Are The Stars Against Me?

[ladyspl 161]

I made my decision in April to start the journey to Gastric Bypass. I made my surgeons appointment and started my 6m monitored weigh-ins. Surgeon requires clearances from cardiologist as well as pulmonologist. I called those offices to make appointments and both required referrals from the Dr requiring the clearances. I naturally called the surgeons office, they informed me they do not submit referrals, that it was up to my PCP to refer. Fine. Called my PCP, they flat out refused. Said they "have no reason to refer you". Return call to surgeons office with tears of desperation, managed to get the PA to "see what she can do". Woo-hoo! Got the cardiology and pulmonology appointments! Went to my 4th month weigh-in at 4lbs up, uggh! how did that happen?!?!?! Called surgeons office to see if I would have to start over, or if a little flub is still ok, the PA (again, love her!) said the only insurance she knows of that gives grief over weight gain in those 6m is Gateway, and I don't have Gateway. Whewf!!!! *sidenote* Still totally working on getting those 4lb gone by next weigh-in!! My next appointment with surgeon is on Aug 31st, at that point I figure, I will have 5m weigh-ins, cardio clearance, pulm clearance, bloodwork and psych eval done, we will probably be submitting to insurance. The insurance coordinator told me I need to have a letter from my Dr's on their letterhead, with the years and my weights on them for the last 5 years. Now I already had these Dr's fax over my medical records and they did, so now I need to ask them for more? OK fine. I called my OB's office (because I have seen them consistently, whereas the family Dr I hadn't seen in 3 years previous to my 1st weigh-in) asking them for this letter, was told "No. We faxed them all the records, they have it. They are just being lazy and do not want to organize the paperwork themselves and are passing the buck" Really? Ok maybe. But really? I'm afraid to even call my PCP to ask, in fear they will tell me the same thing, especially considering they were the ones to refuse my referrals. UGGGGHHHH!!!

Are the stars against me for this surgery?!?!?!

I know, in the scheme of things, these are not horrible setbacks, but nonetheless, should I take them as an omen that I shouldn't have the surgery. Or listen to my husband and say, they are hurdles to jump to make me sure I really want this surgery.

I DO! I DO! I DO!!

Please, tell me I'm an idiot and just being over scared. Or tell me to turn and run and never look at surgery again.

Sincerely,

The worry-wart

LOL

[Uniqueladybug 80]

Have you thought about switching doctors? That's a lot of grief they are giving you! They should be supportive of your decision. I'm sorry you're going through all this. If you switch dr's all your records go with you! My pcp was AWESOME! I would find someone willing to help. Ask co workers, go to a few local WLS support groups and find out who there doctors are and if they accepting new patients. We all wish you the best. I've been at this for a little over a year and a half and my surgery is scheduled for Sept 19. If this is what you really want for yourself, DON'T GIVE UP - you are worth it!!!

[ladyspl 161]

Thank you!

Yeah, I absolutely, after this, plan to join my husband at his PCP! As far as my OB, this was the first time I have ever had an issue with them, and to be quite frank, I don't blame them. Especially since they're right, the surgeons office has all my records from them, all they have to do is take those papers, highlight if they must the dates and weights, and submit to insurance. I have fought with insurance companies in the past, times when most people would have just given up, and I got the results I wanted. This time should be no different, but I am psyching myself out due to the magnitude of the surgery.

[music1618 879]

Sounds like your surgeons office is throwing all the road blocks. I interviewed two surgeons before making my decision. One of the key factors for me was that one office seemed very willing to help move things quickly and the other office was not. So shop around find the right office for you!

[ladyspl 161]

My surgeons office has been great and bad. If I didn't live 3 hours from them, I would just walk in and get the problem solved asap, but since I cannot, I will address the issue on the 31st which is my next appointment. I am unfortunately stuck with the surgeon due to my insurance requires a Center of Excellence, and they are the closest.

[SoccerMomma73 1,867]

I find it bizarre that your surgeon's office, who does this all the time, seems to be having issues getting their crap together on this...

Good luck!!!!

[ladyspl 161]

I agree, although one could take it as they know how to get the most while doing the least LOL!!

I'm just trying to find the humor in everything right now because I am so afraid all my work thus far has been in vain.