Dr. Keith Scharf; Loma Linda, CA

[quinn1219 1]

Dr. Scharf is the led Bariatric Surgeon at Loma Linda University Medical Center in Loma Linda, CA.

[LadyPullings 94]

I just went to his seminar 7-10-14. My BMI is 39.89 I wonder if I will still quality? How was your experience with this surgeon and his staff?

[quinn1219 1]

I just went to his seminar 7-10-14. My BMI is 39.89 I wonder if I will still quality? How was your experience with this surgeon and his staff?

Hello. My BMI was 40 and I qualified. I've had a very good experience with Dr. Scharf and the whole team. I underwent the sleeve and am 10 months out now. I'm 1 1/2 pounds away from my goal weight of 160. On surgery day, I weighed 255. I did have some complications, but I had some problems before surgery that got flared up afterwards.

Post again, if you have additional questions.

Best of Luck!

[LadyPullings 94]

How long was your process and did you see Melissa for your nutrition visits or did you attend the take shape for life?

How many weeks/months did you have 2 do the nutrition portion?

Did you have 2 see a psychologist?

I think I'm confused on the whole authorization part of it? Loma Linda is my medical group and the authorization was submitted for the dietician? Who approves it? UHC right?

How long was your total process?

[LadyPullings 94]

Question? Which weight/bmi will they take? The first one I have w the dietitian or the one that I had w my pcp for the original referral to the dietician?

[quinn1219 1]

How long was your process and did you see Melissa for your nutrition visits or did you attend the take shape for life?

How many weeks/months did you have 2 do the nutrition portion?

Did you have 2 see a psychologist?

I think I'm confused on the whole authorization part of it? Loma Linda is my medical group and the authorization was submitted for the dietician? Who approves it? UHC right?

How long was your total process?

The requirements are different depending on your insurance company. I had federal employee blue cross/blue shield. I had to complete 4 months with a nutritionist (I had already started seeing one in Apple Valley and they accepted those visits). I saw 1 psychologist through the program, he was very nice. I started the whole journey in Feb. 2013. I had my surgery in Sept. 2013, but could have had it in June. I needed to make arrangements to be off work and had to work around my husband's schedule.

I have no information about how Loma Linda does their authorization.

[LadyPullings 94]

Thanks a bunch!!!! I really appreciate your prompt response. ????

[LadyPullings 94]

I was approved for my consult w the surgeon? I am so confused as 2 how this works! So after my consult I can set up my 3 appointments with the nutritionist. I'm excited! My BMI was 40 on the dot today!

[quinn1219 1]

I was approved for my consult w the surgeon? I am so confused as 2 how this works! So after my consult I can set up my 3 appointments with the nutritionist. I'm excited! My BMI was 40 on the dot today!

That's great ... once you've met with Dr. Scharf you'll get directions regarding the next steps. You can also contact Melissa with any questions. Congratulations!

This past Sunday was my 10 month anniversary from having the Sleeve. On Monday when I weighed myself I was down to 157.2. My goal weight had been 160. I'm very happy with my results!

Good Luck!

[LadyPullings 94]

I am so happy and sooo proud of you! These forums are the truth! It's like you know the people posting and you can relate to their happiness! Congrats. I just talked to Angela and Melissa. I am so excited I couldn't even sleep. I searched and searched the internet all night and made a long list of questions for the surgeon and everybody else!!

Congrats again!

[jinkies 4]

Hi everyone. Congrats on your weight loss! I'll be having my first consultation with Dr. Scharf on the 27th after completing my bariatric classes at Beaver Medical. Does anyone know at what point do I get to schedule the surgery? What does the timeline look like?

Also, how was your experience at Loma Linda University? Was your room private or shared? Thanks!