NJ1980

Good afternoon Sleevers, I began my journey on September 14, 2016 the day after my birthday. I attended the mandatory class that every Bariatric patient has to go to, I scheduled my appointment with them to meet with the doctor in 2 weeks. In my persistent nature I kept calling them and they were able to see me sooner, I was seen the following week. I met with the wonderful Dr. Neff for the second time (he is amazingly sweet, funny and knows his bariatric business). At this meeting I received a long list of Pre-Screening Requirements that had to be completed. Medical approval from PCP Lab Work (oh the joy! the drama with my veins) Radiology (boy did that juice you swallow suck) Behavioral Health (basic questions) Dietician Evaluations (Cherri @ their office is AMAZING) Cardiology Pulmonology Gastroenterology (Endoscopies suck especially when they tell you you have a teenie weenie ulcer) Endocronology (skipped this as I didn't need to go) 5 more things that didn't apply to me that I don't want to bore you with lol After I arrived home with my beautiful folder with all of this information I second guessed myself and decided to re-think the surgery for a week. I can tell you I wasted a week. After I came to the realization that this was the best decision for me (252 pounds and single mother of 2) I began calling and making appointments to see all of the mandatory doctors I had to see. Of course each doctor told me they had a 2 month wait. I'm happy to say that all of my visits and blood work were completed by November 3, 2016. I was approved for Sleeve on November 7, 2016. I saw my doctor on November 9, 2016 and we were able to schedule my surgery for November 21, 2016. I can say that I learned a lot about my body, waiting in doctors offices and listening to their elevator music and reading old copies of people magazine (when wifi wasn't avail) and that the only thing I am suffering with is a Vitamin D deficiency (go figure, I live in NJ we don't get much sun in the Fall and Winter months). I'm 36 years old want my life back, I want to be able to be healthy, to run with my kids, not be embarrassed when I go to the park with them, be able to work out with them, go to the beach with them without having to cover myself up and to set a good example for them. I'm excited, thrilled, elated and can't wait to start over. I want this so badly I can taste it. I'm confident in my decision and confident that I will be able to re learn how to eat with the amazing tool and opportunity I've been given. Health and Happiness to All, NJ1980

Did you he horizon nj health? How long did it take you? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App I do! My very first appointment was June 15th and my surgery is scheduled for the 15th of this month. My approval took a little less than 3 weeks. The referrals are what's a pain so I would try to get those and appointments schedules as soon as possible. Sent from my SM-G935T using the BariatricPal App

Hello All, I have finished all of my requirements with the exception of 2 NUT visits. My doctor is Dr. Neff and is 2 hours away (he's amazing) however I'm really considering someone closer. I have called a ton of doctors out there and they all tell me they no longer are accepting Horizon NJ health or they just met their quota. If anyone knows of a doctor in North or even Central NJ please advise. Thanks, P

ok cool. i have all of my clearences. here's hoping they accept them. thanks for all your help!

Will do! Which doctors did you have to get clearances from? No problem they work out of Mountainside Hackensack Hospital which is literally down the street from the office tell them Nakeya B referred you AmbitiousGirl

Thank you! I'm actually in jersey city. I called several hospitals, Hackensack hospital in Hackensack NJ and no doctor there take my insurance. I'm calling Montclair surgical associates on Monday. I have all of my clearances I just want someone closer Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you but they're just as far.

One other question. Did you have to get pulmonology, cardiology, gastroenterologist, blood work, physician clearance and 3 nutrition meetings? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi - I saw that you used HorizonNJ Health. Which doctor did you use? I'm trying to find a doctor in north NJ and you said you had yours in Hackensack. Thanks

My endoscopy is scheduled for tomorrow! Apparently I am being sedated for this. Any thoughts or any heads up with regards to the endoscopy?

I've been reading about everyone's journey and am so happy to hear and see amazing transformations. I'm seeing Dr. Neff who is absolutely amazing! I've completed my primary care clearance, cardiology clearance, radiologist clearance, pulmonology clearance, lab work clearance and lastly have completed 1 of 3 dietician visits. I have the following clearances remaining for this week - 2 dietician visits (both scheduled this week), endoscopy clearance (Thursday 10/20) and psychological clearance (tomorrow). By the end of this week I should have everything in at Dr. Neff's office and in 2 weeks have a surgery date. I'm beyond excited and can't wait for next steps. Did anyone else have to go through all of the above visits. I feel like some people had fewer requirements. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Did your insurance require 6 months or did your doctor? What's an arterial blood gas? I wonder if I have to do that during my hospital mandated blood work? I did the normal blood work and that came back normal.

I had to that all of that except support groups and online tutorial. I've already met with my surgeon. I meet him again once all necessary clearances have been sent to him super excited!!!! I didn't have to do the 6 month route. I went to my seminar on september 14, 2016 (day after birthday), saw the doctor the following week, got all of the necessary information from the doctor and am finishing up this week. Best of luck to you!!

I didn't have to do the 6 month route. I went to my seminar on september 14, 2016 (day after birthday), saw the doctor the following week, got all of the necessary information from the doctor and am finishing up this week. Best of luck to you!! I had to go through 6 months of classes visits with nutrition testing Phych labs ultrasounds u name it before I could even see the surgeon. I finally see him next week!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you! I'm very excited, I told both of my kids who are 9 and 11 yesterday. They took it very well.

Yikes! When I asked my surgeon (Neff) why the need for all of these visits, he told me that they always check anything and everything before scheduling surgery. I guess you can never be too sure. :/