Dr Amit Trivedi

[VSG_2013 1]

I'm happy to report that I finally received insurance approval' date=' but not without a lot of hounding the surgical coordinator. I definitely should have gone through the supervisor as you did. The original (less than helpful) surgical coordinator was replaced. The new coordinator at least returned my calls (albeit 2-3 days later). So, I now just have to re-do a few of the medical clearance tests again. My surgery is set for March 29, 2013!

And yes, there is a 1 hour post surgery class. My dad had a gastric bypass performed by Dr. Trivedi in January & I brought him to the class. I was lucky to get a sneak peek at what lies ahead after my sleeve. It was an informative class about how to get through the 3 stages of the healing diet.

Good luck with you surgery![/quote']

Hi Kennedy310,

How did your surgery go? How do you feel now? I'm getting Iron infusions for several weeks and then will hopefully be ready for surgery. How was your experience with HUMC? How is your dad?

Be well

[eboychik 13]

By any chance is Dr. Trivedi's coordinator named Shannon?

[VSG_2013 1]

By any chance is Dr. Trivedi's coordinator named Shannon?

I don't even remember who my first coordinator was. I have been waiting all week for a call back about rescheduling my surgery! I'll have to call on Monday. They need to get their act together.

[eboychik 13]

I don't even remember who my first coordinator was. I have been waiting all week for a call back about rescheduling my surgery! I'll have to call on Monday. They need to get their act together.

I highly suggest asking for Michelle, the supervisor of the coordinators. She is a sweetheart, and much more responsive to patients than the regular coordinator. Extension 205, I believe.

[Kennedy310 33]

Hi Kennedy310,

How did your surgery go? How do you feel now? I'm getting Iron infusions for several weeks and then will hopefully be ready for surgery. How was your experience with HUMC? How is your dad?

Be well

Hi IndigoSkye-

My gastric sleeve surgery went well. I've had a few digestive issues along the way, but nothing too extraordinary & all have been things that I've been able to manage & get through with a few adjustments. My body just needed a little extra time to adjust to the new digestive system. I'm 9 weeks out from surgery & I feel great. My energy is back, I've lost 65 lbs & most importantly, I feel healthier.

Dr. Trivedi & his surgical team did a great job. I had a terrific experience at Hackensack. The nursing staff I had was really nice & attentive to my needs. They encouraged me to get up & walk around and move. That was a big help in recovery.

And my dad is doing great as well. He is 5 months out from his gastric bypass surgery & he has lost over 80lbs. He has better energy now & is getting around on his bad knee so much easier than he was pre-surgery.

I agree with eboychik... call Michelle if you are having problems with your coordinator. My first coordinator was a nightmare as I explained above. She was "moved to another department" because she didn't know what she was doing. i was hopeful with a new coordinator, but although she was more responsive, she was still learning & clearly had too many cases. it always took at least a day for her to return my calls. of course that was better than the first coordinator who just never called me back. Definitely call Michelle & get what you need. It's a shame that such a great surgeon has such a problematic staff handling the insurance approvals. At one point, my coordinator was having problems because my insurance is through California. She advised me to change my insurance to New Jersey. Um, yeah, not the solution. Haha

Good luck with your surgery approval. Let us know when you get approval.

[abranewme 98]

Good looking out... I will be having Dr. Ewing doing mine. His credentials are amazing. I'll tell you how it goes!

[eboychik 13]

Good looking out... I will be having Dr. Ewing doing mine. His credentials are amazing. I'll tell you how it goes!

It seems to be a very good practice. I especially like Stephanie, the nutritionist there.

[SassySenior 111]

I had a similar issue with my surgeon's office and considered changing to another surgeon. Luckily, I started talking to someone who actually was willing and able to answer all my questions, even though insurance was her area.

The bottom line for me was the surgeon. He's world-renowned, past president of the American Bariatric Surgery group and currently on its board of directors. He's the guy other surgeons send their problems to. With my age and my size, I was a high risk patient.

It's like a man ... a good one is hard to find! <grin>

[dgann219 0]

I'm scheduled for gastric sleeve on March 6, 2015 with Dr. Trivedi. He is very passionate and took his time explaining things to me. His office staff, is another story.

His coordinator, Jassmin, ext 224, hasn't returned a phone call yet. I finally contacted Michelle, ext 205, who was able to confirm mt surgery date was locked in. If I didn't like Dr. Trivedi, I would have found another group to deal with.

I'm looking for a weekly support group in Bergen County....anybody know of any?

[JerseyCityGal 231]

Dr. Sebastian Eid, one of the other Dr's in Advanced Laparoscopic Associates with Dr. Trivedi did my surgery. He was beyond wonderful.

I too had some initial issues with the office; incorrect info on approval procedure, my faxed paperwork was literally put to the side for a whole month because the new coordinator "didn't know who I was" (try looking in your computer or calling me at the number on my letterhead - big eye roll), I e-mailed the nutritionists about a dozen times asking for the post-surgical meal plan and still didn't have it days before surgery and was then told the nutritionists "didn't have e-mail any more" but no one could tell me why I was told I had to e-mail them for two months straight if they didn't have e-mail.

Jasmin was my coordinator too. She's overworked. They have a killer caseload.

Despite everything, I wouldn't even consider another surgical group.

Bottom line .... Dr's Eid, Schmidt, Trivedi and Ewing are the best of the best.

[gigi2195 4]

All of the doctors are great but the staff really does suck. Post surgery you become a no one. If you go back for nutritional evaluations they try to charge you when they stressed to you in the beginning that lifetime nutritional visits are FREE. I had a hassle when I went back and had to speak to three different people who each tried to charge me my copay. I'm let down that they really dont have post surgical support.

[JerseyCityGal 231]

All of the doctors are great but the staff really does suck. Post surgery you become a no one. If you go back for nutritional evaluations they try to charge you when they stressed to you in the beginning that lifetime nutritional visits are FREE. I had a hassle when I went back and had to speak to three different people who each tried to charge me my copay. I'm let down that they really dont have post surgical support.

Their exact policy is "complimentary dietitian support" not lifetime nutritional visits are free. They should make it clearer that the support is over the phone. That is mentioned in a different paragraph of their literature.

Their monthly support group meetings are free.

Edited February 14, 2015 by JerseyCityGal

[gigi2195 4]

@@JerseyCityGal Thats not what they told me and you're absolutely right...they should be clear about that. Overall, I'm a bit disappointed in their post surgical care or lack their of.

[dgann219 0]

I have made it over the hurdles and I'm confirmed for sleeve surgery on Friday, March 6th. I am excited and cautiously optimistic.