Dr. Miles or Dr. Schmitt patients

[Fordgal88 7]

Unless something changes, I am scheduled for the nutrition class April 9th also. I really hope this class helps!! (Gives step by step what to expect ... cans and can'ts etc) See you there!!:biggrin2:

Oh Cool!! Makes this world even smaller!! lol

[Jen123 0]

Hi,

I'm in Alabama and considering the lap band with Dr. Schmit or Dr. Miles. Does anyone know if you have to do the 6 month diet if your self pay? And if the sleep study would be required.

[Fordgal88 7]

Hi,

I'm in Alabama and considering the lap band with Dr. Schmit or Dr. Miles. Does anyone know if you have to do the 6 month diet if your self pay? And if the sleep study would be required.

I think the 6 month supervised diet is an insurance requirement. As far as the sleep study - that is a Dr. requirement. I believe it is a safety measure they take because of the risk with anesthesia. You should attend their seminar. It is very informative.

[Savedbygrace 11]

From my understanding, Shawna is right. I was very impressed with Dr. Miles' group. A seminar is very informative and required as well. Goodluck!!

[MkUSmile78 0]

Good Morning Everyone!

Congratulations to everyone that has gotten their surgery dates!

I know how excited you are.

I just wanted to say hello to all of you.

I was banded June 11, 2007, by Dr. Schmitt.

[michelleRN 0]

I have worked as an ER nurse for 15 years and we send people to surgery all day and all night, all shapes and sizes, and NEVER do we or the anesthesia staff ask about sleep apnea, I can't recall anyone patient suddenly being dead post surgery due to "anesthesia" related issues it is typically related to cardiovascular, pneumonia, infections, or a clot. If a patient is going to develop an anesthesia related problem that is life threatening it is almost always during surgery and you are on a vent. so it is breathing for you anyways and if that does occur I assure you will be sent to ICU on the vent not the cpap machine. Some of self pay Dr. Schmitt/Miles patients who were self pay have told me all they were required to do was get the lab work, unless they had a history of a related health issue. I have my first appt. to see Dr. Schmitt this Friday, but I really am thinking of shopping around if I must have a test and possible re-test for sleep apnea which I do not have. I can't afford the machine either and I have federal bc/bs. I know sleep apnea is the hot new thing in medicine for the last 10 years but I think I am going to have to really shop around some more if all Insurance carrying people are required to have a sleep apnea test even those without a history of related issues.

Just venting,

Michelle

[Southern Missy 1]

Michelle RN -- I have to agree with you. Not to step on any toes as I know there are many people who go with Miles/Schmitt and LOVE them but although I found the seminar informative I also likened it to a cattle prod. It just seemed too commercialized for me. Also, I intend to spend the night in the hospital and they were commenting on how they couldn't remember the last time they had a band patient to stay overnight. To each his own but that's just my 2-cents.

[Rocket City Guy 0]

I have worked as an ER nurse for 15 years and we send people to surgery all day and all night, all shapes and sizes, and NEVER do we or the anesthesia staff ask about sleep apnea, I can't recall anyone patient suddenly being dead post surgery due to "anesthesia" related issues it is typically related to cardiovascular, pneumonia, infections, or a clot. If a patient is going to develop an anesthesia related problem that is life threatening it is almost always during surgery and you are on a vent. so it is breathing for you anyways and if that does occur I assure you will be sent to ICU on the vent not the cpap machine. Some of self pay Dr. Schmitt/Miles patients who were self pay have told me all they were required to do was get the lab work, unless they had a history of a related health issue. I have my first appt. to see Dr. Schmitt this Friday, but I really am thinking of shopping around if I must have a test and possible re-test for sleep apnea which I do not have. I can't afford the machine either and I have federal bc/bs. I know sleep apnea is the hot new thing in medicine for the last 10 years but I think I am going to have to really shop around some more if all Insurance carrying people are required to have a sleep apnea test even those without a history of related issues.

Just venting,

Michelle

In hindsight I wish I had shopped around a bit too before choosing Miles/Schmitt. Their main selling point to me is their experience with the band, but since I began my journey I've discovered that there are other docs with almost as much experience that are closer to me. Also, sometimes with Miles/Schmitt's office, it just kinda feels like an assembly line, kinda impersonnal or something. NOT that everyone isnt super nice there....it just seems like they have so much experience with the whole process, and they dont realize every step is a new experience for the patient.

Anyways, good luck with everything Michelle....and I completely agree about the sleep apnea deal.....so ridiculous!

