how long is the process?

leelabell · April 4, 2006

Hello, Im new here and was wondering if anyone had surgery in Portsmouth NH? I know there is a process to go through but how long does it take before you actually have the surgery? I was reading at Catholic Medical it takes up to a year. Also does anyone know if Anthem Nh covers lapband?

Thanks

Lisa

sunshinenh · April 21, 2006

Hi there. I had my surgery at Portsmouth with Dr. Gens. It took 3 months from the first seminar to surgery. Good luck to you in your journey.

Moe · April 22, 2006

I started in November and had the ban put on Feb. 3. I highly recommend Dr. Peculli, she is wonderful.

I also called Catholic Medical in Manchester, and it did seem longer there. It was also more $$$. I was self pay so that mattered a lot to me.

I looked into Boston as well, but it was at least 3 month there and a much longer commute for me.

Good luck

Elisabethsew · April 22, 2006

I had my first consult with the surgeon in mid-December and then began the long process of consults, blood work, etc. I finally had the surgery on 3/30.

leelabell · April 23, 2006

Thank you for your info. How much did it cost? Im going to be self pay too. How much are the fills? I was told around $16000. at POrtsmouth but does that include everything? I see alot of people sayingfills are around $150. I also have seen alot of people pay for the surg. and it includes 1 year of fills. Does Ports. do that? Best of luck o you. How much have you lost since Feb.? Thank You

jagravel · May 18, 2006

Anthem NH does cover lap band,you may want to call them and have them send you a copy of their coverage and exclusions just to be sure.I have a PPO through Anthem through my employer,and was happy to find out it was covered,I am going through CMC hospital in Manchester,my pre registered informational session appointment is not until August 7th,seems like forever to wait.They are so slammed with people,they are booking into September now,I signed up last month.Good news is I already spoke with my PCP about my intentions,and he is backing me 100 percent,he is preparing to submit my letter of medical necessity as soon as it is needed.I am a little worried about how long of a wait there will be,I am in so much pain everyday due to my feet and back,I am hoping it will not take any longer than a year I will say that.Nice to see other folks here from NH,will be nice to chat with you all.

Julie

RKidder · June 15, 2006

Hello,

I live in Lewiston, ME and I will be attending my first seminar today in Portsmouth. I am sooo looking forward to going and finding out all I can about lap banding. I am an RN and have worked on a surgical floor that had many RNY gastric bypass surgical patients. After seeing many complications, I have decided to pursue lap banding for myself.

Best of luck to you all....Rachel

Dawn NH · June 16, 2006

I was banded at CMC in December 2005. My insurance required a six month medically managed weight loss, so I do not know how long it takes if you are self pay or have another insurance. I know that there have been some staff changes at CMC's program so that may be part of the delay as well. I am very pleased with my care and would do it all again at CMC