Anyone using Lehigh Valley Bariatric in Allentown pa

Thread Starter  

I've just signed on with Dr. Boorse in Allentown PA - has anyone used this group? They seem to have a great center with lots of before and after care. I'm starting the required 6-month pre-program with monthly meetings and doctor visits. While I know it's to my advantage to have this 6-month information period - I'm also disappointed that I can't have the surgery until at least October - I'm ready NOW!!!

ps - I'm still confused on which surgery to choose - LAP-BAND^® or gastric - I don't need to make my decision right away - how did you make this choice?

I went to the informational seminar in Allentown as I live in New Tripoli. I was not impressed with some of the things they said and I was not that fond of Dr. Boorse. I was ok with the 6 month thing but alot of the insurance questions I had and the program fee kinda made me wonder if that was the right place for me. I subsequently found dr Bono is Hazleton which is not that far from me and I love him and his program. He is very thorough and personable. As far as the decision between LAP-BAND^® and gastric, you should utilize all the people at LVH and see if someone could talk to you more in depth about the two, only you know what is right for you. Good luck Tamara

Hi,I'm also starting there .Tomorrow is my 1st appt.And i too have not made a final decision on the 2 diff surgeries.Dr. Boorse seems to encourage by-pass, but if I remember correctly, he has done quite a # of them. He has just started this LAP-BAND^® program.I could be wrong but I think he said he had 40 of them done as of the end of Mar. when I was at the meeting.He said he would have a more done by the time our group had surgery scheduled.So was Feb. the 1st time he had an info. meeting?I'll ask that tomorrow.And have you received Ins. approval?I'm having trouble at that end...getting records etc.

Tammi I live scranton/wilkesbarre area and work in allentown what type of ins do you have?......

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Margaret
Hope to be banded by Aug/Sept
height 4' 11" wt.199lbs goal 125lbs
SURGERY DATE 12-09-08 !!! at UOP
goal 02-23-09 want to be 160 vegas trip!!!
goal 05-10-09 want to be 140 dts b day mo
goal 07-25-09 want to be 125 summer
start 199/ surgery 190/ current 180
goal 125

I have BC/BS of Illinois.

i am not familar with that i have capital blue cross ppo ...i am just hoping to be covered but if not i will be heading to mexico .... did you go to your seminar ? i am holding off to see if i am approved ....does dr bono do surgery at hazelton general ?

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Margaret
Hope to be banded by Aug/Sept
height 4' 11" wt.199lbs goal 125lbs
SURGERY DATE 12-09-08 !!! at UOP
goal 02-23-09 want to be 160 vegas trip!!!
goal 05-10-09 want to be 140 dts b day mo
goal 07-25-09 want to be 125 summer
start 199/ surgery 190/ current 180
goal 125

Yes he does surgery at Hazleton general. The good thing was the day of my consult I did my lab work and chest xray right in the same building. Then most of pre op testing appts were right in allentown or near wear I lived. I just thought it to be more one on one.

Thread Starter  

Hi - just wondering how long it took from the free informational meeting until your appt with Dr. Boorse? I had my meeting with the bariatric doctor - now waiting until next group meeting. Just seems to be taking so long - could you explain exactly what appts are needed before everything is sent to my insurance company for approval and ultimately my surgery date? I have Capital Blue Cross - when I called and spoke to them, they gave me the impression that I only needed two group meetings/psyc consult/nutritionist before I would be considered - this doesn't sound like the 6 months I was told I needed??Very confused - thanks for your help - this site is wonderful!!

Hi. I am going to Dr. Bono in Hazleton, PA for my first seminar on Tuesday May 27th. I was wondering if anyone has been there and could give me a little info. Do they require the 6 month process like Allentown? My Mom wants to go to Lehigh Valley, but My insurance is being accepted at Hazleton. I just want to get in, do it, and be on my way to a healthier lifestyle...is it possible to to get the surgery in 1-2 months???

I am using dr bono as well. I only had to do the 6 month thing because it was an inusrance requirement. I really like him and Jane. He does require loads of testing, but it is just a safety precaution. They will determine what tests based on your history. If you have any other questions feel free to ask. Good luck and maybe I will see you at the support groups. Tamara

ok, thanks for the reply. I have BC/BS First Priority Life Insurance. I actually am not even sure what is going to be covered. I have to get the appts. then call the company with a code and find out if I will be covered. It's possible that I may not even be covered! I am from Jim Thorpe but live in Tamaqua now, and Dr. Bono is closer for me.

Thanks!
Suzanne

I just decided to pursue the LAP-BAND^®.
My endocrinologist recommended seeing a doctor that does BOTH surgeries so that he/she will not be biased about either procedure.



I called Dr. Bono's office - because he was recommended by two of my health professionals as having a thorough and careful process.

My insurance - 1st Priority HMO - said I am covered providing I get the OK from the Dr.

I wasn't able to reach Jane by phone on Friday but she responded Saturday suggesting I call her tomorrow - July 14.

I plan to attend the July 28th information seminar in Hazelton as well.

I have approval from my endo, my psychiatrist, therapist, weight mgt from 1st priority, and a scad of "co-morbidity" altho my BMI is 36.

So -
here I go -


Anyone else at this stage of the process?
And approx. how long from 1st visit to appt-making for 1st Priority?
And - anyone from the Scranton/Clarks Summit area?

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Consult Appointment - 9/4/08
Completed all testing - November 2008
In 6 mo. mandatory diet phase

SueZip -

How is your quest going?

Any progress?

__________________

Consult Appointment - 9/4/08
Completed all testing - November 2008
In 6 mo. mandatory diet phase

I actually was just at an appt. I had my pre-op on May 26th. Saw the Psych on June 7th, had the Physical Eval today, I have the Gastro Dr. on July 22nd, and the upper Endo on Aug. 1st, I also see the Pulmonologist on August 6th and the Cardio on August 25th. Whew!!! I also forgot, I have to see the dietician on July 26th. 6 month diet, boo. So I guess almost all of the appt. are out of the way. one day at a time

I talked with Jane this morning (Dr. Bono's coordinator)

Info session on July 28 in Hazelton.

and then . . . whatever's next

Patience is NOT one of my virtues!

__________________

Consult Appointment - 9/4/08
Completed all testing - November 2008
In 6 mo. mandatory diet phase