I need some advice, One of the main requirements I am finding from both the Dr. and my insurance is that I have to be able to prove my diet history. I have been on many many diets and exercise programs over the years but they were usually of my own doing. I didn't go through my Dr. mostly because didn't have health insurance and therefore didn't have a regular Dr. I had a gym membership for a while back in 97' and had a nutritionest there but they only keep former member records for 3 years so I can't document it another gym I was a member of went bankrupt and so those records are lost as well. For the last 5 1/2 years I have mostly been under the care of a nurse midwife. My diet plans with her only centered around my pregnancies, in the off time I just went on my own. I am worried I won't get approval because I can't prove anything through my medical records. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Also if anyone has worked with Dr. Frezza using Presbyterian HP, I would love to hear how it went, what it took to get approval, and how long? What are PHP's requirements it's not very clear in my policy and trying to reach an actual person.....well you know. Thanks ain advance for all the support. Colleen

Hi Melissa, I can understand your feelings. I am just at the beginning of this myself. It is all very overwhelming even if you have excellent support. What I can tell you is that my Dr. was reluctant at first but I just pushed ahead. I came to her with a lot of research and facts behind me. I showed her that I had really been looking into it and not just jumping in blindly. I explained that I really felt that this was tyhe right course of action for me. I also explained that even though I was asking for a referal to a surgeon, it didn't mean that I wouldn't change my mind. I just really wanted to speak with a Dr. that does the surgery so I know I had all the information. Maybe you could try this approach with your Dr. Show her you've done the research, you belong to support groups and you want to take the next step of at least getting information directly from a surgeon. Good Luck, I'll pray for you. Colleen

Hello, I have Pres Salud also, my primary took the time to find the doctor that salud would pay for...I am currently undergoing all the testing needed for the lap band just keep checking with your primary and with customer service.

I PERSONALLY HAD SURGERY WITH DY FRY @ UNM, BUT I DON'T BELIEVE UNM HAS A GASTRIC BYPASS PROGRAM ANYMORE A LOT OF PEOPLE IN MY SUPPORT GROUP HAVE USED DR APPLEBAUM OR DR CASTRO IN EL PASO HOPE THIS HELPS, I WOULD ALSO CALL UNM @ 505-272-2336 ASK FOR NURSE NEETS (www)southwestsurgeons.com/surgeons.sstg 915-351-6772 Comments from patients: Pam May Albuquerque, NM I found him to be warm and genuine. I thought he had a great bedside manner. He was very informative but had a good sense of humor. He spent at least an hour with me and made me feel like I was the only person in world (at least in his office). He suggested that I could get other consults on the different surgeries available. Since I had already done extensive research and spoke with Docs I worked with as a RN, I already knew that I wanted RNY. He went through all the possible side effects and answered all six double spaced pages of questions I had. I have worked with many surgeons over the 20 years I was a nurse and I found Dr. Applebaum to be all I could hope for. Plus I had spoken to a nurse who works on the post-op floor and already knew his reputation with the nurses (carries a ton of weight with me) and that he is a extremely competent surgeon. I find it comforting to know that his partner will be the assistant surgeon (as he is for him). If I need to see him and he isn't on call, his partner will know my case equally well. In book that is as close to a perfect situation as you are going to find. All in all I feel very comfortable placing my person in his care. That means a lot coming from a retired skeptical RN. OOOH! I almost forgot...I agree with my other fellow patients, he is too cute! Cecy Baxley El Paso, TX My first impression of my doctor was that he was serious and stern, but as time passed I learned that he is just very professional and strives for perfection. His office staff is polite, courteous and helpful. I thought he could have lightened up a bit at times but he is very serious about what he does, and I appreciate that. He does not mess around and does things right! He is right on top of the game with postop care and makes sure you are doing and taking everything that you are supposed to be, he does not leave anything out. He explained in detail all the risks and complications of surgery to me and my husband, and answered all our questions completely. Overall, I would highly recommend Dr. Applebaum to anyone considering this surgery. When considering his bedside manner and surgical competence he definitely has both, but concentrates his care more on the latter. This was major surgery, I am very happy with the care he has given me. Vickie Nall El Paso, TX Dr. Applebaum seemed very reserved and confident. He seems genuinely concerned about his obese patients, and wants to help them lead more normal lives. The office staff is alright. Aftercare is strongly emphasized at his office. He gives you a test before you have surgery to see how much you know about gastric bypass surgery. He goes over every single question with you afterwards, and he goes over all the surgical risks, and asks you if you have any questions. I feel like he is a very competent surgeon, although he seems very quiet and reserved. Other people that recommended him to me before the surgery, told me that he was a very good surgeon. M. G. Hayes Alamogordo / Tularosa, NM If you are considering the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure and are anywhere near the El Paso border area (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona), you should seriously consider Dr. Bruce Applebaum. This clinic is a wonderful place to start your weight loss adventure. Dr. Applebaum is intelligent and understanding - a highly-skilled surgeon who has all the bases covered and cares very much about his patients. I feel very lucky to have found this very professional and friendly group of people who are working together to acheive the common goal of the satisfied patient.