I am just starting the process of VSG and I'm trying to decide between Geisinger (in Danville, PA) or Northeast Bariatric in Hazleton, Pa...anyone from the Northeastern region of PA get VSG done? Where did you get it done? Also, anyone with BCBS of NEPA insurance?? How long did your process take? I just found out yesterday that they dropped the required 6 month supervised diet. Thanks!

Hi Marzee. I'm also from me pa. I'm considering all this right now and have met with dr. Neale from the surgical specialists group in Wilkes-Barre. I haven't seen a anyone on here from our area but I am new. Keep in touch with me let me know how your doing. I know there is a meeting here the last Thursday of the month to meet other people that had it done. I will be going next week.

Marzee the bc/bs did just change their policy my dr. Just called me last week. One visit with nutritionist is now all that's needed. No six month wait no joining of a gym for six months prior.

I'm soo glad I found another NEPA person! I didn't even know there was a surgeon in WB! I'm trying to find the closest place and I thought Hazleton was it but I would much rather drive to WB (I haaate driving on the highway). What is your Dr. like? I'm supposed to be going to a "seminar" tomorrow in Hazleton but I've been rethinking it (just don't have a good feeling about it). I am soo happy that BCBS changed the 6 month diet...I've been considering this surgery for the past year and to think I'd have to wait another 6 months was upsetting. I basically live on this website so def keep me posted!

I'm soo glad I found another NEPA person! I didn't even know there was a surgeon in WB! I'm trying to find the closest place and I thought Hazleton was it but I would much rather drive to WB (I haaate driving on the highway). What is your Dr. like? I'm supposed to be going to a "seminar" tomorrow in Hazleton but I've been rethinking it (just don't have a good feeling about it). I am soo happy that BCBS changed the 6 month diet...I've been considering this surgery for the past year and to think I'd have to wait another 6 months was upsetting. I basically live on this website so def keep me posted!

Hi Marzee. There are 2 drs. That do this here. Dr. Neale and dr gerhart. Dr. Neale seems nice I hear that they are always available. The organizer for them is Kim she is lovely. I'll find out more on Thursday when I go to the meeting and see what other people say who have had it done. I also have been considering this for along time and it's now or never for me. I have to see my gastro dr. On Monday to see what he feels I should do. I have Barrett's esophagus so first I need to discuss a few things with him and that will also clear a few things up in my mind. Are you in Hazelton ?

I'll have to do some research on them...I'm in Scranton..and my PCP recommended I go to Geisinger Danville or Lehigh Valley...he said he didn't want me going to Hazleton (didn't say why)...so I guess I should go with what he says..I just don't know where to start! I've been trying to find some reviews from people who have had it done in this area and I'm not finding a lot...I think I might call Geisinger today just to see what their process is. Sorry for rambling!!

I'll have to do some research on them...I'm in Scranton..and my PCP recommended I go to Geisinger Danville or Lehigh Valley...he said he didn't want me going to Hazleton (didn't say why)...so I guess I should go with what he says..I just don't know where to start! I've been trying to find some reviews from people who have had it done in this area and I'm not finding a lot...I think I might call Geisinger today just to see what their process is. Sorry for rambling!!

Good luck, just keep checking things out.

Hi I'm also from nepa (Hazleton) and I am going to Lehigh Valley for my 6 mo. now hoping to have my surgery by the end of Oct. My PCP was glad I did not choose Hazleton.Said there has been quite a few problems with them recently. The staff at Lehigh is really great and I recently had other surgery there and the hospital was great, too. I didn't know about the bc/bs change. I have Highmark BS and wonder if they changed too. Unfortunately I already paid for my 6 mo pre op and am half way through.

Good luck with whatever u choose.

hi im new and im from nepa.im a 1 month post op and dr gerhert from the surgical specialists group in Wilkes-Barre.

keep in touch.

Hi I'm also from nepa (Hazleton) and I am going to Lehigh Valley for my 6 mo. now hoping to have my surgery by the end of Oct. My PCP was glad I did not choose Hazleton.Said there has been quite a few problems with them recently. The staff at Lehigh is really great and I recently had other surgery there and the hospital was great' date=' too. I didn't know about the bc/bs change. I have Highmark BS and wonder if they changed too. Unfortunately I already paid for my 6 mo pre op and am half way through.

Good luck with whatever u choose.[/quote']

Just wondering what dr. U have from lehigh valley? Is it dr. Boorse?

Yes I am scheduled to see dr boorse. I just finished my 4th month of the 6 month pre op. they are really nice down there. even though it is a little distance it is worth it.

Yes I am scheduled to see dr boorse. I just finished my 4th month of the 6 month pre op. they are really nice down there. even though it is a little distance it is worth it.

Hi tinytears I would like to talk more to you about what you had to do at lehigh valley up to this point and how is dr. Boorse. What did u do first the second and so on. This will be my choice also lehigh valley and dr boorse. Maybe we could even meet I'm from w-b.

hi drucella22

I am working on my 5th month in the program at lehigh. My insurance required a six month pre op before surgery. I think Lehigh itself has you go through the program no matter of the insurance. Most of the program is on nutrition and exercise and also mental stability. I have not met the surgeon yet. My appt is in October. The first thing I did was go to a free information seminar. The surgeon that spoke that ***ht was someone else. I choose dr boors because I had other surgery there recently and that doctor recommended him.

I am from hazleton and it would be great if u want to get together, let me know. My e-mail is tinytear@ptd.net. Looking forward from hearing from u.

Hi Everyone,

I've been involved in Geisinger's 6 month Bariatric Surgery Program and will be going for surgery this Monday, August 6th in Geisinger Danville. I didn't think I would see many other NEPA ppl on here.

hello. i have geisinger health plan and have my very first appt with dr huseini on the 22nd at geisinger in danville. does anyone know if geisinger still has a 6 month program? i've been trying for over 6 yrs to lose weight, i wish they wouldn't put me through another 6 months after i've decided to get VSG done. my BMI is 39 and i have no serious medical conditions. gaining another 10 lbs or so won't be difficult for me to get to a BMI of 40, but i am afraid that if i do lose maybe 10 lbs on this 6 mo program and the BMI gets knocked down to a 37 or something, i will DEFINITELY won't be a candidate for the surgery, but only be 80 lbs overweight, instead of 90..... can anyone help? please, any info would be great re: insurance, the dr. and the pre-op process. thanks, NEPA peops!

Hi Everyone,

I've been involved in Geisinger's 6 month Bariatric Surgery Program and will be going for surgery this Monday, August 6th in Geisinger Danville. I didn't think I would see many other NEPA ppl on here.

How did it go for you? i think i will be involved in the same program.