Long road--still need help

Hi All This has been a long road for me and continues to get longer. I went through the program at CMC only to be denied by Dr Campbell because of an autoimmune disease. I was referred to Boston (New England Medical Center-Dr Tarnoff). Dr Tarnoff researched the issue and agreed to do the surgery. It was scheduled for this Tuesday. On Friday I heard from my insurance company and they denied my out of network referral saying I need to have this done in NH. I New Hampshire Blue Cross. I wanted to go to Dartmouth since they are equalevant to Boston but the web site says they aren't doing the Lap-Band. Does anyone have info on this or when they my start? I need info on Portsmouth !!!!! Will they accept everything I have done to this point at CMC (which is everything)? And, any info on the MD's there would help. I am interested in the Lap Band. THX in advance for any info Kathy

Hi - Sorry for all your troubles!! I had my RNY at Portsmouth in Dec. and my partner had her lap band on Wed. 3/14. We both had Dr. Pacuilli and she's wonderful - great surgeon and great "bedside manner". She's part of Atlantic Surgical Associate, which is the practice that does bariatric surgery at Portsmouth. Probably your best 1st step would be to call Nancy Seesman the nurse coordinator to talk over your situation. Her number is 334-2005. They are also offering parts of the program at Parkland Medical Center in Derry - but the surgeries are performed at Portsmouth. The Portsmouth Hosp. website is www.portsmouthhospital.com. Go to Hospital Services then Medical Care and you'll find the link to their bariatric program. Good luck! Becky

THX for the info..... That will be my first call on Monday morning. Hope you are doing well---maybe I'll see you at a support group. Kathy

Hi Becky, Dartmouth is doing the lap band. They are doing the first one on the 29th. I went to their meeting in Feb and it was packed. I went to a Derry meeting for Portsmouth hospital and decided to go with them. Does anyone out there know what their time schedule is like? I have Harvard Pilgrim and am told they are pretty good about approving. I am so anxious to get this done. I have the achiest knees. LC

Hi - I had my first meeting in July with Nancy and had my surgery Dec 6th. It felt fast to me!

Kathy, I will actually be one of the first group to get Lap Band at the Elliot. I am with Manchester Dartmouth Hitch**** I am not sure what Lebanon is doing. My surgery is March 29th. Wen