Any Pennsylvania Sleevers?

[Malisima69 27]

A few more days away til the big day!!!!!!!!!

Good luck, see ya at Mercy Suburban Support class )

[mefred 11]

Thank you!!!!!!! I will see you there in support.:-)

[imgonnaloseit! 30]

How did you like the LVHC program? I looked into it and them went to St Luke's .

Well, I liked the fact that all the insurance companies requirements are easily met. LVH WLS program sets up all the appointments; NUT, psychologist, support meetings, etc. with one phone call. Also, all appointments are in one place. It is less stressful than if I had done it myself and I didn't worry if I had missed something -- I knew I was going to meet all the requirements by my insurance.

I did not like the cost of the program $525 as of Jan 1, 2012, which was not reimbursed by my insurance company. In addition to the $525, I also had to pay for the 3 appointments with the PA. (I don't have a co-pay for doctors and I had not yet met my deductible.) Total cost for this program for me ended up to be around $950.

I did not like that during the group meetings, that the information was so generalized. They were talking to people with varied choices -- some getting lapband, some RNY, some sleeve. It would have been better to separate us so the information could have been more specific to our intended surgery.

I was feeling kinda ripped-off. On the other hand I have no idea what doing it on my own would have cost, the nutritionist (2 group appt + a one-on-one), the exercise therapist (1 group appt.), the 3 physician appts., 2 smoking tests and the psychologist one-on-one. Of course, the support meetings were free.

Now that I have had surgery, I find that I am glad I went through the program as my surgeon does not provide a wealth of information. I believe that they have added a 3 month and a 6 month group meetings specific for LVH WLS program people as part of the $525 program fee. But since I am only 3 weeks out I cannot verify that.

Would I recommend it to people? Most likely -- it surely does make the pre-surgery process a whole lot easier.

[Barisaxylady 154]

Well' date=' I liked the fact that all the insurance companies requirements are easily met. LVH WLS program sets up all the appointments; NUT, psychologist, support meetings, etc. with one phone call. Also, all appointments are in one place. It is less stressful than if I had done it myself and I didn't worry if I had missed something -- I knew I was going to meet all the requirements by my insurance.

I did not like the cost of the program 525 as of Jan 1, 2012, which was not reimbursed by my insurance company. In addition to the 525, I also had to pay for the 3 appointments with the PA. (I don't have a co-pay for doctors and I had not yet met my deductible.) Total cost for this program for me ended up to be around 950.

I did not like that during the group meetings, that the information was so generalized. They were talking to people with varied choices -- some getting lapband, some RNY, some sleeve. It would have been better to separate us so the information could have been more specific to our intended surgery.

I was feeling kinda ripped-off. On the other hand I have no idea what doing it on my own would have cost, the nutritionist (2 group appt + a one-on-one), the exercise therapist (1 group appt.), the 3 physician appts., 2 smoking tests and the psychologist one-on-one. Of course, the support meetings were free.

Now that I have had surgery, I find that I am glad I went through the program as my surgeon does not provide a wealth of information. I believe that they have added a 3 month and a 6 month group meetings specific for LVH WLS program people as part of the 525 program fee. But since I am only 3 weeks out I cannot verify that.

Would I recommend it to people? Most likely -- it surely does make the pre-surgery process a whole lot easier.[/quote']

Wow, ok, happy I went to St Luke's then. There was no out of pocket for me other co-pays. They took my word that I was not a smoker, ( I'm not). St Luke's has the nut, and physc right in their office. Only had to go to one support meeting pre-op and a 3 hour info session about two weeks pre op. this went over post op eating, Vitamins, etc. nice thing about having the nut in office is I can email or call them with questions at any time. Plus St Luke's has a online discussion forum where you can ask questions and get responses from other patients and the medical staff at the office. Also had to get cleared from a cardiac doc and a sleep doc both of which cleared me without further tests. When was your surgery? Mine was 9/25/12. Thanks for the feedback.

[mefred 11]

Awake dressed now waiting to leave. Have to be at hospital and checked in at 6am for my sleeve.

[O.T.R. sleever 3,386]

[Malisima69 27]

Awake dressed now waiting to leave. Have to be at hospital and checked in at 6am for my sleeve.

My prayers are with you. Good luck!

[mefred 11]

Had it done. Started clears today. After leak detection test. Waiting to be moved from icu to the bariatric unit. Lil sore not to bad though.

[peanutbutter 4]

Had it done. Started clears today. After leak detection test. Waiting to be moved from icu to the bariatric unit. Lil sore not to bad though.

Congrats Fred! Hope u have a speedy recovery!'

[mefred 11]

Thank you

[ibehere10 163]

From Philly, had sleeve at Barix , Dr Marymor on 9/10. Great doc and the nurses were wonderful! As was the pulmonary gal. Great experience!!

[Readyfourchg 19]

has anyone went to or know anyone that went to MX. I live in PA, but just found out my insurance does not cover bariatric surgery.

[Malisima69 27]

Mefred, how are you feeling now? i'm feeling pretty good. some foods I loved before, I don't like now... crazy! Today is my first day back to work and I am loving everyone's reaction... Hope you are feeling great and keep your eye on the prize... God bless.

[Readyfourchg 19]

Hello, anyone have surgey in MX, but live in Philly or South Jersy. I need to find a PCP that will do my post op work. I am new to the area and do not have a PCP

[critty702 3]

I was going to go to LVH but my work and child care schedule wouldn't allow me to attend all the pre op meetings required. So I decided to go to St Luke's which worked out just great. Had the same anesthesiologist as when I had my daughter so I was thrilled. Loved her! I would love to compare notes on the two hospitals.

I just started the process with St. Luke's after finding out my insurance required I go to a center of excellence. With my work schedule and kids it was easy to do the online seminar to get the intake started. Now I wait for a phone to schedule my first appointment! How long did it take before you got a date?