Anyone a patient? I'm waiting for insurance approval and would love to hear your experiences

I am! I am very happy with his expertise. Not only is he a surgeon of excellence but his is a bariatric patient himself, so the compassion and understanding is there. He is professional, answers all your questions and has a sense of humor (if he sees you can take it). He trains other surgeons here in the US and overseas. You probably know he also uses the Spider, which means I only have one incision through my belly button. I really wouldn't have minded having more incisions because I will never wear a bikini..lol..but I really like that he is still willing to learn and use new technology. He, in my opinion, is on the top of his game. That helped me not be nervous because I know that if a complication were to occur he would know how to fix it.

In regards to his team, one of the insurance coordinators was great!( Luckily I didn't have to deal with the other one because she is rude.) She provided me with all the forms to give to my PCP. That ensured my PCP did everything right and I had no trouble whatsoever getting approved. She answered all of my emails promptly. The nutritionist always answers my emails and I have seen her a few times already and I am only 2 weeks out. The 3 hour class and the thick booklet you will be given is very informative and thorough. I met two other women that day and we walked the halls after surgery and email one another. That was great. The mental health counselor went to meet me on surgery morning and that was very nice. They have a private Facebook group that I am about to join and I plan to attend their support groups. I haven't met the chef yet. I heard she cooks something during or for the support group meetings.

I have a few Surgeons of Excellence less than 8 miles away from my house but I picked him that is 22 miles away. I am sure they would have all been good but I have no regrets with my decision. I am picky and I would have fired him in an instant before surgery (or after) regardless of all his qualifications, if I was not super satisfied. It is my body, my health and my money so I expect a lot. I hope you like them as much as me. In my opinion, you are in great hands!

Thank u for all the info! I'm getting a little frustrated with the insurance coordinator (maybe the one u referred to). I had to talk to her boss Joan. I feel like they're not on my side but on the insurance side. I'm trying to get it done before the end of this year.

Did u have your class in Orlando or st Augustine ? Was that the only other requirement? I'm just so anxious!

Thank u for all the info! I'm getting a little frustrated with the insurance coordinator (maybe the one u referred to). I had to talk to her boss Joan. I feel like they're not on my side but on the insurance side. I'm trying to get it done before the end of this year.

Did u have your class in Orlando or st Augustine ? Was that the only other requirement? I'm just so anxious!

Good for you for speaking up!

After insurance approval and the class then you have to do the pre-op tests Dr. Marema needs to get you ready for surgery. I am somewhat "healthy", so I had blood work, a chest X-ray, EKG and get clearance from my pulmonary doctor because I use a CPAP. (I did this in a matter of 2 days!) Then they schedule a date for surgery and a date to see Dr. Marema for a pre-op visit.

What insurance do you have? I have Aetna PPO

You will probably be able to do everything in Orlando, except the surgery. I'm not completely sure though. I understand your anxiety. It's terrible to have to have the surgery before a certain date because that just adds to the normal anxiety. I hope it can all be completed and you have surgery, even if its on the 31st! :smile1:

hi - i don't know if i goofed, hopefully not.

When I decided i would have the sleeve i was so excited (still am!) There are 2 hospitals right by me - about 5 dr. that do the sleeve. I picked one, didn't really explore others like you talk about.

he is from a hospital of excellence, when we met, went with DH, he seemed fine, nice and new what he was talking about.

What i'm, trying to say is, i took the first dr. i met with, i should have explored more, and now i'm a little scared because he might not have been the best choice.

I don't want to stop this process that has been going on for months - i'm sure he is fine, i know i should have checked other dr.s too - - me saying he's "fine" is probably right. but i also know i'm trying to convince myself.

oh well - DOS 12/15/11 - really excited, nervous, a little scared of how i'll feel after the fact and how my recovery goes.

but.......

Likasulema, try to find your doctor on the link below. If he is a surgeon of excellence you will be fine.

http://www.surgicalreview.org/locate/

Also, you are not stuck. Some people here have changed at the last minute and don't have to start over. Some have even had their surgeries EARLIER than with the previous surgeon.

thanx for writing - like i said i'm sure the dr. is fine, i should have explored more - its kindof buying the first car on the lot - maybe you should look at other cars too - but you just want to buy it and "get it over with" I know this does not sound the best, but i'm going to proceed. i just want to get this over with, ane start a new... i'm sure everything will be fine.

but thanx for your thoughts

Longer-life - I have uhc ppo. So who knows? I fell below being morbidly obese in 2007 by 7 lbs. I'm worried about the 5 year history.

Likasulema- I know what u mean by just going with the first and wanting just to get it over with ( even though u know it's not best)

I am self pay, but I am also a St. Augustine Dr. Marema patient. I have been very impressed with his expertise and most of his staff is very good as well. My surgery is scheduled for Jan 9th and my process has been very smooth so far. I am an out of town patient.

Longer-life has given great info on the insurance portion. Best of luck in your decision! I did a ton of research on Florida doctors and Dr. Marema just kept coming up. He has done over 7000 bariatric procedures and of course is a patient himself, so I feel very comfortable with him.

Longer-life - I have uhc ppo. So who knows? I fell below being morbidly obese in 2007 by 7 lbs. I'm worried about the 5 year history.

Oh my gosh, they better not deny you for 7 pounds! I would think it is these minor details a peer to peer solves. Be positive! Best wishes.