Seannie

Well, I am a COMPLETE mess over this. I just got off the phone with Trish who told nme she had good news and bad news...I told her, I don't care in which order she gave it, just tell it to me straight! She didn't go into detail but said she is no longer working with him and when pushed she said she still loves him, he's an excellent surgeon but she couldn't recommend him. She's been wanting to do this for a long time. She's been working with Dr., Ponce and when I asked her why she didn't recommend Dr. Ponce when I first got started researching, she said she didn't want to sway my decision. Now, not trying to be a "Mom" about this, but I told her that if she had Monetary or philisophical differences with Dr. Kelly that's one thing.. but if people are flying in from all across North America, she did have an obligation to let folks know if there was an issue about his ability as a surgeon... I've done research like many of you.. but I've also relied on the testimony of those that have gone through this before me. At the end of the day, that's what people do, whether in the states or not... I was initially impressed with ALL of the doctors, and thought.. Dang, how can anybody choose??? I was actually thinking to myself that I had to get over going to "Mexico".. because good health care is not just exclusive to the United States... Oh well, I digress... I'm pissed, upset, disappointed, etc.. with this new issue. I was already dealing with my insurance company that said NO bariatric surgery was covered. Then I had to figure out how to pay, what I had in savings, what I could take out from 401k, when I could have the surgery, etc... and now this... This is not about money.. I think we all know that... yes, you can research until the cows come home, but at the end of the day, it has to be a gut decision based on feelings/ facts, etc... Unfortunately... my gut is full of mashed potatoes and meatloaf!!!! I can't even think straight and don't know what to do. I NEED this surgery... and damn if I don't feel like maybe this is a sign..Jenny Craig?? weight watchers?? Seannie

Evening Ladies... any one mind having a PM (or even over the phone) to talk about our upcoming surgeries with Dr. Kelly? Just got off the phone with Trish... and well.... uh ... I'd rather a private conversation than to post on the blog.. Thoughts?

I haven't had my surgery yet.. it's scheduled for March 9th.. YIKES... but I can totally relate to wanting to turn to your "lover, friend, confidant" which is food! Been there done that.. But those of us in the struggle secretly know that that type of behavior is only destructive to us.. kind of sucks doesn't it?? The best way to combat that is to know that you are going to look up and your weight is just going to keep dropping, and with each pound dropped, it's one pound more of self confidence. I so admire those of you that had the surgery. That, in and of itself, is admirable. it takes a lot of courage to do what you have done (and will do)... Keep your head up.. It's get some soup, get your nails done, hair done, buy some new panties (sorry, I know that's personal).. but it's your birthday! surround yourself with things that make you feel good. and just remember, for your next birthday... guess what... you'll be FABULOUS!!! Turning to food hopefully won't be an issue any longer... 2012 the year of new and healthy vices.. and oh yes... Have a helluva a birthday!

Spoke to Dr. Kelly, and to Trish... and ....... I GOT MY DATE!!! March 9th!!!!! I'm crazy excited and suddenly NERVOUS!! Not about the surgery... just.. well... it's such a big step, but there's no turning back now.. @HBskinnygirl.. congrats on a successful surgery!

Wow ... there really are no coincidences!! No sooner than I emailed Dr. Kelly, but 10 minutes later Omar calls me from his office and says that Trish has been swamped! he gave me their direct email (the one I had was her personal email), and he said that Trish was on her way to the office. Any questions I had, i could always email at info@wls4life.com and they would be answered right away. THEN, Trish calls from her car, saying she was headed to the office and would get a letter to me within the next 2 hours (after Dr. Kelly's surgery)!! I told her not to rush like that... It's okay :biggrin5: ... Called my benefits people, they told me exactly what I needed for a withdrawal... I emailed Trish and Omar at the email address they gave me.. and we are off!! Woo Hoo.. I know I don't have a date yet ... looking at the beginning of March... but i feel like I've gotten something started!! Can't wait to join the losers club... Thanks again you guys... Loving this forum!

Thanks you guys! I think I will just go ahead and get in touch with Dr. Kelly directly! And Delovelly... good luck my friend! I'm sure you are going to be just great! Please keep me posted on your surgery and beyond! :boxing_smiley:

While I'm glad to hear that florence Hospital is nice, I'm beginning to get a little disappointed with Trish from Dr. Kelly's office. I filled out the questionnaire that she sent, had one conversation with her after that and haven't heard back from her, and that was 5 days ago. I told her that I would call her on Monday after having to look at my work schedule. I also mentioned that I may need a bill of services, etc... I emailed her twice, called, sent a text.. nothing... I am hoping that she is just busy, and there's nothing wrong.. But I can't help but feel that there may be a little disorganization going on there. :blush2: Looking at maybe starting talks with Dr, Garcia...

