WASaBubbleButt

Funny how that works. Sandy has never participated in fills yet she claims to have medical information about you that isn't true. Just how does that work? You know, if she had facts she'd use 'em. But the facts don't work for her so she creates whatever does work. I'm interested in something. Nancy, Chelle... what do you think about what Sandy did to Wendell? She made up information that was not factual, claimed it was medical information and passed it around via PM. What is your take on this? I've been as sincere as I know how to be with both of you. I'm asking for the same in return.

Lauren, let me ask you something. You do editing for me. When I have something I really want to be absolutely perfect it's no secret that my grammar and spelling bite a big one. You are gracious enough to edit the important stuff for me. Let's say that editing was your career path in life. Let's say you charge for this. Let's further say that by experience you know that over 90% of people will not pay you for your services. Would you finally get to the point that you charge for your services in advance? This is your only source of income. And 90% of your consumer base is not paying you. Would you request money up front?

Well, medicine IS in it for the money. We don't go to work for the emotional feelings, we go to work for an income. Medicine is no different from groceries or the plumber.

Yeah, I saw it. Another load of fresh smelling BS. Amazing how Dr. Neal has a much different memory vs. the coat thief.

She's been claiming for so long that she works for Kuri that nobody believed her. When they discovered that for once it is actually true they canceled surgery. Can't say I blame them.

Since people are great at not paying MD bills, it is becoming standard. The alternative is having them pay before they leave the hospital. What's the difference? Do you pay for your groceries before you eat them?

They already have. A few have canceled surgery when they discovered Sandy was working for him on a contractual basis.

Nope, wouldn't vary. Each doc has an individual contract with each insurance company and the fees for various procedures are agreed upon before the procedure is done. Cigna might pay $8K for banding and BC might pay $10K. But it's known up front what insurance will pay and what the doc HAS to write off. They can bill a gazillion dollars, that doesn't change the contract. Insurance co's are following Medicare about over billing. Medicare is just now coming down on docs for over billing. If Medicare agrees to pay $4K for banding and the doc bills them for $50K, they can now get in trouble. But this is new. Not all insurance co's are following Medicare guidelines yet. They will, but not yet. Docs charge private pay patients more for office visits vs. what insurance will pay. They charge what they want, doesn't mean they'll get it. It is known full well what insurance will pay and what the patient portion will be before the patient ever walks in the door. Some bill the insurance and have the patient pay later and some insist on payment ahead of time. Docs really are the last to be paid most of the time so many have switched to the payment up front kind of policy.

That pretty much says it all. Sandy's a liar. And according to the courts, a thief.

Find a new doc, get the band. My doc is in Mexico, 3.5 hours away. Best decision I ever made!

But that is a contractual agreement between each and every individual doc and the insurance co. The doc knows full well what insurance will pay and what the patient will need to pay before the procedure is even done.

HIPAA AND the Medical Board.

I'm sure you passed the psych testing, it's the wallet test you didn't pass. I don't blame them for requesting extra fees be paid up front, but waiting a week before surgery is less than ethical. But, docs are people too and they aren't always ethical.

PC... Did you read the post I wrote on R&R? That tells you step by step how to handle this.

Allllllll I want is Chinese chicken salad minus the chicken. Same flavor, no liquid chicken. (gahhhh) That's why I'm trying this, cross your fingers! After I soak the tofu in "stuff" can it be frozen? Anyone know? How long is it good in the frig?

Heh... this will NEVER be shown to the doc. Some people are just too stupid to play on line games.

No, actually I meant that by my warning people about Sandy via PM was an "okay" thing to do. But I like your idea better.

PC... If I were you I would find a way to get a copy of this thread to the doc and not through the OM. She claims there is slander here. Slander is verbal, libel is written. For someone to slander this doc it would have to be verbal. That means in the office. The person seems to have much more info that you posted. That tells me it is someone from the office. Her own claims are that this is slander. Again, that's verbal and not written. I'd be pitching a fit. Do you have any emails from the office? If you do, check the IP address. IP addresses can be verified here on LBT as well. Same IP... it's the office. Go get 'em.

So far PMs have been a free for all. (wink wink nudge nudge)

I didn't tell anyone in the beginning, I was afraid if it didn't work I'd be a freak. Now that it worked I tell anyone that will listen.

The resident that works for my band doc is seriously into fine wines, fine cigars, and good steaks. Each time I go there I talk him into taking me to the liquor store and I get a mega lesson on wines and what to look for. He's turned me on to some really fun wines. Last time we had a chat. I told him I want to learn to smoke a cigar like a girl. While he's not in favor of that he does teach me what I want to know. So far the cigars he picks out (Cuban, gahhh! I'm finding I like the cheap stuff) really stink but at least I'm learning something new. Even if it is weird. I had no idea Cuban cigars are $250 pesos (about $22 USD) each. They stink and they don't taste very nice. I like the apple flavored cigars, they smell better. Who else would know how to get chocolate in their wine but a banded patient! HA!

I would think the 45gms of protein is if you aren't eating the protein foods. It's essentially Atkins. Why not just cut out all white carbs and I do mean ALL white carbs and bump up exercise?

Such a supportive and loving site full of good, quality information! HA!

Instead of having 3 servings of everything, have one bite of every bit of food there. Enjoy!

It isssssssssssssss!