Dr. Deol's Dear John Letter

[Karen2539 0]

Oh RoseWolf, my heart goes out to you. I have been having my own little pitty party, but reading your post really put things in perspective. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I wish only the best for you, I hope you find a doc you like soon.

James2539, last I heard, the two docs in St. Clair Shores are taking her patients, but not her practice. If anyone hasn't gotten their records, you better get over there and get them. Debbie was only staying another week and then was going on to another job. I'm not sure when her last day is/was.

Thanks, I was in towards the end of last month and picked up my records. Did Debbie find another job? Last I heard from her, she was in limbo waiting like the rest of us.

[RoseNewLife 0]

Thanks, I was in towards the end of last month and picked up my records. Did Debbie find another job? Last I heard from her, she was in limbo waiting like the rest of us.

Debbie called me last Thursday (October 4th, my wedding anniversary even:think) and told me that Dr. Deol had to leave soon, and there was no time to set up another doctor or group of doctors to take her practice (Debbie said these things "take time"). Debbie also said she had to look for a new job so I guess she's still in limbo like us. I had talked to Dr. Deol herself a few weeks back, and she gave hope then that a new doctor would take her practice, and I could just continue on there, but obviously this didn't happen.

I have an appointment to see Dr. Krause, I like the idea that he is out of Beaumont hospital, and if I ever had an emergency he would be close by. However, does he have the support group, the nutritionist, all the things similar to what Dr. Deol had set up? I know this is going to be a life long commitment, not just a quick-surgery-and-it's-over-fix. I need the support afterwards as well. I have no idea if other lap-band doctors will be as good and supportive as Dr. Deol was, and offer similar services. I'm not impressed with Dr. Krause at the moment, I talked to the lady that sets things up for him (I forget her name), and she says he is accepting Dr. Deol's patients, but he's only doing "group appointments". What the heck does that mean? I have to share my appointment time and all my questions with other patients? Plus spend $250 to do it? (This is what I was told on the phone, there was a $250 doctor visit fee that's not covered by insurance). I just don't like the sound of that. If I'm paying $250 for an office visit, I want it to be a personal one.

(sigh) Anyway, I guess I'm going to have to go that route, there doesn't seem many other options. The $250 will have to be another investment into this mess. If I don't like Dr. Krause, I may consider the Port Huron group. But that's a big risk for me . . . our family only has one vehicle that could be trusted to drive that far (my husband would have to take a day off work every time I needed a fill), plus I'd need to make arrangements for my son (who has autism) to be watched. For those who don't understand autism, he just wouldn't be able to sit in the car that long. I don't need the added anxiety of my son having a meltdown. So driving to Port Huron isn't just about me - I would feel so guilty putting my husband and son through all that.

Anyway, I need to get off the soap box of self pity and whine, yes I know. I really appreciate all the kind words everyone has written, thank-you all so very much, it means a lot and really helps. I know a lot of you are in a similar situation without a doctor to care for you now. I'm glad we have this forum to help one another and give each other ideas. Hugs to you all! :girl_hug::grouphug: I'm going continue my Quest for a healthier body, but it sure feels like I'm fighting uphill and moving through the fog-of-uncertainty right now.

[julialois 0]

I'm sorry for you all. I was going to go to her, too, but when I called to inquire, I was told she didn't take Medicare. (I'm not a spring chicken any longer)

My primary doc recommended Dr Hawasli, who incidentally is MY doc's surgeon. Dr. H has done many bands @ St John in Detroit, but I had to wait til he got certified @ Harper (DMC) because St John is not yet a "center of Excellence" and Medicare wouldn't pay. So I've waited since Feb and am scheduled for October 24.

Best of Luck to all.

[Teachlady 3]

Congrats to you, Julia..

I had my surgery done in April of this year at Port Huron which is a Center of Excellence. Good luck on your surgery and the beginning of a new life!

[HarleyNana 10]

Wow what a mess you guys are going through. I have to admit, that's not an area I would have been concerned with prior to surgery, but now I can see where it should be on the list of things to be asked about, PRIOR to surgery.

Good luck to you all.

