Atlanta, Georgia

[2013newme 42]

Hi everybody im beibg sleeved at emory bariatric center on Clifton rd In atlanta. I havent picked a surgeon yet because im still in the trying to get approved stages. Can anyone give me some advice about the process of being sleeved here and what surgeon you choosed and why? Also if you were sleeved here how are you doing?

I was sleeved Jan 8th at Emory on Clifton... honestly, I just let them pick the first available doctor for me, which turned out to be Dr. Stephen Davis. I researched him after the fact... my thought process is.. it's Emory! they wouldn't have class B docs there!! I can tell you that I really pushed my way through things - didn't wait for Tracy - I made things happen - even with my insurance... but I also thought that everyone I interacted with was positive and supportive every step of the way! I didn't have much interaction with the surgeon - he really had handlers (and fellows) that do most of the work and interact with you - which I thought was really fine too. I didn't feel like a number or not special because of it - but I also knew it is a teaching hospital and that was to be expected! The post surgery I thought was fantastic too - I have read alot of what people go through on these, and I have to say that my post-op experience was excellent. The nurses love bariatric patients they told me because we are motivated.. the bariatric patients are on the same floor as ENT surgeries for post op - just fyi. The nurses just wanted me to be comfortable - so they made sure I had pain meds - and when I figured out that morphine was making me sick, they immediately switched me to hydrocodone - it was just that easy...the first night, they were in every hour - which sucked (but I think that is true every where) - then the next night - they totally left me alone - I had to call them to help me get out of bed when I wanted to walk - but again, I didn't feel neglected at all - they were awesome at the hospital. The fellows and the surgeon came by to visit me the day after surgery and the next day - they were very helpful answering questions and making sure I understood discharge instructions.... all in all, I had a good experience, even without researching my surgeon there! I'm happy to talk/answer more questions about it if you want - I certainly didn't know all the ends and outs going into this thing - and now I'm 3 weeks today post op - and feel fantastic!!!

[sheree212 21]

Hi 2013newme thank you sooo much for replying! You were very helpful! I am a little puzzled about the process and I felt a few times that I probaly would have to push things through myself. I was shocked to see that tracy is no longer the program coordinator. So when I go back for my 2nd group nutrition visit I hope they are settled. I have two more nutritional visits left. Gotta do my psychological visit, have to get my letter of medical necessity and my 2 year weight history, then my insurance requires a nutritional assessment I believe.after that I will be done. I have federal bcbs. How long after your approval were u scheduled for surgery?

[2013newme 42]

sheree212 - so - do you have to do 6 months of supervised diet too with your insurance? I had to do 6 months supervised diet with a doctor - luckily I had done this with my PCP prior to thinking about weight loss surgery. I also only did one group nutrition class with Emory - again - I pushed things through....by the 2nd one - I had convinced the doctor (Williams - she isn't there anymore) that I met the 6 months supervised diet with my PCP, and I had shown Emory that I was serious by losing 10 lbs in that first month with them. I would go ahead and do the psych now - get it done with so you have that in your back pocket. I would also get to your pcp soon - the medical necessity letter took longer than expected from my pcp - not that they didn't agree to it - but it just took forever in my mind - also, if you see your pcp - have them help you document your 2 year weight history for when you have come in - it helps that they recorded it "officially". Can you do the nutritional assessment at Emory? I did a one on one with Meghan for that. as far as the approval - I was approved quickly (Aetna) - but again - I found out who my case manager was and pushed them on the process. i was hoping to get in before the end of the year - but just didn't work out because of the holidays. So - I was approved like Dec. 14thish and had my surgery on Jan 8th - but again, this was because of the holidays. Keep in mind that AFTER you are approved, you see the surgeon - and then you have a post-op nutrition class - and then you see the surgeon again - and THAT is when you get your surgery date! So - you can see why I pushed things through... I got my approval date Dec 14th and immediately scheduled all those appts to get it done quicker.... I didn't wait on tracy to coordinate this - I coordinated it myself.

I'm not surprised about Tracy - she seemed to be dwindling down on the job when I was there - not answering phone calls, etc - so hopefully the new coordinator will be on top of things for you!

[Beautyandbeyond 227]

Sheree I have to agree with 2013newme regarding the letter from your pcp. They also agreed but it took them a month to buckle down and do it! And thats with me calling them regularly and dropping in!!!! I've been with them for almost 10 years and I love them but it was excruciating!

[Beautyandbeyond 227]

So I called ins. today and I was told they are actively reviewing my file and to call back after 6! Waiting on the verdict! *holding my breath*

[Beautyandbeyond 227]

Congrats sweetie2013!

[sheree212 21]

Thanks you guys im definately gonna get on that now. I only have to do the supervised diet for 3 months. I didnt know that after your approval there has to b three additional appointments. So what I am gonna do is take over my own destiny. Make things move myself. When I meet with my pcp I will discuss the letter at that time. I wanted my gyno to do it because I have been going to her for 8 years but she does not support mt decision nor does she support wls methods to aid in weightloss. Beautyandbeyond its ok girl you already knownyou have that approval.

[Beautyandbeyond 227]

Thanks Sheree! we will all be a part of the losers bench very soon!

[shayv123 96]

Beauty I know you got your approval!!! Congratulations!!!!

[Beautyandbeyond 227]

Beauty I know you got your approval!!! Congratulations!!!!

Im still hanging in there Shayv. I was told to call back this evening after 6 but when i called I was told to call back Monday :-(

it's all good. I just need to be patient. Thanks for the encouragement girlie!

[Beautyandbeyond 227]

IM APPPPRRRRROOOOOVVVVEEEDDD! Go me! Go me! lmao ....STOKED

[sheree212 21]

Congrats Beautyandbeyond!

[Ms.Pitts 3]

Congratulations BeautyandBeyond...

[Beautyandbeyond 227]

Thanks ladies!

[PetraLuxor 83]

I live in mcdonoughh! My surgery is 2-25....im ready

So exciting! It'll be here before you know it!