Hi everyone, I was so excited when I heard about this site. But right now I'm kinda of disappointed. It doesnt seem there is anyone on here from Michigan anymore... Hmmm....

Well, If anyone reads this I hope to hear from you soon! I'm pre-op and excited to hear about anyone's experiences! I hope you write!

Thanks!!!!!

DH grew up on Danbury Street.. John R and 7 mile road. He went to Pershing High School. DH's dad retired in 1983. He was a metal model maker.

Jack

I have Messa. And the following was required. A letter from my PCP indicating what diets I had tried, That the surgery is something I would be a good candidate for, that I am cleared for surgery and any co-morbidities that I have. Mine was addressed to my surgeon and then I delivered it to them on the day I met with the surgeon. Then the surgeon also writes a letter of pre authorization. And the surgeon has a template they use all the time for such things. And that is it, 2 letters nothing more was required for insurance approval. Your surgeon may require more (I did have bloodwork and an EKG but this is required for most surgeries) for their records I was approved in 2 weeks although it took 3 to get it in writing.

I called Messa and they were helpful. They said that they document every step of the way so they can tell you if they have recieved the information, when it is being reviewed and then when it is approved.

You approval is good one year from the date of issue. Any questions feel free to ask away

James,

The previous is for you. Sorry about the name mix up.

Jenn

:clap2: Hi all, went to TJ Mexico and had my surgery April 9th by Dr Ortiz wonderful... Have read a few post that he might have taught the surgeons in Port Huron? If any one knows this to be a fact please let me know.They are going to do my fills after I get my first one here.

<p>I don't no who DH's dad is, but I went to Pershing High School.Grew up in Detroit, ;Binder was the street. Married Lived in Hamtramck, for 15 yrs.. We have been in the shores for 16 yrs. Shirley.

Teachlady I do have a letter from my PCP saying that it is recomended, listing that I have tried diets, supervised by him and others for the last 10 years,also listing the comorbids. Just keeping my fingers crossed that it all goes well. I also have the records of the prescription meds to help with weight loss and my gym membership. That is really intresting that you didn't have to wait for an approval. They just scheduled you for your surgery? How long did you have to wait from the time you met with your surgeon until you had the surgery? I am hoping that this summer I can get it all done. I have heard anywhere from 4 weeks to months for approval. I am hoping for the 4 weeks so by the end of June I will be on the way to a better, healthier life. I am nervous, excited and scared but I know that it has to be done. Good luck with all you sucess.

Teachlady I do have a letter from my PCP saying that it is recomended, listing that I have tried diets, supervised by him and others for the last 10 years,also listing the comorbids. Just keeping my fingers crossed that it all goes well. I also have the records of the prescription meds to help with weight loss and my gym membership. That is really intresting that you didn't have to wait for an approval. They just scheduled you for your surgery? How long did you have to wait from the time you met with your surgeon until you had the surgery? I am hoping that this summer I can get it all done. I have heard anywhere from 4 weeks to months for approval. I am hoping for the 4 weeks so by the end of June I will be on the way to a better, healthier life. I am nervous, excited and scared but I know that it has to be done. Good luck with all you sucess.

We went to the Seminar Jan. 27. Met with the doc and nutritionist on March 15. Surgery was scheduled for April 10th at that time. It could have been sooner, but Easter was coming and I had too many committments at church. I had all my paperwork done and testing done so there was no wait for approval. If you meet the criteria and your insurance pays for it, why would you need approval before the surgery??

:clap2: Hi all, went to TJ Mexico and had my surgery April 9th by Dr Ortiz wonderful... Have read a few post that he might have taught the surgeons in Port Huron? If any one knows this to be a fact please let me know.They are going to do my fills after I get my first one here.

Congrats on the surgery Anne!!! I haven't heard about Dr. Bhesania or Dr. Boutt being trained by Dr. Ortiz. Doesn't say anything about it on their web site.

<p>I don't no who DH's dad is, but I went to Pershing High School.Grew up in Detroit, ;Binder was the street. Married Lived in Hamtramck, for 15 yrs.. We have been in the shores for 16 yrs. Shirley.

DH graduated from Pershing High in 1963. Dough Boys forever he says.. lol

James,

I too scheduled my surgery before insurance approval. They were willing to schedule 3 weeks later but opted for 4 weeks. Messa approval takes 3 weeks max. As posted before it took 2 weeks to get a verbal approval and 3 weeks for it in writing. Messa is very easy.

JEnn

I went to Pershing High School.Grew up in Detroit, ;Binder was the street. Married Lived in Hamtramck, for 15 yrs.. We have been in the shores for 16 yrs. Shirley

Pershing & Hamtramck were rivals waaaay back in the 50s when I went to HHS, although they really didn't play each other in f'ball or b'ball. Just the proximity, I guess.

Has anyone out there had their banding done by Dr. Hawasli??? I know that he's good in the minimally invasive surgery itself. He usually operates out of St John Hospital in Detroit, but is doing the banding @ DMS because StJohn isn't yet approved for Medicare (which affects me). My personal physican has recommended him because Dr H. had sone 2 surgeries on him. I guess that's a good recommendation.

He will have me on liquids 2 weeks before & 4 weeks after the surgery. Hope I can make it. I HATE Jell-o in any way, shape, or form and cannnot tolerate aspartame. I use Splenda as a sweetener now.

Good luck to all.

:hungry:

I've lived on yogurt, broth, Crystal Light and sf jello for two weeks now. Just this past Wednesday I added creamy soups and lo fat pudding. I feel like I've died and gone to heaven.. You'll make it through the post op weeks just fine. I didn't have to do a pre op liquid diet. Thank goodness!!

Good luck to you on your journey into Bandland!!

Judy

HAd my surgery yesterday.YAYAYAYAYAY. came home today. Definatley swollen. I am puffed up all over. the hand that my IV was in is puffy, my feet and my belly.

haven't been able to eat or drink much but I am trying.

Off to a thinner me:)

Jenn

Welcome to bandland Jenn! Your whole new life starts now!!!! YAY!!!!

Hey Jenn..

Congrats on the surgery and welcome to bandland!! The puffiness in your hands is normal. I could barely move my rings, but withing a day or two it was back to normal. It's all the fluid they pump into you. You'll lose a lot at first, but it's mainly from the surgery. Then the real journey begins. I weigh in tomorrow for the first time this week. I'm anxious to see what it says. But even if it isn't good news, I know my clothes are looser and that's kewl with me!! And my rings are already spinning on my fingers..