I have noted a lot of geographic variation among forum members, but I've yet to see anyone from MN. Has anyone had their surgery done at U of M? I'm set to be banded April 10.

There is a Minnesota thread that has been posted to recently- look below under forums. Which dr are you using? Mine was done at U of M fairview hospital. Welcome to the group!

Hello there, yes I'm from MN too. I live a couple hours away from the cities. I am or should I say was supposed to have surgery in Long Prairie MN. I just found out today after calling our NEW insurance company that they do not cover any bariatric surgerys. How ever you spell that word. Anyhow I have went through all the visit's with the therapists, Doc, dietician, sleep apena oh who else can't think right now I'm too mad. And in one call it's all over.

So do you know how much it is and what I should do.

Good luck to you all,

Carla :think

I am so sorry to hear that. After all the pre stuff was finished and to find that out is heart breaking. Is there any appeal process especially if you have any co morbidities? Which insurance co? i am sure it is less expensive there then in Minneapolis for the surgery. Does your doctor have any kind of payment plan you can do? I was banded a yr ago and i am making my last payment on the part the insurance co didn't cover this month. Worth checking out......

Hey there! I'm also from MN... I had scheduled an appointment for the information session/consultation in January at UM, but I chickened out and decided to try one last attempt at changing my diet.

I will probably ending up going through with it... two of my coworkers are gastric bypass patients (one having her surgery next month), and it's nice to have some very local support!

Yay! Glad to see some locals. I am getting banded at the U of M Fairview. I don't know the costs, but I'm guessing since they have done very well in the rankings (I don't know who does the rankings, but they're always getting awards), it will be expensive. . I'm still waiting to hear back from my insurance people so I don't know how much of it will be out of pocket yet.

To Kuchsgirl: That's tragic! Harrass and call them, or get a new job with a new insurance plan - I've never heard of a company that doesn't even cover bypass, that's ridiculous! Diabetes for life is way more expensive than an operation once. Oh well. There's always Mexico, but I'd feel so much safer at home.

Thanks all for the replies.

I'm from MN as well! I am getting my surgery done March 5th, 2007 at St. Joseph's hospital in St. Paul. It is part of the Healtheast system. Good to see fellow Minnesotans .

-Jason

I'm from MN. Anyone have Dr. Fortier for their surgeon. Have seen him a number of times for pre-op visits and have had a favorable impression. How about anyone else?

I am not from MN but I my DH's aunt/uncle/cousins just moved up there over the summer. He is in the Army Reserves. Anyway we spent just over a week in New Prage (that might be spelled wrong) It was nice, way out there and there were TONS of CORN FIELDS everywhere. :thumbup: haha...

We are going to try and go back for a visit this summer also.....it was nice just wouldn't want to live there.