Hi all!!

Hi guys! Just starting the journey and going well so far. I had surgery with Dr. Wellborn on Friday Feb 9th and because of insurance spent the night. I'm doing great and NOT HUNGRY!! Lots of liquids and have started walking a little ..... like to say 30 minutes but it's toooooo cold! One more week of liquids and I will be ready for a big ol' serving.....or maybe a little one....:-) of mashed potatoes!!! I am enjoying reading your experiences and it's great having a place to go with "people like me" :-p Looking forward to knowing you all better!

Hi Pamela! How long was the process with Dr. Wellborn from your seminar to surgery. I am still waiting for them to work my packet before they will file my insurance and I can get an appt for a consultation. I was just curious what the time line has been with his office with other patients. I'm trying to be patient but I have no idea what to expect time wise. Which hospital and insurance did you have? Thanks so much for the insight. Good luck to you!!!!

Oh, forgot to tell you my surgery was feb 9th. I didn't really start getting everything together until the end of January and didn't give it to Dr. Wellborns office til around January 3rd then I couldn't get in to see him til ....maybe jan 26th.........

Kelli, I went to a seminar in december. I'm an RN and was a case manager for many years so I kinda know how the system works. I have empire blue. When I called them I told them that I needed precertification for my procedure instead of asking if the ICD 9 was covered or not. This got me the phone number and fax number of my case manager soooooooooooooo I faxed her everything I had given to Dr. Wellborns office that they wouldn't send til the appointment and packet had been worked and it was approved just after I went for my appointment. I'm not even sure that they ever got anything from Dr. Wellborn, but they might have. I just figured I had enough info from my history for a decision to be made and the worse they could do is tell me they needed more info. Hang in there! I'm terrible at waiting!! (ask leslie!) But so far, that was the hardest part!

Thanks so much! I think that I will contact my insurance on monday and do the same. One of my husband's business partners has the same insurance as I do and she had the surgery with him and was covered 100%. I have several travel committments this spring that I am trying to hold off on b/c I have no idea when they will get me in. I think I will contact United Healthcare on monday and see if I can move things along myself. It's so funny-I have considered and researched this forever and now that I have finally decided this is what I want to do I am ready to "get this show on the road." Patience is not one of my best virtues either. LOL So-have you had the surgery? How are things going for you? Have a happy day!

Pamela, Just wanted to say "hi"! Sounds like you're doing wonderfully! Keep up the good work. Margie

Hi Margie! Thanks! I am feeling very well. Every day I think I feel great but then the next day I feel better!! :-D

Pamela, Congrats, I had surgery on Feb 12 w/Dr. Baker, Im doing great. Havent checked my weight, but have done my walking, and have had very little pain. Good luck on the journey, we are in this together. Rhonda

Thanks Rhonda, you too!! My parents were just here. They are from Rison and my aunt and uncle lived in Fordyce all their life!! Small world!