[BandZski 1]

Did any of you former Dr Deol patients go to the after care group last week? I went... to the community center. I was PISSED! I'm paying $800 to go to these meetings and they didn't even call me to tell me they had changed the location! Wasn't the topic "Stress"?! Well, stress is walking around the community center trying to find the group that they moved back to the office without telling you! Ugh!!! Anyone get some pointers from the meeting that they want to share with me... or did all of you not get calls too.

[April 0]

I went, I had to call to find out it was changed. They are now saying it will be heald in the office for a while because Dr Deol is still paying rent. But now they are saying we will only meet for a few more months...Did't we discuss a whole year of meetings at the Sept. group?

[Karen2539 0]

I think you are right April, we did talk about a whole year of meetings. I am feeling like I am getting ripped off because I paid the $800.00 in July for a years worths of support group meetings and now it might only be until Feb. or March. Also, at the last meeting did she mention something about if it was going to go longer for us to put money "in" for it to continue? If anything I feel like those of us who just paid the money should get some sort of a refund.

The only reason I knew the meeting was going to be at Dr. Deol's office this last time was because I had called just a day or two prior to the meeting to confirm and Patriza told me it was at the office like normal... otherwise I would have been at the Troy Comm. Center too.

[April 0]

I thought we did!!! Yes, Dr. Greening was running the show last time and she said something about continuing as long as we like as long as we get our insurance company to pay for group therapy, and the ones that don't have coverage would have to chip in cash. And she said if we miss 2 meetings in a row we are no longer in the group! So I guess you'd better show up in November!

[BandZski 1]

OH MY GOD! I can't believe what I am reading. I paid $800 and have only been able to go to one meeting. I'll be damned if I'm putting up another cent. As a matter of fact, I'm calling tomorrow and demanding a refund. This is total crap. I wouldn't even want Debbie to get money from my insurance company. I think she's as ditzy as they come. I'm so pissed off, I'm ready to cancel my follow up meetings with Patrizia. I like her and she has good info., but I feel I need to make a statement. If they don't follow through on their part of the deal, then neither am I. I'll find a nutritionist locally.:mad:

[Karen2539 0]

If anyone is going to the "after care" support meeting tomorrow night at Dr. Deol's office, can you post what went on? I can't make it because I have to work ( parent / teacher conferences), but I will be curious if they have more meeting scheduled for after the new year and are they going to start collecting for this too?

Thanks,

karen

[BandZski 1]

If anyone is going to the "after care" support meeting tomorrow night at Dr. Deol's office, can you post what went on? I can't make it because I have to work ( parent / teacher conferences), but I will be curious if they have more meeting scheduled for after the new year and are they going to start collecting for this too?

Thanks,

karen

Debbie suggested we all make sure we have appointments with a new doctor. We talked about getting through the holidays. She suggested that if we wanted holiday treats, to make them part of one of our three meals. She also suggested deligating when we get stressed with holiday chores. Say to loved ones, "These are the things that need to be done. Which one do you want to do?" This empowers them and makes them feel that it is their choice.

Here is the schedule for the meetings:

December 13 is at the Troy Community Center with Patrizia. She needs about a week notice for this meeting.

January 10 and February 14 will be at Debbie's condo which is 1 mile from Dr. Deol's office. (Email me and if you want the info. - MarilynZski@wowway.com)

March 13 and April 10 will be at the Troy Community Center with Patrizia. Again, she needs about a week notice or she will be charged.

There was no mention of putting in more money or charging insurance.

[FighterGirl 1]

I was sad to see her go, but being that is for the advancement of career..I am all for it. I have been seeing her since 2003, when I moved to Atlanta I would fly to see her...lol. I think the feeling of being dumped is based om finding someone you can trust in, like we did her.

[love da band 0]

Hello, I was banded by Dr. Deol on 6/18/07, paid the $800 fee and found out she left! I have an apt. with Dr. Kraus tomorrow. Does anyone have any info. RE: Dr. Kraus? did anyone get any money back for the support groups? Is there any follow up information we need?

[Karen2539 0]

Michele, check out what Rosewolf had to say about him... another thread in the MI section. She seemed to really like him. I have my first appointment with him since Dr. Deol has left, next Monday. Let us know how your appointment goes and how you like him.