Well that was crappy..

I called Dr. Kligman's office to set up my consultation appt today since they never called me back yesterday. Well in order to see him I must attend a seminar up in MD. That's not a problem.. I actualy wanted to attend one anyway.. But then she tellsme in order to even be considered for an appointment I MUST have 6 months straight documentation from a NUT. I don't have 6 month documentation. I was hoping to possibly have this surgery in 6 mo.. My hubby is in the AF and leaves for the sandbox in about 7 months..  So I had an option to see a Dr. Wernsing whose up in Philly. He's with Pennsylvania Hospital. He's gotten really good reviews here on OH.  I know some ins. require that 6 mo documentation but is it common for a Dr. to require it too? Ryanne

My doc said I had to have a nutricianist for 6 months doc diet too,,,, but my ins just wanted doc diet for 6 months.... I went to weigh****chers for 6 months and my doctor PCP signed off on it...And I was told that was good enough.... I have MAMSI. I went with what my ins required... since they are the ones approving it.... Good luck sounds like your second option may be a good one... I drive all the way to bayview in MD from delaware for support groups and visits to drs... Its not so bad... travelling i mean...

 Why do you drive to bayview?  Can't you attend one of the groups here in New Castle County?  Elissa posted a list of meetings and locations just the other day.

It's quite common for the doctor and insurance Company to require 6 months of supervised/documented diets before approval.  They just want to make sure you've exhausted all other options since this is a serious surgery which requires lifestyle changes for the rest of your life.

PA Hospital didn't require that.....But I will tell you the support groups made me think!  I was so glad I did them prior to surgery.  I needed to know I could do it before it was done.  I look back and think classes may have helped some but I think the support groups help more....why because you talk to people sometimes they scare the crap out of you but you have to realize that we are all individuals and will adjust differently to the surgery.  But all in all it was the best thing I did for myself!  I am sure you agree!  You are doing good!   Debbie

BAYVIEW is the closest hospital my insurance will cover.. 

Do you have to pay for support visits?  You do have to go where the insurance will pay unless of course you are independently wealthy. 

You might want to try any of the other groups listed except for PMRI & St. Francis (both are pay I believe although PMRI is only $5 if you Didn't have your surgery thru the Christiana Care program).  They are free (although some may ask for a donation to pay for facility expenses).  Concordia and Victory are both great groups.  Whe I was very active I went to several meetings per month.  I hope to get bact into the swing of things now that I'm finished school.

Dr Wernsing is good..now that program requires you to do two support sessions before the surgery date.  Easy enough to do.  They have their support meetings in Philly the last Tuesday of the month.  They also require nut classes but its nothing like MD and DE.....perhaps that is why everyone looks that way!  LOL.  I can say the PA Hospital Drs are great!  Very compassionate, knowledgeable nut.....His name is Jim and let me tell you I really like him.  He will work with you with the program.  You don't start seeing him until surgery date is set.  They make you do a nut session (1 hr to go over and prep you for surgery and how you will eat) you will have I think its 3 more sessions after surgery to be sure you are eating write, they check your diary and answer any questions you may have.  Its really not a bad progam.  The support groups are BIG....Audiotorium holds about 200 people.....Some are post ops most are seeking surgery!  Not many post ops come after surgery.  Its a shame because I can say you need it especially as far out as I am.  The support of others to keep you motivated helps alot!  If there is anything I can help you with on the program just shoot me an email.  I had Dr. Kirkland....he only does open.  He is a real cutie and a great surgeon.  If I have to go under the knife again I am using him!!!! Debbie

Thanks so much for the info!! From what Ive read there is a support group up in Smyrna. I may check them out. They are the closest to me. My insurance doesn't cover the NUT visits. I can go on base for free (im pretty sure) but I don't really think they know what they are talking about anyway. Do you  have an idea of how much Dr. Wernsings NUT charges per visit?

TIA!