Just wanted to share that Dr. Jean-Baptiste called to let me know that I was approved! I was so shocked! He got approval based on the psych and nutritional evaluations! All of the other tests and consults I am getting are just for his files prior to surgery! I have Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield POS and it's the best insurance in the world! I guess there are percs working for low pay in a school! I hope to have the surgery on November 9 when schools are closed for teacher's convention!

I just emailed Beth privately and told her about Dr. Jean-Baptiste's support group, lol! He is also having an info session at the Westwood in Garwood on Weds. night. By the way, Dr. J-B's support group begins at 5:30 not 5;00, I got a letter in the mail informing me of the time change! Beth, hope you can come!

Aren't the staples inside? When your stomach is made into a small pouch doesn't the doctor use staples to create the pouch? These staples should be permanent. On the outside, each small incision is closed with a few layers of tape. The tape is taken off after a few weeks. I had a laparoscopic hysterectomy in February and the doctor took the tape off after about 3 weeks.

Every doctor seems to require different tests before submitting to insurance. One doctor I consulted only needed blood work, nutritionist and therapist, chest xray, EKG and cardiac clearance. Another I just saw wanted the upper GI, ultrasound of the gallbladder, clearance from a gastroenterologist, pulmonologist, cardiologist, nutritionist consult, psychotherapist and a few others. I think the more they ask for the better. I have sleep apnea too but I have no idea what my # is...I guess I should ask the doctor. I had lap surgery in Feb for a hysterectomy and the doc knew I had sleep apnea. I had no problems in the OR or Recovery. I did question my doctor before the hysterectomy asking why he didn't require certain tests that other doctors wanted and he said they weren't necessary. Since he was a specialist, I didn't question him and I guess he was right.

Ideally I'd like to use Dr. Nusbaum because the doctor I just consulted with, Dr. Jean-Baptiste, told me he'd send a family member there and I know he trained with Dr. Nusbaum so that in itself is a great recommendation, however, I cannot pay any out of pocket fees so I need to have my insurance cover the entire cost. I am not sure why Dr. Nusbaum does not accept my insurance but I guess it's because the office visit charges that it pays are too small. HOpe you are doing well now that you are one month out!

Hello! I'm in the process of interviewing and consulting with surgeons, either by appointment or at an info session or support group. I am looking at doctors from recommendations. A friend raved about Dr. Bertha but I think his practice has gotten too large. Someone told me about Dr. Nussbaum but he does not accept my insurance. A married couple used Dr. Goyal and I liked him but am concerned that he didn't seem as thorough on the pre-op approval tests. Today I met with Dr. Jean Baptiste and he gave me more than an hour of his time, answered all of my questions and didn't rush me at all! He has excellent credentials. Another doctor that has been given to me are Dr. Hans Schmidt but he is in Hackensack and I think it's too far. I don't know how to choose except to go with my gut feeling. I definitely want a doctor *****ally knows and cares about his patients and is involved in every aspect of their pre and post op experiences. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Please forgive me for being blunt but there are many single moms who are working and have health insurance. If it's really important to you to have the surgery you should try to find a job that will provide the health benefits you need. It's one thing for everyone to feel sorry for you but many of us are in the same situation with our weight loss issues but we also work and have the insurance to cover the surgery. I have diabetes and sleep apnea and other medical problems but I wake up each day and go to work. I don't make much $$$ but the medical benefits are really worth it to me, especially the medications. I think it would be beneficial not only to you but to your children to see you gainfully employed. It would improve the entire family's quality of life. If you are able to use a computer, there are many jobs you can do. If you need training, I'm sure you can get it. If you live in Newark, I'm sure that Essex County College offers many career education classes and you can probably take the classes for free. Many poor people have come out of poverty to make something of themselves. You are still a young woman with a good future ahead of you. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and be proactive on improving your life. I'm sure many of us on these boards would be willing to offer advice. Your life is what you make it.