GP derailed me today!

[MicheleK 8]

Wow you've been through hell! I'm glad it all worked out in the end, I know how frustrating it can be with doctor's offices and docs in general. My PCP is awesome and 100% behind me having the band (she had one done a year ago), but her office staff is awful...forgetful, loses stuff etc.

I'm SO happy for you PB!

[orea15 0]

Keep us posted on your progess! Good for you for doing what you had to do, to make this work.

Orea

[singledad167 0]

Ok, the drama continues!!! Now 5 months into this process, I finally have everything done. Remember, my ins required NONE of this. However, the lap band doc did. So, I got my:

Seminar done

Test/treament for sleep apnea (sleep study) done

Psych Eval. Done

GP checkup and 6 month diet done

Blood Test/EKG done

Wrote my post op plan, set up support and fitness plan done

So last Monday as excited as can be I called and the WLS center and they said YES we have all the information, and well call you by the end of the day, schedule you preop meet with the surgeon and it should be two weeks after that. Ok so I’m all giddy, call all my friends and family that’s going to support me on this and told them it was going to finally happen. However, no call on Monday as promised, so I call on Tuesday, no answer at the WLS, and I leave a message. Call a couple more times, still no answer. Call back on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, still no answer!! No one answered the phone there the entire week. I called in the mornings, at lunch, and in the afternoons. Nothing nada, zip!!!! So, I called the hospital that's associated with the WLS clinic, asked if they went out of business, went on vacation, or maybe abducted by aliens (said it in a nice jokingly manner). They replied, "not that I know of, you should leave a message. Although I already told here I left several message I remained calm and I asked what do next and she had no answer, I said does this mean I just need to find another surgeon, she replied, "maybe so".

Now, I'm no superstitious, but I'm wondering why this has to be so incredibly difficult!!! This surgeon is very experienced, but I haven't had ONE good experience with any docs office I visited. I’ve already spent 100’s of dollars.

So far seminar $250.00

Pshyc eval that ins was supposed to cover half but didn’t $200.00

Deductable this year $500.00

FLIP Program (not coverd by ins) $250.00

So far total is $1200.00 and I’m no where.

This is getting depressing!!

[KD8888 0]

I'd show up at their office and try to get things scheduled. While I was there, I'd ask for a copy of all the test results. If you don't have luck getting scheduled while you are there, I'd take all of those results to another doctor's office and explain that you have had all this work done and you'd like to get scheduled for surgery and ask if you can get on their schedule and get them to submit the paperwork to your insurance.

If your doctor's office won't get you copies of the test results, go to the facilities where you had the studies and get them yourself.

Since you've are so far in the process now, it maybe easier to stay where you are, but it isn't over after surgery. You will have follow up appointments and fill appointments for some time. You need to feel comfortable with whatever doctor you choose.

Good luck.

[Shamrockgirl60 1]

That sounds like your PCP is just anti-lap band or bypass. I would request another talk with him if he won't do it. I would tell him OK but I am requesting a new PCP and why. He may change his mind.

It just sounds like he may be mean spirited, or I wonder if he's maybe a tad overweight himself? Also how old is he? Older doctors seem to be prejudiced against bariatric surgery and want conventional diets.

I changed PCP's a few years ago, she was a witch. Her main phrase was "We must lose weight" "We must quit smoking" she was all of 30 years old or so and weighted maybe 105 soaking wet. She totally p###ed me off. So I didn't lose weight or quit smoking..for spite.

When I changed to my husbands PCP he was supportive, not judgmental, and I did quit smoking, tried various new weight loss programs under him, most worked for a short period of time, would lose then re-gain the weight. When I suggested Lap Band he was very very enthusiastic and OKed me immediately. I did have to have his letter to the Lap Band clinic to get it done. My insurance BC BS only needs the Lap Band surgeon to OK it.

Good luck. Hope you get it fixed soon.

take care

Pati

[Bea1128 1]

pb- I am so sorry to hear about all of the probs you are having with your docs. I know this has to be so frustrating and depressing. My heart goes out to you. I wish I had some words of wisdom for you, but just know that we are all thinking of you and hoping this gets resolved very soon. Keep us posted! We are all rooting for you!! Good luck!

[singledad167 0]

Wow, finally got through to the WLS clinic today. I have a pre op visit on July 1st, and I can schedule for my surgery on July 7th!!!! After everying, I'm still pesimistic, but hey, it's getting closer.

[ImGonnaLose 0]

Wow, finally got through to the WLS clinic today. I have a pre op visit on July 1st, and I can schedule for my surgery on July 7th!!!! After everying, I'm still pesimistic, but hey, it's getting closer.

Just curious - did they give an explanation for why they did not answer their phones last week?

[Bea1128 1]

WooHoo! That's just around the corner.

[singledad167 0]

Just curious - did they give an explanation for why they did not answer their phones last week?

They said I was leaving the message in the wrong voicemail box, and they were not getting forwarded to her. Which still didn't explain why she didn't call like she promised, (she being the receptionsit) and then she was off on Friday. Up until last week, it was not a problem, so I'll let it go at that.

[jacobsmomyatta 0]

hi pb! i hope all goes well but if you have anymore problems & decide to reconsider, call the DMC & switch to GREAT LAKES WEIGHT LOSS---EVERYONE there is great!!!

[orea15 0]

It's great that you got it straightened out at last. Hopefully this is the last glitch you'll encounter.

Orea

[Melody2006 1]

I'm glad your finally on to a surgery date. I just worry what it's going to be like to schedule fills. Lets hope thats not a nightmare too!

[Shamrockgirl60 1]

Great news, I am having my surgery on Aug. 7th. I could have had it a few weeks earlier but my husband is having a heart valve replaced on July 14th and I want him on the road to recovery before my surgery. Good luck

[Bananalee 0]

Wow- what a roller coaster! I'm just starting the process and I hope I can avoid all the problems you had. Imagine how long it would have taken if you weren't aggressive about getting treatment that you know you need.

Congrats!