My Journey

1/20/09 - Attended Bariatric Surgery Seminar at Kennedy in Washington Township with Dr. Balsama.

1/21/09 - Verified insurance covers Bariatric Surgery and Dr. Balsama is in network.

1/21/09 - Initial phone questionaire with Dr. Balsama's office, pending call back to schedule appointment.

1/26/09 - Attend Bariatric Surgery Support Group at Kennedy in Stratford.

1/27/09 - Called Dr. Balsama's office, scheduled appointment.

2/11/09 - Call from Dr. Balsama's office requesting additional general information (address, phone, SS#, insurance information, etc.). Also, automated call from Dr. Balsama's office stating time and date of appointment.

2/12/09 - Call from Dr. Balsama's office verifying that I have a referral letter from primary doctor, if needed for my insurance.

2/13/09 - Appointment with Dr. Balsama in Washington Township, informed of all prerequisites for surgery and did the required lab tests/blood work. Made appointments for Radiology, Medical Doctor, GI/EGD, Nutritionist, Cardiologist, Gynecology, and Pulmonary Doctor.

2/18/09 - Medical Doctor and Cardiology Clearance Appointment.

2/20/09 - Cardiologist Appointment.

2/23/09 - Radiology Appointment.

3/09/09 - Psychiatry Appointment.

3/10/09 to 4/15/09 - Nutritionist Appointment (every Tuesday for 6 weeks).

3/17/09 - Pulmonary Appointment.

3/18/09 - Gynecology Appointment.

3/20/09 - Medical Doctor follow-up and GI/EGD Doctor.

3/23/09 - Sleep Study Appointment.

3/31/09 - Endoscopy Appointment.

4/24/09 - Medical Doctor follow-up.

5/13/09 - Dr. Balsama Appointment.

5/14/09 - Submitted all paperwork to BCBS of New Jersey.

05/21/09 - BCBSNJ Insurance APPROVED Surgery.

6/30/09 - Pre-Op Tests at Hospital.

7/6/09 - Surgery Day!

7/22/09 - Follow-up Appointment with Dr. Balsama.