Christus In Beaumont

[beautifulnewme2012 164]

Oh boy...I have Dr Dean...and he referred me to Dr Monk...after 2 weeks of trying to get in touch to schedule an appt, I called Dr Deans offc and they gave me her email. I sent her an email myself...a very nice one stressing the importance of getting the eval done as she was the only thing I was waiting on. Well, another week went by with no word so I went out and found someone on my own thru ins to do it. In the meantime, she called and got extremely RUDE with me about 3 weeks after I emailed her. Early in the morning too...so I had a few choice words for her. I come from Ft Worth. Only moved to Beaumont recently. And I have NEVER been spoken to that way by a doctor. So I was shocked, not too happy about it. And not very nice...I sure am glad I didn't have to be evaluated by her...

Did either of you have hernias that had to be repaired? Did you have to do an endoscopy prior to surgery? Did the hosp require you to pay the out of pocket max up front??

[mommy794 119]

Sorry u went they that! Goodness! No no endoscopy or hernia here. Just had pre op labs and EKG.

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[beautifulnewme2012 164]

Its ok! I have never been a doormat but I try not to be rude to anyone. I kindly let her know she wasn't going to scold me or speak rudely to me and I didn't need her services...

Well, I am curious if he finds one while he is doing the surgery if he will just fix it or what since I don't have to have an endoscopy either...not sure how that works.

[jenn298 36]

No endoscopy for me either. I had pre-op labs twice. The first to check for a bacteria in the stomach (they do it on everyone before scheduling the surgery) and the second time when I had to register for the hospital the week before surgery. Yes the hospital scheduling department called me and said I had to pay all of my out of pocket expenses before surgery. Then when I got there the morning of surgery they tried to say I didn't pay the amount so I had to wait for everything to be verified before being sent to pre-op. Was somewhat frustrating but worked out pretty timely. Yes I know what you mean about dr monk. It took me forever to get into her, like she has no concept of time, that's all I was waiting on also and then she rescheduled me twice and then it took almost 3 weeks for her to get her report finished so they could send my final authorization to my insurance. So yes, I know what you mean. As far as hernias, I've never had one but that is one question you should write down to take to your final pre-op appointment with him. I found that a list of questions I kept with me all the time was helpful so I wouldn't forget to ask anything. The part I hated was the catheter. And I was a little leary of the drain but as soon as you get up and can walk they will take the catheter out which was a relief. The drain stayed in for 8 days. Dr Schrapps usually does this with all his patients, I'm not sure about Dean. Its a little cumbersome when dressing and showering but nothing too difficult.

[beautifulnewme2012 164]

That's good info! Thanks so much. Dr Dean does the drain for a week also. Good to know its not going to kill me...my mind thinks it is..LOL.

I will be taking my receipt for payment in full with me to the hosp then as well. Glad they didn't delay you because of that. I would've been freaking out!! I did already have that one set of blood tests. I am scheduled for the pre-op tests on the 30th...I go see Dr Dean for the last time prior to surgery on the 24th. Do you feel the sleeve does what its supposed to? I have heard some people (not in Beaumont though) say they can feel the restriction...(feeling full fast) and I just want to make sure Dr Dean makes my sleeve small...ya know?

[jenn298 36]

Yes I know what you mean. I am never hungry. I do experience what people on here call "head hunger" but nothing I haven't been able to muddle through. I love my sleeve so far. I have never been able to diet successfully without feeling like I'm starving all the time so this is a new and exciting change. I will send you a private message with my name and cell number. Feel free to call or text me anytime with any questions or just if you need someone to talk to. I will warn you that I went through a mild regret phase right after surgery and the next morning because of the pain but that is normal. Just remember that each day you will feel better and better.

[jenn298 36]

Btw how much are you wanting to loose?

[beachlover1129 22]

did yall have bc/bs christus ins? if so how much did the procedure and dr cost you? I am in Lake Charles and was considering using one of the dr's and hospital for my surgery.

[mommy794 119]

I was thinking at first mine didn't have enough restriction but it does. I just never had a problem drinking at all even after just a few days out. I progressed really well on food phases and like I said really have had no problems. I acually feel more restricted the past 2 weeks than I was before so the sleeve does evolve it seems I would like to lose faster of course but since I was a lower BMI I am destined to lose alittle slower. I also look at it as my skin has time to catch up and each pound I lose WON'T be coming back! I'm half way there in just over 2 months and I feel good! I'm smaller than I have been in several years and I love my sleeve!

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[mommy794 119]

I have christus ins. it's not all said and done yet and i also have a secondary ins covering me so I'm not real sure what my OOP will end up being. I think like 1300 or less. I hope to know for sure soon!

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[beachlover1129 22]

i knoow we have 1300 limit and I have been told the surgeon is gonna be 3000 and the hospital at 3900. I hope this is wrong but that is what I am budgeting at least. congrats on your progress and gl. I can't wait to have my surgery. Did you have to do the 10 week METS or naturally slim program? if so how was that?

[jenn298 36]

I have BC/BS of LA. My OOP was to meet our deductible and then the hospital estimated their charges (facility charges only -- 48,000) but my ins pays 80% and has a maximum OOP of 1000 for me. I have not received any bills as of yet but will send updates on that in the near future.

[mommy794 119]

Yep had to do the 10 wk program plus 6 mo supervised visits but I hear now it's only the 10 wk program for approval. It's always changing and I think they are still learning the ropes as far as christus insured ppl. I have heard our own ins is the hardest for them to deal with so who knows !

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[beautifulnewme2012 164]

Awesome info! I am excited now. I am 5'3" and starting weight of 258. I am at 251 today. Since sticking with the NUT suggestions the past month or so. I hope to get down to 150...if I hit that goal 135 would be my maintaining weight.

[beachlover1129 22]

@beautifulnewme, can't wait to see your progress, and hear how your experience was. @mommy74, thanks for all the information