marzee0728

Hi everyone. I am just beginning this whole process. I'm from Northeastern Pa, 25 years old. I have gone to my doctor and he supports me getting the VSG done. I have BCBS of Nepa, First Priority Life. My insurance covers the surgery. They do not require a 6 month supervised diet. I just called the Wilkes-Barre Bariatric Center yesterday and registered to go to a seminar on July 19th. The woman that I spoke to said that the process usually takes about 3 months with them. I feel confident in having all of my requirements for insurance approval except the required "5 years of recorded obesity". I'm nervous because I have been going to the same doctor since 2005 but I haven't gone every single year and my weight has fluctuated throughout the years. I have ALWAYS been considered overweight OR obese by my doctor, until recently I have been "morbidly obese" with a BMI of 44. So I guess my question is, has anyone had trouble with 5 years of documented weight with their insurance? I hope this makes sense!!

I have a $2,000 copay that needs to be payed to the surgeon. I can't seem to get a straight answer on this, but I was wondering if the entire amount has to be paid before surgery? I know every place is different but do they usually make you pay the whole thing or could I put say $500 down? My insurance is really good and will pay for the surgery 100%, but I don't have $2000....should I wait until I have $2000 saved up before I go any further with appointments, etc. ???

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'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!

That's awesome! It's amazing how quick some people recover from VSG. I'm trying to sort things out with my insurance company now and they said that I would have to pay a $250 deductible (which is fine) but that I am also required to pay a $2000 co-pay to the surgeon. I asked my insurance company if I would have to pay it upfront and they said it depends on the surgeon. If I have to pay it upfront I'm screwed! Did Hazleton make you pay anything upfront? Or did they just bill you later? All this insurance nonsense is driving me nuts!!

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!

Thanks for the info! How are you feeling after the surgery? Did it take you long to recover? Have you lost a lot of weight since the surgery? Sorry for all of the questions!! haha

I'm a 25yr old female from NEPA interested in getting the VSG done at NE Bariatric Center in Hazleton, Pa. Anyone else have surgery there?? What was the process like? I have First Priority Life Insurance and a BMI of 44. I'll be going to a seminar next week and am curious about other people's thoughts on Dr. Bono and how long the actual process takes. Does he make you do the 6 month pre-op diet?? I'm a little confused on that process. Any comments would be great! Thank you

hi everyone..i'm new here..24yr old female...my doctor recommended lapband surgery to me over a year ago...i've always struggled with my weight and have suffered from severe depression because of it...i heard the word "surgery" and instantly thought "NOO WAY"...i've never had any kind of surgery before...but now that i've gained about 50lbs since that doctors visit..i'm absolutely disgusted with myself and can't believe that it's gotten this bad..i'm at 254lbs and i'm 5'5..(BMI over 40)...my number 1 problem is overreating..no question about it, i am addicted to food and the high i get from it...i know that this surgery could be a wonderful tool to help save my life..but i'm soo nervous about the whole process..so i'm just wondering if anyone has felt like this? i feel like if i have something that will physically stop me from overreating then i will be able to be successful with losing weight...but i just don't know if it's worth all the risk...help!! thanks so much for taking the time to read my rambling!!