surgery scheduled!!

Hi all! I had my consultation with Dr. Schmidt, and I have my surgery scheduled for Monday, April 9th. (I'm a teacher so I had to do it during Spring break) I am so excited! He predicts a 122 pound weight loss. I'm flabbergasted. I went for my psych eval, but with my insurance (Horizon Blue Cross PPO) I need a nutritional eval also. Does anyone know a nutritionist in the Ocean/Monmouth County area who takes Horizon? Thanks so much, and have a great day!!! Marcie

Hey Marcie, That is so great... I'm very excited for you! As you already know, we have the same surgeon and the same insurance - but this nutritional eval is not something I had to deal with. I was, however, required to attend an overall WLS informational class (held once a month at Hackensack University Medical Center). Maybe it's a newer requirement for BCBS. Good luck with everything... the next thing you know, it'll be April and your whole life will change. Make sure to keep in touch Be Well, A.J.

Hey Marcie - glad to hear that things are in progress for you. I think Michelle Brennan from this board knows a nutritionist locally - check out some earlier posts. In any case, although we haven't seen you at any of the OCWLS meetings lately, I hope you are able to make some before your scheduled surgery. It really does help to ask others who have been where you are going questions that you may not think to ask the surgeon. Give your Mom my regards too. Hope to see you both soon. Hugs, Nannette

thanks AJ and Nanette! I actually do have to start coming to the meetings agin. Actually, BCBS no requires me to attend "a support group pre and post surgery". They recommend the one in Hackensack, of course, but when I asked in Dr. Schmidt's office, they said I can go to one in our area - BUT my question is, who would I get documentation from that I am attending meetings? Is there someone "official" in the Lakewwod or TR meetings that can do that? HELP!!!! Marcie

I'd be glad to help you out with a letter on our OCWLS letterhead. I have done that for several of our group members and all of their surgeons accepted it without question. Remind me again when you come to the meeting. Nannette

Marcie: Make sure your doctor doesn't get insurance approval too soon, the approval is only good for 3 months. I have BC BS POS and I just got approved. I am having surgery on Nov. 9, teacher's convention weekend...I am a school secretary so I can take off time then. I want to go back after Thanksgiving.

Hello Marcie~ CONGRATULATIONS on getting a date! I had Dr. Trivedi, same group as you! I also have Horizon BCBSNJ and I had a great nutritionist from Toms River. She only treats WLS patients and diabetics. Her name is Laura Robbins, she is located at 833 Rt. 37W, Suite 210, Toms River NJ 08755. Her number is (732) 244-0052. Please tell her that I said hello and good luck with all of your preparations! My surgery was a month ago now, and I am feeling GREAT! Michelle Brennan

Hi Marcie, I have the same insurance.... Did they require a 6 month supervised diet? thanks for any info how long did they take to give you an answer? LC