New here - some questions...

I had RNY with Dr. B and he is the best!  Also, you have a perfect day for your initial consult with him.  My initial consult with Dr. B was on Sept. 14, 2006!  My surgery was Dec. 11 and I have lost 180 lbs.  Now you do have to remember that my starting weight was 457, so 180 lbs. in 8 months is not exactly the norm.  Dr. B's staff is the greatest.  The nurses, Tammy and Jessica, are very nice and helpful.  My husband and my mom both loved Dr. B from the first meeting, and my mom was asking me if he was married.  She thinks he's cute.   As far as insurance goes, I have BCBS of NC and the RNY was covered and all my pre-op testing was covered except for the nutritionist.  At Dr. B's office you pay $500 for your pre-op appointment, a meeting with the nut while you're in the hospital, and appointments once a month for one year.  It also includes a consult with an exercise physiologist which I haven't been able to get yet because I haven't been able to get in touch with the man.  Anyway, I think that is a very good deal!  I tried submitting the nutritionist to BCBS and it was declined, but my policy specifically says that it will not cover nutritionists.  Like everyone else has said, get everything you can done before your appointment!  Get all your tests faxed to their office, but also get copies yourself and take them with you to your initial appointment.  When I went to my appointment, the only thing I hadn't had was an upper GI and the nut consult.  I had everything else in my hot little hand when I met with Dr. B so it was smooth sailing to insurance approval.  The patient coordinator works with the insurance and knows exactly what you need for each different insurance company, she along with everyone else in their office is wonderful!  Good luck!

I have Med-Cost and they did pay for the pysch.  Dr. Bauman did my RNY 2 weeks ago on 8/7.  I have had no problems and feel great.  Dr. Roc tells you what you must do and he means it!!  He is very direct and not shy and I like him for that.

His office staff are the best and the nut (Diane) are so very helpful.  I am paying for my nut - didn't even think of turning that into my insurance! I have a friend that had surgery 14 months ago and has lot 260 + lbs and he also sees Dr. Roc.