Anderson, can you let us know how your visit in Chicago went when you get back? Aren't you going to see Dr, Garcia or Dr. Kelly? I think you said in another post that they were going to be at a seminar and you were going to go there in support of them... right? I'm assuming this is a WLS seminar?

Hey everyone - I just got off the phone with Trish! She asked me to email her my personal email address so she can send some information to me tomorrow! She was in the car, on her way to the hospital to see 4 patients..We talked about a couple of things and I feel really good about my decision with Dr. Kelly! I'll keep everyone posted with the details about making this party get started!!!

Sorry, but what is FSA?

@Tmom, thanks for the information. I will contact Trish and go from there...

@Jeweladdo.. thanks for the information. I received an email from Sandy at alighterme.com, advising me that one of the coordinators would be in touch soon. I can't wait! I've done a TON of research and I agree that both surgeons have great track records, but I think I'd like to schedule with Dr. Kelly.. You just can't argue about his credentials.. what's the next step for you?

@ snoah, I was thinking the same thing.. why the switch from Dr. Garcia to Dr. Kelly. I've been researching Mexico's doctors for a while now and had narrowed it down to those to... and maybe Dr. Aceves... I've contacted Dr. Kelly's office a few days ago, received a generic email saying that someone should get back to me soon to discuss the process.

Thanks you guys! I simply LOVE this forum!! after further review, I think I'm going to simulatenously work through the insurance piece. I'm going to work with the bariatric coordinators further and see how to get the process officially started with the insurance company... how to submit my request for the surgery, appeal process etc.. at the same time, I am going to look into the "Mexico" option.. I got myself together and will not be deterred!! the price for self pay here at my hospital is approximately $16,000... if I had it, I'd do it... BUT thank goodness for my mother who said that she would help pay. If I can get this done in Mexico for less money - BUT still have the quality care, than I will consider that.. @ AndersonLJ... can you tell me a little more about your experience. from the time you started with Dr. Garcia? i've heard of that website from other members here and I am going to look into it..

Hello everyone! I hate that this is my first post, but well, I just don't know what to do! I been reading and reading all of these wonderful posts .. getting encouraged and now... Bam! I promise not to make this long. I went to my first seminar at Emory Johns Creek hospital here in Georgia just the other day. I was so encouraged! It's an American Board of Bariatrics hospital of excellence. The Chief of Staff/director of bariatrics was there and talked about the surgery... etc.. It was GREAT! I immediately came home, and started looking at my BCBS policy and don't you know it says that surgery of any kind for weight loss was not covered! I was not to be deterred! I call them directly and gave them the CPT codes.... NOT COVERED!! I then asked for a direct link to the policy so that I could review it myself and when I did, I found a little blurb... take a look: Exclusions: Exercise, diet or weight loss programs, surgical procedures or other treatments, nutritional evaluations, food supplements, or providers or facilities providing such programs, surgical procedures, treatments, evaluations, or supplements, regardless of the reason for such programs, surgical procedures, treatments, evaluations or supplements.This exclusion does not apply to charges described in Appendix A: Other Covered Services, Metabolic Disorders. Under Appendix A - it says: Investigational or Experimental Procedures or Treatment · Investigational or experimental procedures and treatment, only if all the following criteria are met: The Physician must certify that accepted medical procedures have proven to be ineffective in the treatment of the diagnosed condition and that the condition, if not treated through investigational or experimental means, would be life threatening. Accepted medical procedures are those treatment modalities that meet the definition of Medical Necessity. I was happy because I thought.. maybe, just maybe, this is it!! I could maybe find coverage here. But, I sent the policy with all the verbiage to the Bariatric Coordinator at the hospital and she says that she reviewed this with another person and it appears that there is not coverage because under Metabolic Disorders there is no mention of obesity surgery being covered.... ???? WTH... Am I looking at this the wrong way? isn't a metabolic disorder something like hypertension, sleep apnea, pre-diabetic?? I have all of these.. Looking for any help and words of encouragement. I feel like crying and really trying hard not to! Seannie