Louisville Ky (Nortons)

Has anyone used Nortons in Louisville Ky? I go see a nutrition on Jan22 was wondering what to expect and what the next step is. Also this is my frist trip so how soon before seeing a Dr and having surgery?

It is between 3-4 hours long first you fill out paperwork to get registered, then you watch a movie, the you see a dietician, and have a psych evaluation. It depends on which doctor you have chosen and how fast he can see you on where things go from here. I went to Nortons on Dec 7th, I picked Dr Geller and I had an appointment with him on Dec 19th, now my surgery is already approved and scheduled for Jan31st. If you have not picked a doctor yet Geller comes highly recommended by people that I know and work with. I will keep you informed on how things go. Good luck.

I saw Dr Shina the same day I had my seminar and consult. I also saw the nutritionist. Dr Shina and Dr Geller both are great dr's. Dr Shina came in that morning, sat down, patiently explained the surgery, risks, aftercare. Then he answered all questions that anyone might have had. After the seminar we each had a chance to go in the back and meet with Dr Shina. He evaluated us. He is humorous, nice, sweet, kind, and very serious about this surgery. He stresses that it is a last resort and once a person makes this decision it is for life. With my insurance co I waited 5 months between the inital consult and actual surgery, but my insurance co made me jump thru several hoops. I wish u the best and let me know if u have any questions about Dr Shina or surgery. Dr Geller is also a sweet guy and a great dr. I'd be happy with either one and trust either one. Thats what u have to do, go with who u feel u can trust in your heart. Good luck Angela

Cynthia, Things are now different since I had my surgery in April 2006 and started the process. Dr. Geller did my surgery and he is the BEST!!!! I have had a few bumps in the road and he was right there with me. I would not and do not trust anyone else. He is very accessible. There have been times when I called the office and he answered the phone. That never happens. At other doctors offices I am lucky to get a real person on the phone, much less talk to the doctor. He has such a calming personality and in return calms you down. Good luck with whatever you decide, but I would at least meet with Dr. Geller. He is wonderful!!!!! -Ana-

I am seeing Dr. Geller on Friday. I am very nervous about this process but know it is what I have to do. I am curious too about how long it will take between intial consult and surgery but I guess it depends on your ins co. Anyone with BCBS HMO?

I had my first consult with Dr. Shina on Aug 15, 06 and had my surgery on Oct 20, 06. I have Federal Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance. I took the earliest appointments that they offered me with the nutritionist, psch eval, cardiologist, puliminary doctor, and any other doctor that they had me go to. The process was so much quicker this time round for the gastric bypass then it was four years ago when I was pursuing the lap band (three weeks prior to surgery was denied coverage by my insurance for the lap band).

I have BCBS PPO. I had my seminar/consult with Dr. Shina on 7/25. BCBS approved on 7/28 and I had surgery on 9/08. I could have had the surgery two weeks sooner but had a previous commitment that I could not reschedule.

Steve, I had someone tell me that BCBS makes you go thru a 6 month dr supervised wt loss program. Was that criteria for you? S

Sarah, No I was not required to do a six month diet. I simply made an appointment for a seminar/consultation on 7/25 and BCBS approved me three days later on 7/28. Your plan may be different though. My company is actually self-insured and BCBS is just an administrator for a plan negotiated between the UAW and my employer. Steve