Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Switching Doctors in the middle of the process-UGH!



Recommended Posts

I am so ticked off! I went to the doctor to get my band unfilled as an emergency because I couldn't keep any food down. I thought the doctor's office had submitted my paperwork to the insurance company on 10/8/14, but they didn't. It seems that my doctor no longer works there so I have to go to a new doctor AND the new doctor won't do the surgery in one surgery he does it in two. My deductible is met for this year and they're not sure they can get me in for one surgery this year, much less both surgeries. They want to wait 6 weeks between surgeries. The doctor's office kept apologizing and saying that somehow my case slipped between the cracks. No one ever called to let me know the doctor no longer worked there. If I hadn't gone in at the last minute, I would have kept thinking that my paperwork was submitted to the insurance. They even called me and cancelled my 10/1/14 appointment saying it wasn't necessary since my paperwork was ready to go. The doctor left 3 weeks ago! In the mean time I've lost 28 pounds since July, not by trying, but because the band was too tight and I couldn't keep anything down. So now my BMI is at 34. I'm not sure the insurance will even approve me now. I was warned not to gain any weight or they won't do the surgery.

Has anyone else had to switch doctor's in the middle of going thru the process of the revision from band to sleeve? I'm so mad I could just spit.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm so sorry you're going through this. I am not yet sleeved but I am banded. I also have a hospital deductible yearly so now is the time I'm sure you want to get your surgery done before 2015.

Going through the insurance process can be long but it can also get done quickly if needed. Can you find someone that will do both surgeries together?

Edited by Alfie

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm going to see what happens on Thursday when I go to another doctor in the Clinic. If he can't get me in for at least one surgery by the end of the year, then I will switch to another local clinic. I would prefer one surgery, but the clinic said that they have studies that say two surgeries has better results and less leakage. I'll see what happens Thursday.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Met with the doctor today. Doesn't look very good for me to get the sleeve. He says I've lost too much weight since July. How ironic since the previous doctor told me to lose weight to show the insurance company I was serious about the sleeve. New doctor says my BMI is too low and I have no other issues except that I'm obese. They are still going to submit it to the insurance company, but I'm not getting my hopes up. I hope they still remove the band though.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Oh that's too bad. My doc told me that I had to empty the band and the insurance would want to have some indication that I would not be able to maintain weight loss without restriction, so when I gained 15lbs with an empty band I was approved without issue. I sure hope it works out for you!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yeah! My paperwork is finally at the Insurance Company. Now it's time to wait. Hopefully it goes quick and I get approved.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I got approved! Just waiting to hear from the surgeon to get surgery dates. I have to have my band removed in one surgery and 6 weeks later get the sleeve.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Congratulations you must be so excited!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • cryoder22

      Day 1 of pre-op liquid diet (3 weeks) and I'm having a hard time already. I feel hungry and just want to eat. I got the protein and supplements recommend by my program and having a hard time getting 1 down. My doctor / nutritionist has me on the following:
      1 protein shake (bariatric advantage chocolate) with 8 oz of fat free milk 1 snack = 1 unjury protein shake (root beer) 1 protein shake (bariatric advantage orange cream) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein bar 1 protein shake (bariatric advantace orange cream or chocolate) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein soup (chicken) 3 servings of sugar free jello and popsicles throughout the day. 64 oz of water (I have flavor packets). Hot tea and coffee with splenda has been approved as well. Does anyone recommend anything for the next 3 weeks?
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        All I can tell you is that for me, it got easier after the first week. The hunger pains got less intense and I kind of got used to it and gave up torturing myself by thinking about food. But if you can, get anything tempting out of the house and avoid being around people who are eating. I sent my kids to my parents' house for two weeks so I wouldn't have to prepare meals I couldn't eat. After surgery, the hunger was totally gone.

    • buildabetteranna

      I have my final approval from my insurance, only thing holding up things is one last x-ray needed, which I have scheduled for the fourth of next month, which is my birthday.

      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BetterLeah

      Woohoo! I have 7 more days till surgery, So far I am already down a total of 20lbs since I started this journey. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Well done! I'm 9 days away from surgery! Keep us updated!

    • Ladiva04

      Hello,
      I had my surgery on the 25th of June of this year. Starting off at 117 kilos.😒
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Congrats on the surgery!

    • Sandra Austin Tx

      I’m 6 days post op as of today. I had the gastric bypass 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×