Question:
Hi, Northeast Pa,,, need info on bypass surgery and insurance

Hello, I feel kinda lost, I have no idea where to turn for info on insurance and amount of time, and price, let alone where to have it done. Any and all information would be greatly appreciated. Brian    — jenbrian9 (posted on August 10, 2009)

August 10, 2009
Hi Brian, start with your primary care physician. He/she can help you determine if you are a candidate for weight loss surgery, guide you to a competent weight loss surgeon/center and contact your insurance company to see if they cover WLS. That's how I began. I initially wanted to have my surgery at the Barix Clinic in Langhorne, PA (I have friends who had their surgeries there and all went well) but during my pre-op testing phase it was determined that due to other health concerns (heart issues), I should have the surgery at a full service hospital. That way, should I have a cardiac episode during the surgery or post-operatively, a full team of heart specialists (cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons) would be available to intervene. I ended up having my surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) and I couldn't have asked for a better place to be. All went well, no cardiac episodes and I feel that the care I received (before and after the surgery) has been excellent. I went in on the afternoon of 2/20/08 and had an IVC filter placed. My surgery (LAP GB) was done the next day. I'm about 18 months out and so far, I'm down 154 pounds! Started at the journey at 374 lbs, now at 220 lbs. I feel great and I think this is one of the smartest decisions I have ever made. Granted, I had no complications or issues, no dumping & no foods getting stuck. I know that everyone's journey is different and personal, I hope that yours is successful and uneventful! Good luck to you! Marion
   — dsmuffin

August 10, 2009
The other place you could check is your insurance company. Most have requirements that you need to fulfill to be approved for surgery and they could tell you who they contract with in the area. Good luck on your journey.
   — [Deactivated Member]

August 10, 2009
Along with the suggestions the other posts, there's a book called "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies" by Marina S. Kurian, Barbara Thompson, & Brian Davidson. It goes the whole gambit of information on wls: from what to do and look for in surgeons, insurance, types of surgery, to hospital stays, after surgery, and the list goes on. It gave me a good reference.
   — Kathleen W.

August 10, 2009
I went to Barix, in Langhorne. They were the bomb, helpful and supportive. Check out their website... www.barixclinics.com
   — [Deactivated Member]

August 11, 2009
Brian - Not sure where you are in Northeast Pa, but I had my surgery done at Lehigh Valley Hospital through General Surgical Associates. They have a great program set up that walks you through the steps required by your insurance company. I couldn't be happier with my results, and General Surgical Associates was wonderful! If you have more questions, please feel free to contact me any time. I'd be more than willing to answer any questions you may have.
   — Ursie77