...thank God for AC!!!

Patti

Connie S.
on 6/8/10 2:06 am - Calhoun, LA

VSG on 05/14/10

Topic: RE: Moving down there

Welcome to Louisiana!! I live in Calhoun which is a small town right outside of Monroe. I go to school in Monroe and my husband works there. I do not have a doctor in town, I go to a doctor in shreveport and haven't attended any support groups yet. I think there is supose to be one meeting around the 1st of July but I am a newbie and they haven't met since my surgery. I hope you enjoy it here (oh and ignore the smell, it's just the paper mill LOL! You get used to it). Welcome to the south!

5'4" 31 year old mom to a wonderful 4 year old son and full-time student studying to be a social worker.