Ugh! I'm totally crushed! (Anyone else have Empire BCBS?)

Hey Jaimie... I'm new here on the board...and see that you have your "stats" under your name?? Is that your signature, or do you type all your info every time? Thanks for your help.... Sorry to get "Off Topic".... Deborah~

Hi Kathy, I too am just starting this process and went for my first appointment on April 10. I too have BCBS and was also told that I had to have 6 months of monitored weights. I was also disappointed but figure it took me 32 years to get to this weight I need to be patient and let the process work and wait the 6 months. In that time I have numerous other things that I was given to fill the time (appointments, education classes, losing 10% of wieght, meeting with Dr. Singh etc..) I joined a gym today and I am just going to embrace this whole process. I will meet with the nutritionist on May 2nd and the pulmonlogist on May 16 for an assessment for the sleep study and then take things from there. With any luck we will both be scheduled for RNY surgery in October. Good luck Crystal

I have ghi and I found out the hard way that I too need to have the six months. It's taking forever but I'm done in two weeks and I hope they accept my documentation! I'm having a hard time with my surgeon though and it looks like it will be an additional few months after that before I have the surgery and then another six weeks before my first fill for the surgery to take effect. It's a bummer and I totally know how you feel!

Hi Kathy, You had your consult with Dr. Cooperstone, correct? I have Empire BC/BS and an "out of network" option so decided on Dr. Ahmad with Mather Mem Hospital in Port Jeff. I had to lose 10 lbs pre-op and no 6 months of weigh-ins. Repeat: I did NOT have to do 6 months of weigh-ins. Please check to see if it is the surgeons requirment or the insurance. You will have no choice if it is the insurance requirement. I interviewed 4 surgeons on Long Island and finally chose Dr. Arif Ahmad in Port Jefferson Station who performs his RNY surgery (or lapband) laproscopically when at all possible. Dr. C only does his surgery open. Laproscopic was a BIG deal for me, I wanted to make the best choice in a quick recovery as well as successful surgery. Dr. Cooperstone also puts some kind of plastic ring around the end of your esophogus track so that you are forced to chew your food. I didn't like that idea and other surgeons I discussed this with told me "it wasn't necessary" and often they find the patient has trouble with it. So do your research. Take your time. This is not a process to ru**** is permanent, non-reversable surgery. If you need any further advice regarding the other surgeons I consulted with I can give you 2 other names. But Dr. Ahmad and his wife Seema are the best, they never forget your name once they get to know you!! They are very personable and friendly, you will always see your surgeon and not some nurse practictioner. Seema is a pyschologist and Dr. A's wife so she is very supportive of all his patience. Hope this helps you. Trish