[Di4AU 1]

I don't know what Neoami's system is for scheduling surgery, but, it is quite arbitrary to say the least. After faxing her my 8 months of records on March 24, I tried calling her after about a week and she never returned my calls. Finally, I emailed her and she said I should be getting a letter from BCBS in about a week. Last friday I emailed her again, suggesting she check on things, since it had almost been two weeks. Well, I got my approval letter in the mail that day. Today, I received an email from her which said, "you should get a letter any day now". So, I called her to tell her I received the (%#)(&$%&) letter and would like to have my surgery scheduled. After holding for her for over 20 minutes (no way was I going to hang up), she told me to call her back Friday, she MIGHT have a schedule for June then. She scheduled my friends' surgery for May 2 within a week of her sending in her records. So, I don't get it, but I'm not happy.......:frown:

[Savedbygrace 11]

I must agree that chaos must have hit in that office once all the BCBS patients (like myself) finally got finished with their 6 month diet. I never had any issues getting a reply to an email within a day of sending before but here lately it's been a little tougher. I loved the staff during the seminar, support group and my initial eval and am trying to be understanding about how busy they must be. But I do feel like I'm having to pull all the information out of them. This is new to all of us and I feel they might need to revamp their protocol so that we feel more comfortable going into this. I do prefer experience though so that was the seller for me!!

Goodluck to all of you!!

[Di4AU 1]

Oh, I agree, I was very impressed with the staff and especially Dr. Schmitt. He is definitely the man for the job, but I think if they are taking on so many patients, perhaps they need to take on some more staff.

[bandofhope 1]

I have been considering lapband surgery for a year or so. I finally went to the seminar with Dr. Schmitt in January. I drove almost 3 hours to get there and was very excited about finally getting information on the surgery. I hate to say it, but the way the seminar went made me step back and think again. It was like a circus and quite frankly I have never had a medical staff act so crappy. It made me feel like all they wanted was for me to sign on the bottom line so they could get paid. They never discussed (or disclosed) that some of my procedure and/or related tests might not be covered (I have BC/BS). Dr. Schmitt has great credentials but his bedside manner is making me feel uncomfortable. I went to my first months visit with my GP but have not been back again because I am starting to have doubts. I have learned more on this discussion board than I have anywhere... are there any suggestions for a another doctor in Alabama. I am going to the lapband support group next Saturday in Bham at Dr. Schmitt's location and I hope to get a more positive response from real people that have had the surgery. I'm not above blaming this on my own jitters.. but, my gut has a bee in it that won't quit worrying me. I know I need the surgery, but, it's scary enough doing it without having to worry about the doctor and his staff. Thanks for any suggestions!

Edited April 9, 2008 by bandofhope

[Savedbygrace 11]

The seminar I went to was held by Dr. Miles and I was much more inspired when I left than I was with the other surgeon seminar I attended. I too have been a little uncomfortable with the lack of attention to my case recently but do believe that they are doing the best they can. I attended the required nutrition class today with Veronica & Ashley. It brought back the passion and confirmation I had that they do have our best intrest at hand. I do encourage you to attend other seminars if you are not comfortable with them. I feel you need to be very confident in your decision! This is going to be a long process with quite a few follow ups. Customer Relations is very important to me as that is my profession but when it comes to MY BODY.. I want experience 1st of all but also a staff that is willing to teach me each step of the way! Although I know they are busy, (that shows experience) I feel they will be there to help me work the tool!

Wishing you the best!!! :-)

[Fordgal88 7]

I agree the lack of attention in the office can be a bit discouraging and maybe it is time for a procedural overhaul. I think leaving the scheduling and insurance up to one person is a bit unreasonable. I also find the sleep study a bit much. I am still waiting on a letter of release from Dr. Kim Schmitt. I just feel that this is an un-needed step for every patient. I can see for some, but when I am asked to exagerate symptoms to have insurance approval for the study - then there is obviously something wrong. I found her to be rude and more of a salesperson than a Dr.

I did find the nutrition class reassuring that I am doing the right thing. I loved it that Veronica has been where we are and discusses the personal side of our decision. I thought it was great that she mentioned that there is a higher divorce rate among bariatric surgery patients. It made me think about how my decision to do this is not only affecting me, but everyone around me. I plan on really making my husband a part of this and hopefully I can drag him to a support group meeting so he can really see the scope of what I am doing.

It was very nice meeting you today Wendy! I cannot wait to see how everything goes for you.

=)

Shawna

[Savedbygrace 11]

It was nice to meet you too Shawna! I too think its good to be made aware of the statistics! Today was the first appointment that my husband wasn't able to attend with me. I have preop next Friday so we are going to spend the night with my brother and attend the support group Saturday. So tell your hubby to come on! I think it's good for them to know what to expect also!

Looking forward to the future!!!! :-)