PA Newbie....decision has been made!

[muhol88 16]

Hi All! I'm 40 yr. old female from philly, 257lbs. BMI: 45

I just met with a doctor at Thomas Jefferson hospital and I've decided, after much research, attending seminar and stalking this site to go through with the surgery! Anyone else go through Jefferson? My main concern is getting approved my my insurance BCBS of PA.

Just reading through this site has been such a comfort, so thank you for that!!

[IncredibleShrinkingMan 437]

Congratulations. I don't want to influence you too much, but I am from outside Philly too and I went with Noel Williams at UPenn. All the other surgeons there (Korus, Cha, Schuricht, etc...) are marvelous as well. What procedure are you thinking of having?

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

I'll say this. I saw a specialist at Jefferson and overall was pleased with care and treatment there. However I am biased. I too had my surgery done by Noel Williams at UPenn and could not have had a more pleasant experience. The best part being NO GAS Pains post op because of how he does his leak check. I know for sure they accept most BCBS plans. I also would recommend anyone looking into having WLS to check out at least 2 different programs before deciding. I looked at Temple before deciding on U Penn.

[muhol88 16]

Thank you for your advice! I'm looking to do the sleeve. This will make me sound like a moron, but I didn't even think to look elsewhere???? I heard from a few people, who went to Jefferson and loved the surgeons there and it made an impact on me, so to Jefferson is where I went!

[lauraellen80 855]

I'm outside Philly, and I went to Einstein in East Norriton and had a great experience. But there seem to be a lot of really good options in this region!

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

There really are a lot of good options in this area. We have several major hospitals (Temple, UPenn, Jeffereson, Hahaneman, Einstein), most of which are centers of excellence. Then there are also bariatric centers like Barix Clinics. You also have an insurance that I am pretty sure is accepted at these major hospitals. Take your time and check out at least one more before deciding. Ask about pre-op diets, post -op life, support and follow up offered.

[LadyWarren 57]

I'm a newbie as well. Good luck!

[baileyj908 37]

Dr Noel doesn't take all BCBS. I have highmark BCBS and he didn't take it.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

@@baileyj908 - Where did you end up going?

[baileyj908 37]

I'm still going through UPENN but seeing Dumon because he is the only one that accepts my insurance

Edited November 6, 2015 by baileyj908

[PrimaGoddess 18]

Hello,

I'm new to the Forum! I just searched for people that have had my prospective surgeon.. Dr. Dumon @ Penn (HUP). How was the care you received while in the hospital and follow up?

I'm in between my 3rd (and final) WLM appointments. I had a set back because I gained after my initial appointment but am 1 pound shy of my original weight - with a goal to loose 3 -5 lbs in the last 3 weeks which i am working hard with working out and diet.