Monmouth/Ocean County - Any Advice?

Hello... I am new to the site. I am seriously considering having surgery. I currently have an appointmet for a consultation with Dr. Mheta in New Brunswick ( 3/3/05). He was my sister's surgeon two years ago. I live in Brielle and would like to hear from anyone who has had or is having the surgery in my area. Not only am I worried about the procedure and it's life long effects but I am also worried about financial costs. Sounds like alot of trouble with Insurance approvals and this surgeon requires $3,500 up front. Does anybody have any words of encouragement? My sister is not supportive of my decision...she is still having problems from the surgery. Hope to hear from someone! Sunshine

MAria, I just had surgery with Dr Boroa at Monmouth Medical. HE is a great Dr. and local and not a long wait like he use to have. Never had to pay $3,500 up front or never could have done it. Sorry to hear your suster had problems, but if ny sister had problems and I was looking into doing WLS I would NOT use the same guy! I would also question all that $$ up front most doctors accept a fee for each surgery as they have contracts with insurance companies and accept a flat rate for each type of surgery. I would look around if I were you. What type insurance??? I have Qual care and they approved first request thank God. Feel free to emial me if you like joyce

Hello.. Thank you for your reply. It is great to hear from you. Yes, I will still be looking around so thank you for your information. I have Health Net insurance which I hope will approve the procedure and cover all the expenses. Do you attend any support groups? What has your experience been with the postt surgery care thus far? Wishing you well...Maria

Hello Joycelyn: How are you doing? Did you end up going to the support group meeting? I had my first visit with Dr. Mehta yesterday. I recvd all the paperwork and was really set to go but I just heard back today that my insurance won't cover any of it because he is out of network. So I have officially recvd my first set back! I am now considering your surgeon. Just want to be sure you are referring to Dr.Frank Borao in Shrewsbury. I think I will contact the office tomorrow. I checked my In Network and he is listed. Any further advice? Hope all is well.

Hi Maria, Dr. Mehta did my procedure over 2 years ago. He a gifted and skilled surgeon. I have been extremely happy with him and his office. From what I understand, most surgeons in our area charge a fee upfront. One good thing about Dr. Mehta is that he does not balance bill after surgery! I'm sorry to hear your sister is having problems. I do no know what problems she is having but try not to compare yourself to her. Everyone is different and we all will experience wls differently also. I know it is such a hard decision to make and I wish you the best! Good luck with whatever surgeon you choose! ~Kristin

Hello Kristin: Nice to hear from you. Thank you for the words of support. I have only heard good things about Dr. Mheta. Although, my sister is having problems; she speaks highly of him. I look forward to meeting him next week. I am a little concerned about his location since I live in Brielle and work in NYC. Post surgery visits would require travel and I'm concerned about the days following the surgery...Not sure how easy it would be to be at home. Thanks again for your reply. You look great and I hope you feel just as great!! Wishing you well...Maria

Maria, well iam three weeks post op and feeling like i really had not surgery at all. It was done lap so as far as pain or complications from surgrey i can't say I ahve had any. As for the eating diet aspect it is hard to get in all the protien in. I have been lucky with not vomiting or even nausa after surgery. I just strive to get in my protien evey day and will start to exersice this weel. I was going to the mall to walk but we all came down withthe flu and high fever so I was sick witht hat last wweek so hopefully this will be a better week. I thinkk the support group at Monmouth Medical is this thurday at 7pm not sure as to where in the hospitla the stanley building I think so I have to call and make sure but I will be there and maybe see you as well. let me know if I cna help in anyway joycelyn

Jocelyn: Nice to hear from you again. Your experience is very encouraging. Thank you for sharing. Wishing you much continued healthy success! I will keep you posted! Maria

Maria... I had mine done at Centra State Medical Center in Freehold with Dr Earl Noyan...He is wonderful. Would do it againin a heartbeat. I am 5 1/2 months post op and down 100lbs+... If have any questions feel free to give a shout Christine

Maria, Lots of luck with your appointment next week, keep us posted!! And thank you kindly, I have never felt better!!!! ~Kristin