My insurance finally started covering the sleeve. Prior to then I was talking to a patient advocate at Dr. Lavin's office. She said call back when coverage starts. Well today is the day and now they are saying that it may take several weeks to verify coverage..i don't have several weeks. Bad enough I waited 6 months to.have a ins cover it. Is there a doc in Metairie or New Orleans that may have an easier process? Who was your surgeon? Help, please!

Dr. Thomas' office. There was a computer in the exam room and after my consultation with Thomas' date=' his nurse put the psych eval quiz on the computer. It took maybe 15 minutes and was 50. Consultation was 150.[/quote']

did u use the met, slidell, or covington office?

Covington office, but had surgery in Metairie at Crescent City Surgical. Great facility.

Covington office' date=' but had surgery in Metairie at Crescent City Surgical. Great facility.[/quote']

Thanks for responding!

Sure - ask anything.

Sure - ask anything.

Do remember your psychs name?..lol they gave me a list of psychiatrist but none of which are in the office.

I didn't have to see one - my eval was on the computer. But I do see a nurse practitioner at Life Net in Mandeville on 190.

My surgeon is Dr Thomas' date=' but he is in the same group as Lavin. Best of luck to you.[/quote']

Do u remember how much your surgery was? My ins pays all but 10% ...just trying to get an estimate

No problem. It came to $13,800 for me, self pay.

I am in the Houma area and from my fist call to my surgery date which is Feb 6th is has been one month! tThey are amazing!

Danielle P was my advocate. She was great and got back to me quickly when I called or emailed.

Hi Danielle what was the post op diet like? How long were u on liqiids?

Hi Danielle what was the post op diet like? How long were u on liqiids?

I had Clear liquids for a few days, then yogurt, creamed Soups, then full liquids - full liquids is anything that is a liquid at room temp - so applesauce, yogurt, Italian ice. I got tired of sweet things. Mushy foods were hard for me bc I love a crunch. Now I'm at week 7 and my nut says I can have almost anything (no steak, drier meats for four months). I chew a ton. You will know quickly what your stomach doesn't like!

I had clear liquids for a few days' date=' then yogurt, creamed soups, then full liquids - full liquids is anything that is a liquid at room temp - so applesauce, yogurt, Italian ice. I got tired of sweet things. Mushy foods were hard for me bc I love a crunch. Now I'm at week 7 and my nut says I can have almost anything (no steak, drier meats for four months). I chew a ton. You will know quickly what your stomach doesn't like![/quote']

Oh ok...i was going to a wedding a few weeks after surgery and wanted to know what to expect. Thanks

If you want to come to Houma my Dr is Dr Schwab and my entire process was one month! I called for information on Jan 5th met with the surgeon on Jan 10th did my phyc eval, meet with the NUT, sleep study, and got my paper work from my PCP within the next week and a half and they did EVERYTHING let me know where I needed to go and when. I just got sleeved yesterday an I feel amazing! I am in my own huge private room with cable and free wifi happy as can be!

lovetobeme,

I started my process early this week and was told to expect approx 1 month for surgery from my appt. I started with a doctor in New Orleans but I live closer to Houma... What was the name of the doctor that completed your Psych eval? The doctor in New Orleans that was recommended is holding up the process since she won't be able to see me until the 18th. Also, where did you do your sleep study? If I can speed those two things along, I may be able to have everything done as planned!! I may also look into switching surgeons to complete my process in Houma if it doesn't mess up the process that I've started! Take care and wish me luck!

lovetobeme' date='

I started my process early this week and was told to expect approx 1 month for surgery from my appt. I started with a doctor in New Orleans but I live closer to Houma... What was the name of the doctor that completed your Psych eval? The doctor in New Orleans that was recommended is holding up the process since she won't be able to see me until the 18th. Also, where did you do your sleep study? If I can speed those two things along, I may be able to have everything done as planned!! I may also look into switching surgeons to complete my process in Houma if it doesn't mess up the process that I've started! Take care and wish me luck![/quote']

Good luck first of all! And the woman who did my psych was named Virginia Pellegran and I did my sleep study a Thibodaux regional med center! But there is also sleep solutions in Houma! I had my surgery at physicians medical center in Houma and all I have to say is wow! I feel like a pampered queen here in my private room and all the amenities!

Pre op weight 246, surgery weight 224, Goal 160, surgery 2/6/13