Anyone going to UCSD for surgery?

littledognme · July 23, 2021

Hi there! I'm an RN and having a revision surgery (sleeve to RNY). I'm currently being seen at the UCSD bariatric dept but have had nothing but problems with them. I had insurance approval, but without explanation they literally refused to let me make an appointment for almost 6 months. I finally called them and said that I've been getting railroaded for 6 months and that I wanted to speak to someone who could actually help me. That worked and I got an appointment, but not until after they told me that my original approval had expired and that I needed to get another one from my primary doc!!! Anyhow, I've been through the entire pre-op process and weekly classes etc. a few times. Once when I was considering a lap-band. Once with my ex-husband, and the third time when I had my sleeve. Needless to say, I know what to ask and was very upfront and direct with my doctor. He ended up lying to me about the pre-op weight loss requirements at every single visit (3 in total), and then refused to refer me to the surgeon (When I saw him 6 weeks prior he said that he would write the order to see the surgeon). And no, I didn't gain weight. Lol... I'm just curious if anyone else has had a negative experience with UCSD and if you were able to get it resolved? When I asked for a different doctor I was refused, but after I put in a formal written complaint they decided to let me see a different doctor. In the meantime, my insurance has approved another bariatric group and surgeon. Yay! Hopefully my experience with UCSD is just an anomaly.

Edited July 23, 2021 by littledognme

Grace4 · July 23, 2021

I did my surgery through Sharp and they were wonderful. I had to go through all the steps and classes but as far as timeline they were on top of it. As soon as I finished one thing they got me scheduled for the next step.

Jon1rene · August 10, 2021

What’s Sharp?

luv4mouse · August 11, 2021

Sharp is an insurance company like blue cross, kaiser, united health, anthem, etc.

To OP did you get a new surgeon? How did it go? I saw a surgeon at UCLA and UCI; both sister centers of UCSD. I went with the surgeon at UCI; liked him and his support staff so much better. UCLA was supposed to order some further test as I'm having gastric bypass to repair a failed acid reflux surgery and they never did. The nutritionist I met that day was a complete ding bat and I felt like I knew more about the diet than she did (acid reflux recovery is much the same). My surgeon's staff is amazing; they answers any and all questions as soon as I send an email or leave a message; even doing a phone appointment from home to accommodate my schedule. My husband, daughter and grandson see hemophilia and genetics doctors at UCSD and they are wonderful, so I think it might be that department at UCLA.

Hopefully you have found a surgeon you are happy with and on your way to or already had your surgery.