Hello

Hello and welcome: I had my surgery on 1/18/05 with Dr. Stellato at University Hospital of Cleveland. I would definitely recommend checking with Medical Mutual to see if you are covered for WLS. They exclude this type of surgery in a lot of instances. It depends on how your policy is written. I am still new to this but please feel free to ask any questions you have. Good luck to you!

HI Lisa, I echo all the sentiments here about checking out Medical Mutual. I too, have the same insurance and our plan with Medical Mutual....HMOHealthohio ....is not accepted at St. Vincent's. It is the only plan NOT covered there. University Hospital only accepts that plan....go figure. I have Dr. John Jasper at UH and I really like him! I love the whole program at UH! That is the thing that most impresses me with them. The don't look at it as just surgery and a quick fix but strongly encourage you to go to all the pre-op and post-op support group meetings. Also....who else can say that the who staff (including all the surgeons) attend all the support group meetings?! I think that tells volumes about the accessability you have with the doctors and how much they care! I guess you can tell I truly love the program there! But before all call Medical Mutual and find out...not only are all plans different your employer may also add different exclusions on your policy! Good luck with your journey! I am still awaiting MM to approve my surgery! Sue

How are you doing Lisa? I am going to call my insurance company this morning and see what they have to say. Everyuone has been wonderful-I wish I would have found this site along time ago. I have been throwing this around for a while now.

Hi I'm still getting started also.I have decided to have mine done at uhc. my surgeon is dr.thomas stellato.from what all i've read about him and the program at UHC I'd recommend it. I went to the march support group and was very pleased.I also recommend that you check with your insurance since i now have to wait to complete a new six month supervised diet before i can send in all my paper work.

Thank you Richard for responding. I am going to the seminar on monday evening. I am going to check with my insurance company this morning and see what they have to say. The six month supervised diet-what is that suppose to prove? (hope asking that is not out of line) Best Wishes to you Richard please keep me posted. You guys have been great.

Hi, I live about 20 miles from you. I had my surgery on the 8th. I had a great experience with barix clinics in Columbus.I cant imagine another hospital giving the care i got there from start to finish. There staff was great. This is the only thing they do there. So thats why i chose them.The facility is great. Feel free to contact me if you have more ?s about anything.

I had the lap band - which I recommend! (Why? slow weight loss, quick recovery, can be outpatient, reversible, no permanent changes to anatomy, nil/minimal death rate) I would just like everyone to know that there are many chioces out there including RNY, DS, and Lap Band. Reasearch what is best for you as all have their good points and bad points.