Hey all

Scott, BTW, I've added you to our SC Weight Loss and Upcomung Surgery List The list shows where everyone is at on thier WL Jorneys. Whether that be looking for info about wls, looking for a surgeon, waiting for insurance approval, upcoming surgeries, wl of pre ops and post ops, or those losing on thier own. It keeps us encouraged, motivated, and inspired to see we are not alone. I post the list about twice a month. So keep an eye out for it If you'd rather I not add you, please let me know and I will remove your info ASAP! Tonya

Welcome to the board SCOTT!!!! Congrats on taking the first steps to a new and healthy you!! You have definitly come to the right place for support and answers. I hope you are able to find someone close that takes your insurance but if you can't, my surgeon, Dr.Ross's practice is a "Center of Excellence" and totally takes your insurance!! You will not even have to get approved!! He is located in Spartanburg, which is about one hour from Anderson where Dr.Rowitz is. TRUST me, It would be so Worth the DRIVE if you decided to go with him. He and his staff are amazing!!! I had my surgery last week and I couldn't have asked for better care!! (864) 560-7070 http://www.srhs.com/surgical_weight_loss/index.htm Keep us posted on your progress!!! Best Of Luck, nora

I just wanted to say thank you all for taking the time out and responding to my questions and welcoming me to the site. I will check over these doctors, I havent been able to get a driver's license yet, which is something I want to do after I have the op.. I have a family member drive me around, hehe... I was trying to get someone around Columbia which is about 50-60 miles away from me, but if I couldnt then I would drive longer for sure.. I will keep you all posted and I am enjoying this website alot.. lot of nice people here.. :thumbsup: Brittain, You mean the place I called with Byrne actually takes medicaid as well ?, the receptionist I talked to said they didnt... I guess I will ask for Joyce when I call... It's so hard when receptionists tell you different hehe... Tonya, That is fine.. I actually am interested in that list so you can keep me on it.. Thanks for adding me.. Nora, That sounds pretty interesting, I will look into him as well.. I noticed on your member page you had to show *2 years worth of office notes (from primary/family doc).. Now I just moved to this area and I dont have a primary yet, I have a cardiologist and a therapist so far.. Would I have to get a PCP and wait 2 years before doing anything? It's so hard to get notes from my old place of residence, they havent been sending anything.. I have a question for everyone, Since im new to the area, would just having a cardiologist for 6 months, a therapist for 1 month, be enough? I was hospitalized here for Atrial Fib, I kind of feel that is brought upon cause of weight, I know I would be alot healthier without the weight. I dont really have a PCP right now, I'm looking for one around here but I havent been established with anyone as far as that.. I'd like to get the surgery done asap, maybe a year or under would be best.. obviously the sooner the better but if I have to wait then I guess I could.. Thanks all again.. -Scott

i know you have been bombarded with responses of doctors but i wouldn't worry about the "before". you really need to attend a siminar. i was told all kinds of things before i went and almost postponed my siminar so i could get 6 months of diet history, med records, ect. i was going to go with all my ammo!!! anyway, turns out dr. bour handled EVERYTHING. if he can't get you approved for surgery, you can't get approved. i had no PCP notes, no specialists, nothing. i was approved in less than 30 days. these doctors know what they are doing. and since you are required to go to a center of excellence, all the hard stuff is done. take that first step, you won't believe the relief you'll feel.

Hi Scott, Welcome to the board and congrats on deciding to start your journey. I have Tricare, my DH is in the military- so I was referred from North Augusta, SC to Atlanta, GA and met with DR. Steinberg. He is an excellent surgeon and even though he is a couple of hours away, my experience has been great. When I was referred, I thought about asking to change to another DR. closer, but I am so glad that I didn't. I had my surgery on Nov 29, 2005 and it was lap RNY. I have lost 71 lbs to date and gobs of inches! I am feeling great, going to the gym atleast 4 days a week and have lost 5 clothing sizes. I wish you luck in your journey. The first step is attending a seminar and deciding on a DR. Let us know if you have more questions, we are here for you! Carla 284/213/165 @ 5'11"