Hello all, I am new here. My PCP broached the subject of bariatric surgery recently. I am pretty interested. Has anyone dealt with this insurance company recently and bariatric surgery? When I called they told me the first step is to do 12 months of a documented weight loss program before anything else related to surgery. Timing wise, I found this a bit discouraging- as I have time intensive goals next september. Anyone have experience going through Horizon NJ Health? Thanks.

Nutritionist visit done. She was nice. I'm approved for a total of 6 visits over the next three months if I wish to see her again.

Now to the Pulmonologist, Cardiologist, Preop Class, and Preop Appointment with my surgeon! Ahh! It's beginning to feel like ti could really happen and in two weeks I might have a surgery date!

Just confirmed my spot in the preop class.

Hey TNT! Welcome Ranisha! I'm not using the same doctor as you guys, but my doctor is in the same office (Dr. Boynton), and I have Horizon BCBS of NJ insurance too:)

Ok Sounds Good How Are U Doing And How Is Your Experience Going So Far How Much Of Your Requirements Have U Completed I'm Almost their I Just Got My last Nutrionist Visit Tomorrow And I Meet With Dr Attia Thursday My Last Support Group Meeting Is wed nov 27th do u Attend meetings in vineland inbox me for my phone number

Ok Sounds Good How Are U Doing And How Is Your Experience Going So Far How Much Of Your Requirements Have U Completed I'm Almost their I Just Got My last Nutrionist Visit Tomorrow And I Meet With Dr Attia Thursday My Last Support Group Meeting Is wed nov 27th do u Attend meetings in vineland inbox me for my phone number

Ok Sounds Good How Are U Doing And How Is Your Experience Going So Far How Much Of Your Requirements Have U Completed I'm Almost their I Just Got My last Nutrionist Visit Tomorrow And I Meet With Dr Attia Thursday My Last Support Group Meeting Is wed nov 27th do u Attend meetings in vineland inbox me for my phone number

Had my pulmonologist appointment today. Sending me for a pulmonary function test on Friday, since I smoked from 15-25 years old. Hopefully the test is sent to the pulm. in a timely manner, and the pulm, sends the clearance to my surgeon in a timely manner. I hope the cardiologist doesn't ask for additional tests too on Monday because my preop appointment is next Wednesday! I don't know if I can go to my preop without all the clearances back yet.'

NJ mom of 4, will I see you Thursday at the preop class?

Had my preop class today. It was mostly things I knew but I got a better overall idea of what my hospital experience would be. I also met a few other Dr. Neff patients. Hopefully one of the young ladies will join me here on the forum to keep in touch!

I just met with DrNeff today.... I got my Surgery Date!!!! December 30th... I didn't know about the Pre-op class until today so now I have to go in December... Bummer I would have loved to have gone with you Thick n Thin!!

Things have just been so crazy here... But I am going to start Atlanticare's support group in January... Maybe I will go to Decembers but it is their Holiday Party and I will feel like a "party-crasher" .... Unless you wanna crash with me?

I just met with DrNeff today.... I got my Surgery Date!!!! December 30th... I didn't know about the Pre-op class until today so now I have to go in December... Bummer I would have loved to have gone with you Thick n Thin!!

Things have just been so crazy here... But I am going to start Atlanticare's support group in January... Maybe I will go to Decembers but it is their Holiday Party and I will feel like a "party-crasher" .... Unless you wanna crash with me?

Congrats on getting a date!

I may try to do Atlanticare's support group. It's so much closer to me than Kennedy (45 minutes versus 1 hour and 35 minutes) and I know a sleeve patient I can probably ride with. It would be cool to check it out preop but I have classes on support group night (Mondays). Next semester I think Monday may be doable. I probably won't crash the holiday party. It's just so far to travel.

So you are done all your preop tests? Did they submit to insurance for approval yet? Do you mind sharing any preop instructions?

Congrats on your surgery date doll!

I'm having Dr. Attia do my surgery, too! He is such a good doc!

Well, we have a surgery date. December 23rd. It's real now. Scary!

Hi all and Happy Thanksgiving,

I am from So. Jersey too. I have Dr Kakilaya as my surgeon and I really like him alot, he is very versed in VSG. I have a scheduled date of Feb 24, 2014. I met with him in Sept. to get a feel prior to going to a seminar. I attended Dr. Goldstein's seminar approx. 5 or 6 yrs ago. I don't think I was ready then, f you are wondering why I didn't stay with him. My PCP has been telling me about Dr K. for a few years and I really trust my PCP so I met with Dr K, It's been already a journey researching and nutrition classes, seminar and support group and I know it's just the beginning, I wish everyone a sucessful journey to a thinner and healthier South Jersey

Hey guys!!!!

Thick n Thin... You are 1 week ahead of me.... So funny because the first date they offered me was the 23rd bummer because we could have been hall walking buddies!!!! But I didn't want to be in the hospital for Christmas... I have 4 kids and I host Christmas dinner for the family.... Do you have to do a two week pre-op diet? I do... I am waiting on my PCP letter and my Pulmonologist clearance... Both will be done this week... Sorry I didn't write back sooner... Sometimes I don't get on here for a few days... We should try to meet up before surgery somewhere half way....

SandeeD.... Thank you ... I am excited and wigged out and ready and nervous and crazy!!! All at the same time!!! But we are all doing this for healthier lives so it all tends to fall into place... When is your surgery scheduled?? It's great we can all be there for each other... No matter how near or how far...

Z28 and rpcamper... It's great we are all heading down the same road at the same time!!! I used to have Dr Attia but then my insurance changed so I switched... He is cool I liked him while he was my surgeon!!

Hey guys!!!!

Thick n Thin... You are 1 week ahead of me.... So funny because the first date they offered me was the 23rd bummer because we could have been hall walking buddies!!!! But I didn't want to be in the hospital for Christmas... I have 4 kids and I host Christmas dinner for the family.... Do you have to do a two week pre-op diet? I do... I am waiting on my PCP letter and my Pulmonologist clearance... Both will be done this week... Sorry I didn't write back sooner... Sometimes I don't get on here for a few days... We should try to meet up before surgery somewhere half way....

SandeeD.... Thank you ... I am excited and wigged out and ready and nervous and crazy!!! All at the same time!!! But we are all doing this for healthier lives so it all tends to fall into place... When is your surgery scheduled?? It's great we can all be there for each other... No matter how near or how far...

Z28 and rpcamper... It's great we are all heading down the same road at the same time!!! I used to have Dr Attia but then my insurance changed so I switched... He is cool I liked him while he was my surgeon!!

Ya, you have booked up the 30th. I wanted to go with you, and it also may have been a bit more practical for me on the 30th, but wasn't open. It was either 23rd or the new year. Yep, two week just like you- preop diet. It's coming so soon, 9 days? Im unfortunately in the mist of dealing with relationship issues with a lying boyfriend who I probably need to walk away from. Between that heartache, my full course load at school, work, and responsibility at home- I'm about done at the moment. It's overwhelming! To become single again, adjust my expectations for my future (moving, marriage, children, etc) and now with surgery...I can't process it all.

Good luck to you!