Questions

I am getting ready to submit my paperwork to Dr. Kellum and Dr. Maher at VCU. If anyone has used them, what did you think, how was the process etc. Also, we have UHC through MCI and when I called they said you need a BMI over 40 and then it is covered at 80%. Has anyone had this kind of coverage with UHC, and was it as easy as that or did they require you to diet for six months, or some other restriction? Thanks for the help! RK

I have Dr Kellum and I personally think he is awesome. Granted I have not had any issues he has had to deal with. I don't know what he is like if there are alot of problems afterwords. He is mostly conservative. Hard to get him going to get him to loosen up. Very straight forward and tells it like it is! He gave me my life back and I praise him for that! I go back in May for my 2 year follow up and I am looking forward to letting him see how he has changed my life! I was 423 and at this point I am 171. I hope to make it to 165 before I go back! I also have UHC PPO but through a different company.I was told the same thing of 80 percent. All I needed was a letter of medical necessity and it was covered! My PCP actually got me approved on a 3 sentence letter! I kid you not! No 6 month diet or anything! Even though I did have co-mobilities as long as my bmi was over 40 that was all they needed along with that letter! Mine was 72. Any other questions just email me! It's all in my profile! Lisa

Hi Rebecca, I just had my 1 week post-op visit. Dr. Kellum and his entire staff are terrific. I had requested him as my surgeon specifically because two ladies in our hometown here had had their surgeries performed by him. The process went quickly for me. I got my consult appt. 1 1/2 weeks after I submitted my packet of information. Everything has gone very smoothly. The day of surgery I actually got to see Dr. Kellum's attempts at humor. His surgical fellows, Drs. Lee and Kouzam are great, too. I asked Dr. Lee very specific questions about surgical procedures and she answered every question to my satisfaction. His Nurse Educator, Jill Meador, is great, as well as the nurse practitioner and the dieticians. The day spent with the pre-op work up FLEW by. I had taken reading material, but never had time to get started reading! Advice--always get there early. They will take you early! Good luck, and let us know how your process is progressing, Lois

Rebecca, Hey! Just thought I'd let you know that I also have UHC and Dr Kellum. Yes it was that easy. Was approved in no time and didn't have to even talk with UHC. Dr Kellum's office handled everything for me. Really greatful I went with him hand his staff. Good luck to you and God Bless! Keith 310/211/???

Keith, How long was the process from sending in the initial paperwork to actually having surgery? I know that it can take two weeks from sending in papers to get an appointment, but I have no idea from that point on. Also, do they submit to insurance before they call me about the initial appointment? I know there is a psych evaluation, meeting with a nutritionist, and for me probably a visit to the cardiologist (congenital heart defect), but what other tests are there? Thanks so much for the help, it seems the process can vary so much! Rebecca

Rebecca, You're right. It does vary so much between cases. For my part, it was less than a year; but it could've been much quicker; but because I waffled on if I wanted it or not and they also made me wait longer because I had to quit smoking for a specific amount of time. If you read my profile, you can sort of piece it all together. I'm not certain from first consult to surgery date of the total amount of time; but it was less than a year. Keith