I'm in Philadelphia, PA. 4 weeks out. Had surgery 5-10-2012.

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

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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!'

Thank you

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!!

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.

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.

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

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?

Anyone from Reading pa? Hope everyone is doing well! Mine is 12-10-12. Can't wait!!!