What is your experience with Geisinger Health Center

I have an appoinment coming up next week.

I was wondering if there was anyone out there that has had experienc with them.
They have me set up with Holly F Lofton MD.

It has taken two months to get this appointment and I am both excited and scared. Guess not knowing what to expect when I go in there is the scarey part.

Wondering what happens on the first visit. How do they weigh in, clothes on or off, if on do they deduct a certain amout for clothing? I would assume you get measured as well. I think I am 40 bmi at this moment if not very close like off by a pound or 3.

Has anyone delt with Geisinger with Access plus insurance? I was told it cover it but has a $500 copay, this is what my Dr at Redicare told me.

Any information I could get would be great.
Thanks
Geri

I had my RNY at Geisinger last Nov., and they are fantastic.  I met Dr. Lofton while I was post-op in the hospital.  She was very nice and a good Dr.  I particularly like Shannon McShea-Johanson & Jaime Seiler there.  They are PAs and I can not say enough good things about them.  The first visit is easy, don't sweat it.  Everyone in Danville is kind and nice.  They weigh you with your clothes and do not deduct for clothing.  I even left my shoes on.  You will get measured also.  They go over the program and all surgical options and expected outcomes.  You get a binder of information and the Barbara Thompson book "Weight loss Surgery, Finding the thin person inside you" on either the first or second visit.  There was a program fee due the 4th month of the program and it is NOT covered by any insurance (that is what they told me) - it was $375 and covered their 6 month program (binder, book, 3 classes)  Class 1 was month 2, nutrition.  Class 2 was behavior class in month 3.  And Surgery Education Class 3 in the 5th month.  These are group classes and they schedule you appointments on the same days, so it is no biggie.  Any questions...just ask.  Lois & Debbie are Geisinger Gals too.  Congratulations on taking the first step to better health.
Sara

Sara Thanks so much for your input, like I said I'm a little aprehensive about the first appointment and as to what will happen.  Your information helps put me more at ease.

I will be going to Wilkesbarre branch of Geisinger as it is closer to me. I hope I will be able to see all the appointments though, as I do not have a car at the moment, and I am applying for help with transportation to get there. Not sure how that program works, I will soon find out.

Next hurrdle will be coming up with that fee. I only work part time and that barely pays the utilites and my husband is disabled and applying for disabity benefits. So crossing my fingers he gets accepted, if so,  that will help with the fee.

How long did the whole process take from the first appointment to the time of surgery?

I also read you need to loose a certain amout of weight before the surgery? Is this correct? If so how much.

Need to head to bed, have work in the morning thanks again for you reply

Geri

My initial appointment was April 2, 2009.  My surgery was November 12, 2009.  I had a lot of medical problems, so once I made in through the 6 month program I was fast-tracked to surgery.  A couple of my appointments HAD to be in Danville.  My surgery was there also.  They require you lose 10% of your body weight prior to surgery.  That is not hard once you start eating better and exercising.  Some people I know were close, but once they hit the 2 week pre-surgery liquid diet...boom, they hit the 10% easy.  Try to stay stress-free.  They are great and you will do fine.  Keep us posted on how it goes.
Sara

Hi.  Geri, Lois here...had my surgery at Ghp three years ago april....started at highest 3l7 and down to 200f for the past two years and staying there.....had plasticsn on arms and belly...still staying the same.......size l4 and haven't been there since I was l4, now 57.....lol......ghp is really good because they do make you do the course and make sure you are committed....you need the support and should continue even after your surgery, it is 90% of your success to have support for your journey, I continue to go to support groups each month at leastn twice.....we are all here for you and so it ghp.....they will help you in any way they can.....they are the best  you only need to ask.......................