debweb111

I went to an info session in May 08. I then started a 6 month supervised weight loss and nutrition program with my doctor and dietician. Dr. Johnell has a dietician you can use, but I used one outside. I had my consult with Dr. Johnell in July 08. I had to lose 10% of my access weight prior to surgery. They call and check up on you regularly. He also requires other tests some for everyone and others based on health. I had to have a sleep study, labs, ekg, and met with his psychologist for a psych evaluation. It is about 3 hours of filling in bubbles for two tests and talking with him. I would just call your health insurance and ask them what their requirements are, but Dr. Johnell's staff can check for you also. I did have a little different situation because my insurance changed on Jan 1st 09 and the new plan does not cover bariatric surgery, unlike my previous one, Sloans Lake Cofinity. I am covered through my husband and he talked to his HR and they didn't want to take benefits away, so they said they would cover it. It took about 8 months from start to finish and everything went very smoothly. It seems from what I hear that after it has been approved by insurance or you can cash pay everything can go pretty fast.

I have UHC and went through Dr. Johnell in Greeley. I would recommend his program. I was just banded on 1/22. So far, so good. Good luck!