Anyone in CNY and if so...

Thank you so muich!! The information you have gave me is wonderful! I will ask them if the fee is new...the secretary told me the fee is described in the paperwork. I am SO ready to get this ball rolling. I am satying steady on my dieting and exercise, to show the docs that this is just not me looking for a way out. This is time for a change in Haley!!

Haley, I live in Utica and am currently seeing Dr Kenneth Graniero at the Mohawk Valley Obesity Surgery Center. I work as a Medical Billing Rep and know with your insurance the approval/referral has to come from your Primary. I have United Healthcare Family Health Plus, which of course is a medicaid program. I contacted my insurance prior to speaking to my Primary to see if they would cover my surgery and was told if it is medically necessary. Dr G has also told me that all insurances are now required to cover the surgery. They may gave you the run around with approval but most are approved in the end. I, too are in the same boat as you overweight since childhood and it's only gotten worse since I had my 2 boys (10 and 5). I am currently 330 (BMI 53.3) lbs and have lost 12 of the required 17 lbs prior to surgery. Most doctors require you to lose 5% of your weight before hand. As far as Drs are concerned, I wouldn't go to anyone else. My cousin had her surgery in August 04 with Dr G and is doing awesome! I have met with him a couple of times and have complete confidience in him! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email @ [email protected]. Remember this is YOUR decision, don't let anyone change your mind if this is truly what you want! I have people all the time telling there are other ways to lose weight. Not for me! Good Luck! Barb

Haley, I had my surgery on May 18, 2004 with Dr. Mecenas, Surgical Associates of Ithaca. He has a great bedside manor and the hospital is great. Teri 243/126

Hi! I had surgery in June '04 with Dr. Paul Cunningham who is in with university Bariatrics with Dr Weiss. He is the cheif of surgery at University Hospital and a professor and his nurse practioner Marcy said He is the guy you want (she was going to have him work on her husband for colan I think). He does not do lap surgeries though but because of 2 csections and a lot of adhesions I was not a canidate for lap anyway. I like there program and recommend it. I am down 128lbs in 6 1/2 months. GOOD LUCK!!! Kim

Hi Haley, Im from Syracuse and I am just beginning the process as well. I too am a college student and have been struggling with my weight all of my life. Recently it has gotten to the point that I know that surgery is my only option. My PCP is amazing Dr. Rajoo at the North Medical Center in Liverpool. She highly suggested the doctors at University Hospital and I just called last week to have the packet sent to me. I would really like to have someone to talk to who is going through what I am, since this is my first day finding this site. If anyone can offer any suggestions, maybe more of an outline on my next few steps that would be great. My PCP said that we are setting up a consultation with the surgeon in early march when I come home for spring break. I know that other people have said things about waiting for approval and all these other things and I am wondering why I am able to just make an appt for a consultation? Mainly Im really confused and this whole process is very new to me so any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much! Stephanie!