Hey ya'll. I am in the process of losing the preop weight that Dr. Maher wants me to lose. I am down 8 pounds and have 16 more to go. Is anyone else from the Richmond area? I live in New Kent, Va, but am having my surgery at VCU.

Thanks in advance!

Terry, I am also having surgery with Dr Brengman, how was your hospital experience with him and St Mary's?

Sorry I missed this when you posted it. My experience was terrific. Every single person I came in contact with was professional and caring. I don't think you can go wrong with them.

I had my final appointment in my 6 month doctor supervised diet today. My weight was up from last time. Yuck. He said that shouldn't matter though. The entire 6 months it's been up and down. Now he submits his notes and report to Dr. Elliott's group and then they package everything up for the insurance company.

Getting more excited and nervous now as it all seems much more real.

Good luck Alicia. I hope all goes well. I asked Dr. ELLIOTS office to submit mine despite the fact we knew we would get an initial denial, that was 3-4 weeks ago. As soon as it looked like we may have to put some work into approval, the office seemed to drop me like a hot 'tater.So Im heading to mexico after tax season. I like Dr Elliot, hes great. His nurse too, but they don't seem familiar with helping in an appeal process.The nurse even stated to me that it would be a learning process for her. Wow. Thanks for the guidance here. Lol I hope your experience is better..first time approval for you but just wanted to put the info out there for others when considering offices and how eager your insurance is to cover surgery.

Wow! That stinks. If you don't mind me asking, why do you assume you'll be denied?

Insurance told office it was covered, told me it was covered. And it is...I went through all testing and everything before we found out my employer opted to cover all pre but not the actual surgery. It wasn't their fault really. Just inaccurate info. But the office kinda left me hangin when they found out it was gonna be a fight. Dr. Garcia here I come. Lol

So, all my requirements are done and everyone has submitted their stuff to the surgeon's office. But, doesn't look like the surgeon's office has submitted anything to insurance yet. As of Wednesday last week they had everything and told me they'd call if they didn't. I hate being a pest, but I want some answers. No one over there seems like they want to actually talk to me about the process. Just keep saying, we'll call you when you're approved or denied. Ok, thanks, but why can't we talk this through so I have a better understanding of time and process? Frustrated with the communication for sure!

I'll just keep calling and checking every few days. Also not sure why the receptionist will never actually put me through to their insurance specialist.

That seems kinda odd Alicia. Its your right to know wtf is going on. Doesn't matter what they want to do, its your dang right! I would show up in the office and meet face to face with the insurance specialist!

well, called the insurance company today and they have received my information from the surgeon. She said it is in nurse review and they should have a decision in 24-72 business hours.

Yikes! So, I'll be calling everyday of course. Just glad to know the surgeon's office sent the packet in at least!

Good luck Alicia! I hope it goes thru without a hitch. I've decided to schedule with Dr. Kelly in Mex. for next March.

Well RDO, I'm getting a taste of what you went through with Dr. Elliott's staff. Got a letter from insurance Friday that my surgeon's office hadn't sent information regarding medical necessity along with my package for approval. So, things are delayed.

I'm very frustrated. They have an insurance specialist. Shouldn't they kind of have an idea of what they're doing?

I'm going to try calling them again this morning and see if I can talk to her.

Sorry Alicia. I hoped it was just a fluke or they didn't wanna deal with me since it wasnt a sure bet. I hope you get some answers. Best of luck.

I am in Chesterfield, Va and had surgery with Dr. Brengman at St. Mary's. I really put myself in the process of the insurance paperwork. After all that time, I couldn't stand to just sit back and wait for them to let me know. I feel like my action was beneficial to getting it through. When the docs office said they sent the info, I would call insurance to verify they received them and vice versa. I also had a 6 month waiting period so I was anxious. Ironically, on the same month I completely my 6 month supervised visits, my insurance (BCBSIL) changed the policy and no longer has that requirement. But I am glad I was forced to think about this for 6 months though.

Oh yeah, I'm definitely trying to stay involved. It's hard for me to relinquesh control and depend on others to do what they're supposed to do. I call the insurance company and surgeon's office at least every other day. They probably know the sound of my voice by now.

It's just frustrating to be told that everything is in hand and going to insurance only to find out that wasn't true!

Just called their office and found out that as of Friday Dr. Elliott is no longer with Henrico Surgical Specialists. Now I really don't know what I'm going to do. I have to find a new doctor/practice. Right in the middle of the approval process.

Wow Alicia. That is shocking. Dr. Elliott was head guy of the bariatric program there. Ive heard good about Dr. Brengman but no personal experience. VCU also has a bariatric surgury center with a good rep.

Already placed a call to Dr. Brengmann's group.

It just stinks to be SOOOO close and then have a roadblock like this be thrown in the way.

Thanks! Might also call MCV.