Experiences with Dr. McMahon &/or TriCare

Thanks Deborah!  I don't know what an angel is, but it sounds like a good idea!  Thanks!  :)

Dr. McMahon did my Lap band surgery in November 2008.  I think he's awesome! 

He was recommended to me by a plastic surgeon that I had consulted about having a breast reductions.  She wouldn't consider doing surgery on me at 330 lbs and she recommended Dr. McMahon to me. 

I had my surgery 9 months ago and have lost 104 lbs.  Dr. McMahon is a little shy at first, but he has a very solid back ground.  Have you been to his free seminar yet?  They have them weekly and he does a great job explaining all of your options, etc.  He is also passionate about insurance reform and they have an insurance specialist that works in their office.  She is very knowledgeable and I was approved for surgery 3 days after the paperwork was submitted. 

Their practice is growing very rapidly and they have added new staff to help handle the amount of people having bariatric surgery.  They have also added someone in-house to do the psych evaluations so everything is in house. 

I did 6 months supervised weight loss with the nutritionist and learned a ton about what to eat, how to read labels, etc.  The information has been invaluable.

My best friend had surgery last week and another friend is having her surgery this coming Monday.  That's how much I trust Dr. McMahon.  My experience was so positive I trust him completely!

Let me know if you have any specific questions!

Good luck on your WL journey!

Lisa O.

 

Oh thank you so much Lisa!  I saw your review on him and was hoping you would see this and respond!  :)

I'm going to the seminar next Tuesday and then I fill out the paperwork and schedule the first appt. which is 3 appts in one day - one with Dr. M, one with the nutritionist and the psych eval too.  Nice to get it done all at once.  After that, they schedule the endoscopy (did you have that done?) and then apply for insurance approval.

I'm so glad you love him.  Shy is fine with me.  :)

You are doing great!  Keep up the great work!  Keep in touch.

~ Laura

That's great Laura!  Make sure you tell them that we have been in touch.  Does your insurance require supervised weight loss for 3-6 months?  Mine did, but it went really fast and I learned a ton about nutrition.  Yes, I had an endoscopy and had to have a psych evaluation.  Both were no big deal.  I'm not familiar with the details of pre-surgery for RNY, but you may also have to get a sleep evaluation to test for sleep apnea.  That's pretty standard and I 'll tell you, I never thought I had sleep apnea but I knew that I I was always tired in the morning.  It turns out that I have moderate sleep apnea and was prescribed a cpap machine.  I've never slept so well!  I learned a lot during the pre-op testing so it was worth it.

Please feel free to keep me posted and ask any questions you have.  Maybe we will meet in person some day!

God bless you as you begin this life changing journey!

Lisa O.

P.S.  Is that your dog?

Hi!  Sorry it took me so long to respond - my daughter turned 8 this weekend and I've been soooo busy!

I don't think our insurance requires the weight loss program.  However, I was in a eating disorder program last year for 4 months whi*****luded weekly visits with a nutritionist and food plan, etc.  So, if they did require it - I think that would count.  I've already had the sleep test, late last year and I do have sleep apnea.  I think our insurance company will be glad for me to lose weight and stop spending their money on all these tests!  LOL

It would be so fun to meet in person one day!  I'm up north, near Everett.

It's not my dog - I found the picture on the internet and thought it was hilarious.  The dog and I do look a lot alike - I'm pasty white with dark brown hair.  LOL

I had my surgery June 10, 2009 by a civilian surgeon and it was covered by Triwest / Tricare Prime with no requirement for past weight loss attempts.  In fact, they approved my request in less than 4 hours! 

Good luck with your journey!