Hello everyone, I have been mostly a lurker.......

but I feel its time to come out of lurker mode and post some good news I have. My DH changed jobs because his job ended. Well guess what?? His ins. he has now includes wls. Actually, his new job has the same ins. (bcbs) but the employer has the wls rider. So, I went to the bcbs web site and found that they recommend Sartori Memorial Hospital in Cedar Falls. Well I am from that area so I am familiar with the place. I live about 100 miles away now. I go to the imformational meeting on Apr. 21. I was wondering if anyone else is going there on that date? It would be nice to know someone that was going. Have a nice day, Cindy

Cindy, I just wanted to wish you the best of Luck threw your awesome journey!! Keep your head up and don't worry everything will work out just fine. (((BIG HUGZ))) to you! Janelle

Morning Cindy, I'm happy that you have insurance that will cover your surgery. Keep posting away that's what we are here for. Good luck & let us know how your info meeting goes. Hugs Carolyn

Congratulations & good luck Cindy. The program at Sartori is great. Several of us here had their surgery by Dr G & have had great results. You'll be very impressed at the meeting. He is very particular & you have to jump through every hoop necessary before he will do the surgery but it is worth it. Dixie 342 on 12/03 & now 183

Welcome to the boards and the journey!! You will get a lot of great info from this site! 100 miles isn't bad travel at all!!! I live in Dubuque and had my surgery in Iowa City......two hours each way but way worth it! I hear good things about Dr.G....Best of luck and Take Care Jesi

Hi Cindy, I am going to be there on April 21st too. Also another poster whose name is Amy. She and I realized that we already knew each other. I'm also going to Sartori, even though I live in Olin (30 miles east of Cedar Rapids) because BC/BS and my PCP recommend them. See you there!!! Leslie

Hi Cindy, I'm the Amy that Leslie mentioned. Like she said, we'll both be there the on the 21st. My DH is from CF and my MIL still lives and works there... so we'll feel pretty at home ourselves! I'm hoping it goes well for all of us! Amy

Well whoo hoo! I had insurance problems with my husband's employer at first too but since they saw that I had come so far, they accepted me. It was a true blessing. I am so happy for you I just got back from surgery at Sartori on Friday. Very nice hospital. It was a solid hour drive from Cedar Rapids and the ride home sucked. But SO WORTH IT. They are wonderful there. I know someone was going to the April 21st seminar but I can't for the life of me remember who that was right now! I'm losing my mind, I think. Good luck to you though and please keep us posted!!!! Hugs, Jen

Just remembered after I read the posts - Amy!!!!!! She is going!!! Wow, I think I need to get off the PC for awhile!!!! jen

Cindy, Congrats on your new journey!! I have recently started that path, too. I too have BCBS (Wellmark) and chose Grinnell, which is also one of their centers of excellence. After Dr Coster's office submitted the paperwork to insurance, it was about 2 weeks for approval. The waiting was probably the worst part. Again, congratulations!! LoriW