Went to Clarian info meeting today! Any info on Dr Mattar?????

 Hi,

I went to the Clarian meeting today - am pretty excited.  My doctor's app't is 2-1 with Dr Matter.  He was the doctor who did the presentation and he seemed very good.

I am excited, but nervous.  I don't want to get my hope up - as my bmi is not over 40, but I do have a lot of foot, leg & hip pain, and was recently in the hospital with atrial fib (heart rhythm problem).  My cardiologist thought the heart problem would have been triggered by sleep apnea - so I will be tested for that as well.  Geez - other than being heavy - I really thought I was pretty healthy!!!

I was hoping that I could have surgery in March, but they said it would be at minimum of 3 months waiting period.  My insurance is Federal employees Anthem/BC.  I have been on a diet on and off since elementary school - does that count towards anything??? I remember my Mom making me liver when Weigh****chers first started and I was on it way back in the 70's.  I am hoping if I am able to have surgery, that it will finally help solve a life-long problem for me.

Any advice on what to do now.  Thanks again for all the great support!

Everyone I've heard of who has interacted with Dr. Mattar loves him. I've never met him, but I think you'll be happy. I know he requires a liver reduction diet and wants a certain amount of weight loss prior to scheduling surgery.

You might start making notes about dates/years that you remember doing certain diet plans/programs, etc. That will help when you go in.

Good luck.

Hi and welcome - I also have Federal employees BC.  I was approved right away.  They did not require proof of any prior dieting attempts.  My approval letter came about a week after the doctor submitted everything - according to the letter, they approved it the day after they got it, so should be smooth sailing for you! 

I had my surgery at St. V's, but once we got the insurance approval, they got me a surgery date.  They called me on October 29th, 08 to tell me my surgery would be 12/9/08.  I went to my meeting in mid September.  Hopefully, this will give you some idea of what to expect, although Clarian may be different.

Good luck!

 Thanks for all the input.

Christie - that is good to hear about the insurance.  Do you know if they are more difficult if the BMI is less than 40?   I am really nervous about that, but I think I may have enough co-mobidities to be OK.  At Clarian they said there was a 3 month waiting period, but I don't know if my insurance gets approved first if I could get the surgery sooner.

All in all I am pretty excited to hopefully be able to get my weight under control.  I am trying not to get my hopes up in case I am denied, but it is still an exciting process to learn about.  

I am a Clarian employee so I feel loyalty to them.   I was very impressed with their information seminar today, etc, so that makes me very proud as well.

Lynn - I don't know if it would be more difficult.  From what I recall from reading the BC handbook, I think over 40 is automatic approval, and under 40 with co-morbidities.  I don't believe that Federal BC ever requires a 6 month diet first, or proof of prior failed attempts. 

With that said, I do believe that Dr. Mattar requires the pre-op liver reduction diet and weight loss prior to surgery.

I had Dr. Evanson - he didn't require that, but all docs are different.  I can only attest to how my insurance went - which was smooth sailing!

You will want to make sure to find out when they send your packet to the insurance company for approval.  Wait about a week after that, and start calling BC. 

Good luck, and hang on for the ride of your life!  We'll keep a seat warm on the loser's bench for you!

Good luck to you!  It's always exciting to go thru the process.  I hope your journey is a smooth one and you get your approval right away.

Everyone I know who has had DR. M has loved him.  I really dont know anything about him but have never heard anyone say a bad thing about him.

Huge hugz,
Tracy

 Thanks to everyone for all the great support! 

I am looking forward to meeting everyone!

Hi - I'm going on 3 years post-op and Dr. Mattar did my surgery in May 2007.   He is really exceptional.  You won't find a more caring, understanding or dedicated surgeon.  You'll be in excellent hands with Dr. Mattar. 

I think the 3 month waiting period is because of the liver reduction diet.

Hi, I had Dr. mattar and just love him to pieces..He is so caring even still cares aboult you after surgery ..when ever I go in the hospital for my liver now ...(after surgery )  he will always come see me each day and have me put on the baritric floor...my daughter had him too..she had fed blue cross and seen him in Jan was aproved not long after and had surgery in March...no liver diet.... also I know a lady with bmi low and he did her surgery and she did great too,,,,most all the clarian people that go there pick Dr. mattar...good luck in your jounery