akwright68

I have been calling my doctor's office every other day for 4 weeks now in waiting. First I was waiting for the paperwork to be sent to the insurance company for approval. I was first told that it was submitted only to find out on my call the following week that the girl responsible had the flu and was out the entire week and that the paperwork had not been submitted as promised. At this point I went directly to the doctor and voiced my frustration of having the ball be dropped by their office staff when I had jumped through every hoop required on time and without any delay. He not only apologized but overnighted the package to the insurance company and emailed me the tracking number so I would know it had arrived. Another 2 weeks of waiting and I again made the phone call yesterday to be told that she had personally spoken with the person in charge of my case at the insurance company, but they needed additional paperwork for approval. After the lie from her in week 1, I did not trust her at this point and I contacted the insurance company directly only to find out that I had been approved since January 17th and that they had not only sent a letter to my doctor's office directly, but to myself as well. As I was traveling, I had not been able to check the receipt of this in my mailbox. I immediately called the doctor's office again and asked to speak to the doctor again directly. He stated he needed to verify this and would call me back. Within 5 minutes I received a telephone call confirming that they had received the letter of approval and that we needed to schedule the surgery and begin the liquid diet. My dilemna is this, the office staff is who I need to trust as well and I do not have that confidence. I definitely do in my surgeon, but I need to reiterate to him that I am having a problem with some of the staff. Although the insurance approval process is over and I really do not have to deal with this one individual again I feel that something needs to be done about her lack of truthful answers and to me uncaring attitude. As a patient I have spent the last seven months jumping through every hurdle that was required of me, yet the most important part of the process was mishandled and then just passed off with a lie. As you can tell I do not like it when someone states that they have done something, yet they have not and then to just try and lie to pacify someone is just not acceptable behavior. My surgeon and the nursing staff have been friendly, reliable and so easy to deal with. It really is just one person. How would any of you address this? Should I just mention something to my doctor and let him handle his staff, should I actually write a letter of disapproval or should I just let it go? I really am excited to schedule surgery and get the journey on to the next level, but I am really upset over this.

Congratulations. You look awesome.

Thank you - that is a good idea. I don't like to feel this way towards anyone, especially at a place where I know I will be a frequent visitor. A friend of mine thought I should just wait and watch, but I really am upset when I think that she could do this to someone else that might not be comfortable speaking up.

That is great!

Congratulations.

Saltlife, how are you feeling? Congratulations.

I think it is beneficial for all of us to be open and supportive of everyone, no matter where they are into the process or what they have had done. There are many people here that have different stories to tell.

I cannot wait to be able to wear pretty shoes. The ones that are not wide or stretched out from the swelling of my feet throughout the day. Right now I carry an extra pair of wide shoes for the afternoon as by 3 pm I can no longer feel my toes. I can't wait to be considered for projects at work and not overlooked due to some people not being comfortable traveling with "the big girl". Yes I know this is discrimination, but hard to prove unless caught on audio or video. I can't wait for my father to stop saying how thin and pretty I used to be every time we talk on the phone or he comes to visit. Above all I cannot wait to be healthy in my old age and being an active participant in the lives of my children and grandchildren. I love my life and I just want to live it.

There will always be people in our lives that we seek positive reinforcement from. This starts from the day we were born with our parents, grandparents, siblings, teachers, etc. It has taken me years to get to this point, but I have come to realize that my life is mine and I am the one that has to live my life. The people that I choose to share my life with knows my choice about Lap Band surgery, the rest do not. I have a motto.... If I would not choose to have someone take care of my children then I do not trust them with my private thoughts or feelings. Therefore I do not trust their opinion of me as they really do not know me or my thoughts and feelings. Keep your support system close, whomever they are, you will need them. Although we may be strangers we are kin in our weight issues and the goals we have set for ourselves. Scream, cry or laugh, we will be here for you.

So not as detailed that I thought. Thank you.

Thank you. I have to get a physician clearance or referral, Dee was not clear in her message that she left so I made an appointment for Wednesday morning. Hoping she can clarify what is needed for this last hurdle.

Basically they are checking for depression and OCD disorder. Perfectionist tendencies can create problems post op and depressive personalities have underlying issues that need to be addressed. There are many people that believe this is a quick fix, which we all know and have been repeatedly told is only a tool. The psychological evaluation is a necessary formality. You will do fine i am sure.

I have been researching for the last 3 years and each time i really question everything I come back to the band being the right choice for me. My surgeon and I discussed failure rates and they were around 13 - 17 percent over a 5 year period, and were based on factors of carbonation consumption, over eating and repeatedly stretching the pouch above the band. Before you take the plunge, please go speak to a few other surgeons.

I hope that your gas pains have eased up, so you are more comfortable.

My surgeon will be Dr. Aquilla as well. I am hoping for a Jan or early Feb surgery date. The staff has been so helpful there.

Good luck. Nothing to be nervous about. The beginning journey towards the rest of your life.

I am in Tampa as well. Waiting for my approval and surgery date. Love this forum, everyone is so supportive. I am hoping for a Jan. Surgery date.

I am in limbo before my surgery is scheduled as well, I worry about the same thing and have been using Nivea Firming lotion for the last few weeks. My uncle who had gastric bypass 6 years ago told me to use Mederma every other day, but vitamin E with firming lotion twice daily. Good luck to us both on the way to our journey.

I found a vanilla protein shake from Visalis that tastes like cake batter. You can add things to change into different flavors. With vitamin and mineral supplements it gives complete nutrition.

Good luck tomorrow. The beginning of the true journey.

I have felt like you for the last twenty five years. The ups and downs, trying to make other things keep me happy, so I don't think about being "the fat girl". My dad makes it worse by saying "you would be so pretty if you just lost some weight." I have just completed my 6th supervised diet appointment, which was the insurance requirement. My papers have been submitted and I hope the approval will be quick. This is a journey and there are many finance plans, just speak with your surgeon. You have support, and we are here through the entire journey. Good luck.