theboogansgirl

UPDATE: I called the office this morning and asked to schedule my surgery AGAIN. I was told...again...that the person I needed to speak to wasn't at his desk, that he would call me back. I waited almost 3 hours, no call so I called again. This time I asked to speak w/ an office manager. I was told by the person on the phone that I would get a call back from the 'scheduling person', I again asked to speak to the office manager and stated the issue I was having. I also told them that if they can't even return a client's phone call in almost three business weeks, that gives me reason to doubt their after-care and maybe it would be in my best interest to seek my care elsewhere. I was put on hold and the same lady returned to give me a song and dance about scheduling difficulties and that I would get a call on Monday to schedule my surgery. She also informed me that if I choose to seek another doctor that I will have to go through the entire approval process again thru my insurance company. I again asked to speak to the office manager, was put on hold, the same lady came back on and told me that there was nothing she could do except get me a call back Monday for a surgery appointment. I voiced my concerns again about after-care if the office can't even return a client's phone calls before surgery. I was 'assured' that they have no after-care issues, they are just having a few problems in the office that she can't go into with me. Makes me feel soooooooooo much better! NOT! Do I start looking for a new doc and go thru this all again??

I'm going to call this morning and demand some answers and speak w/ an office manager. Yes, I was requested to sign something as per the fee if I change doctors, apparently it was happening quite a bit....I wonder why!?! hum.....now I know! The 'form' I signed said that I agreed to pay the $750 if I went to another surgeon after approval was granted from my insurance, and it stated that if I didn't sign it I couldn't move forward in the process, my 'case' would be put on hold. I thought this was a 'standard practice' so thought nothing of it until now. Thank goodness for this board, I received a private message from someone who used this same office and she is going to give me some advice as to how she handled them. Let me say that I'm not here to 'slam' any doctors or their staff, I am genuinely concerned about this issue and how to go about resolving it. Again, thanks to ALL for your input!! I'll keep you posted as to how it goes!

To Imalene, To answer your question (Sorry I forgot in my earlier post!), I am going through Dr. Jesse Lopez at the Midwest Institute of Bariatric Surgery in Lenexa, Kansas. I have talked to a couple of girls on this site (under the Missouri thread) that have used him and were happy with him. Of course, I also checked him out before my first appointment. Since I first went to their seminar in the first part of August, I have been to their office once, for my first appointment, have never had another appointment. And as I said, I did the scheduling of evaluations on my own as well. They do seem busy but are always polite, I'm just tired of waiting!! I'm ready to get on w/ my life!! lol! Hugs, Sherry

Thanks ladies for all your input. The concerns you've voiced in this thread are the ones I've been thinking about for the past three weeks.....where are they going to be AFTER surgery! The only problem I would have in changing doctors is that I had to sign a release form w/ this center saying that if I change once approved by insurance that I have to pay $750 to them for 'paperwork and filing fees'. I can't just drop by the office as it's two hours away from our home....we live in a rural area and they are in the Kansas City Metro area. I think the office girls know I'm VERY frustrated even though I've been very nice to them in explaining the reason behind my frustration. My husband has 17 days off over Christmas and New Years and our children will be gone to their 'other parents' for about ten days, seemed to me like the perfect time for my surgery so hubby and I can take care of me instead of a family for a few days. Just my way of thinking.....LOL! I was supposed to get to make my appointment today 'at my convenience' and wouldn't you know that the KC area had about 8 inches of snow last night and no one was in the office today. I can't blame them for that one so I guess I'll have to see what tomorrow brings. But I think at this point I have a few more questions for the doctor as per after care! Again, THANK YOU! I'm feeling pretty alone out here! Hugs, Sherry

:Bunny Ladies, I got my approval from my insurance company and the emotions started for me. I too am VERY confident in my decision, haven't questioned it one time from the day we started researching the whole idea! Then when that letter was in my hot little hands.....WOW! LOL! I'm new myself but I think it must be catchy!! Good Luck and let me know how you are all doing!

Hello everyone! I'm brand new to the lap-band scene. Have been researching and attending seminars since this summer. Just received my 'approval' letter from my insurance company the day before Thanksgiving so waiting to hear from my doctors office to schedule surgery. I've been searching the net for a 'place' to visit and ask questions from folks who have 'been in my shoes'. I'm not very good at finding my way around here yet but I'm sure I'll catch on in no time. I am excited to be here and can't wait to meet people and pick yoru brains. Sherry aka: theboogansgirl

Wow, well, they are supposed to call me on Monday to set up my meeting w/ the Doc so I will plan for surgery before Christmas just in case. Has the lifestyle change been hard for you? I know it's going to be a huge adjustment for me as well as my hubby and kids, but they are all so supportive. (The only ones not supportive are my mother-in-law and sister-in-law, they are over-weight as well and not having luck w/ losing and keeping it off.) I think I worry more about 'can I do this' as in the after part rather than the actual surgery. But I'm sure I'll learn all the 'do's and dont's' soon enough! Hugs, Sherry

Hahaha, I think I'm more excited than nervous but I'm sure that will hit me eventually. One more ???, how long did it take you to get your surgery scheduled after you got your approval? Just wondering if I should be expecting to do it before Christmas or not. Either way is just fine with me, but I'm wondering what to tell my boss! Also, how long were you off work/unable to drive??? These are a few of the 'little things' I've kept forgetting to ask! Thanks a BUNCH! We should get together and say hello sometime, I'm in KC a lot.....it's where we shop from where I'm at!

Thank you everyone for being so sweet and welcoming. I'm thrilled that I've found a place to ask all the ???'s that I have and can speak to those who have walked in my shoes. I'll be talking w/ you lots more! haha!

I live in central Missouri now, about 50miles east of KC, but an a 'north Missouri' girl by birth! haha! I'm going w/ Dr. Jesse Lopez for my surgery and attended their seminar in KC, it was VERY interesting and they answered every question I had. (I had tons believe me!) Maybe my nervousness will hit sooner or later, but I haven't had one minute that I've rethought about doing this since I made my decision. I'm ready to schedule the surgery date today! I wish you all the best of luck and would love to chat anytime with anyone.

Dr. Lopez is who I am going to as well. I got my approval letter the day before Thanksgiving so am waiting to schedule surgery. Questions to you who have used Dr. Lopez: 1. Did you have to stay overnight in the hospital? 2. Does he have his new center opened? 3. If not, which hospital did you choose? Thanks for helping me out here. I have a million questions for you! Sherry