New here :) Questions about Maine Med.

Hi everyone :) I actually live in NH but figured I'd come to the Maine board since I'll be going to Maine Med in Portland to hopefully have Gastric Bypass.  I am going to the info meeting this month but have a few questions that I hope you can all help me with.  My neighbor had her surgery done at Dartmouth-Hitchock in Lebanon so I feel like I know a lot about that program but not as much about the Maine Med program.

~What is the average start to finish if you have gone to Maine Med.  I know this is a long process...but I am just looking for averages.  I am wondering how "busy" Maine Med is vs. other hospitals I have a choice of going to (Dartmouth and CMC in Manchester, NH).  I am NOT looking to choose the hosptial with the "shortest time" but I know that for some hospitals the problem is lots of patients/not enough surgeons/time. 

~For Maine Med specifically how many support group meetings do you have to go to? 

I read the big booklet for MM on line and the second step after the info meeting is the referral ~ is it possible for me to have this ready before the info meeting...or will they frown upon this? 

I would really like to hear general feedback about MM. I originally thought I would go to Dartmouth but am almost positive I am going to go with MM.  CMC in Manchester is a bit far even though either way my insurance will pay travel expenses since all of these are at least 50 miles away.  MM is the closest to me.

I am looking forward to getting to know all of you during this journey!

Thank you!
Erica

Sorry I can't help you with a time frame but wanted to wish you the best. Good Luck with your journey. :-)

Hi Erica,

For me it was about 1 year from Referral to Surgery.  Dr Cobean was my surgeon, and I had absolutely no complications.  The Maine Med Bariatric Program is awesome and they are a Center of Excellence, which I think is very important.  I am 15 Months Post Op and I had the RNY Gastric Bypass.

You are only required to go to 1 support group meeting. But I find them helpful and still go every month.

Good luck on your journey!! 

welcome erica

there are so many things that go into how long it takes , like you, insurance , appointments , all those fun things u have too do . but as far as maine medical program, i have been very happy with everyone there and the care that i have been getting rate along , and i was in two programs i left one too go too maine med


good luck on your journey

david

Hi Erica...I'm more north in the Bangor area but just wanted to say "Welcome" and wish you the very best !!

Take Care ~

deb

Hi Erica,

I started with a referral from my pcp on Jan 11th,08 and I am now waiting for my appointment with the surgeon.  I had to do 6 mos of supervised diet as one of my insurance requirements( I have Aetna), as well as dietician, had to have sleep study which lead to another sleep study resulting in a follow-up with a pulmonologist and now sleeping with cpap, I had to have an ultrasound on my gallbaldder only to find out I have gallstones along with a visit to a social worker, informational meeting and 2 support group meetings. Only required to go to one support group meeting but I find them interesting and very informative. 
I have been very happy with MM they are very helpful and very quick to get bact to you with any question you might have, I found all the people there to be freindly helpful and proffesional. I am hoping to hear from them soon, I am getting closer and excited.. Good luck with what ever decision you make...buy the way you all are doing just awesome and are such an inspiration I try to at least read every day..
Debbie P 

Thanks for all the info.

I have Blue Shield of CA so I'll have to check their requirements. I hope they are not too strict.

I just had my gallbladder out less then a month ago.  Problem is now that I have had it out I can eat more then ever because I don't get sick like when it was in. 

I really appreciate all the help!