pickles123

Hi everyone: I have been approved for my surgery by my insurance; but,I am changing surgeons. I just can't work with this surgeons office staff. I have an appointment with the new surgeon and their office said that all they do is call the insurance office and tell them that I have changed surgeons. It is not a change to a surgeon in the same office.They said I would not have to get reapproval because their doctor is also an approved surgeon with my insurance and they have done this before. Does anyone know about something like this. I have all my records except the psych exam and dietian report which I will have to get from the old surgeon. What problems can you for see?I have BC/BS Anthem. I am really bummed because my surgery was scheduled for September 24th. I have found out that the first surgeon does not even have a full time office staff and they are hard to get in contact with and even more difficult to deal with. They are a Center of Excellence in Arizona and don't even answer the phone half the time. Actually my cardiologist even freaked out when he heard they had No full time office staff. Sorry for going on so long. Any help would be appreciate. I am so disappointed. Thanks Pickles

They were not easy to get approved with, They need a little nudging now and then. They were waiting for something from us; but never contacted us to tell us they were waiting for something and what it was. Had we not be after them a little bit I would still be waiting. Just my opinion; but, I think the approval for WLS is going to be harder and harder to get. After the first of the year I think things will be changing. No facts just an opinion.

I am so glad you made the right decision to change surgeons. I think I have about had it and I am not sure to really even get it done. The stress for me is too much. The surgery seems easier than dealing with the offices. Good luck

I have heard Wendy does not use the Huber (?) needle. Is this true?

Just wondering. Dr. Simpson does not do surgery on people over 60. What if you have had it before sixty but have a problem after 60. Doesn't he have to do the follow up. Just wondering

Just wondering: Dr. Simpson says he will not do surgery on someone over the age of 60. What if we need a revision or something after we are 60. I am not too far from that age. What does he do? Doesn't he have to follow up with his patients? Just wondering.

Thanks Elgrad: You are making me feel better understanding what I mean. I have an appointment with the new surgeon Monday and a preop appointment with the old surgeon Tuesday. If I like the new surgeon I am going with him. Thanks for the support. You all on here are the greatest. Have a great day.

Thanks ELgrad: I know this is true. It is suppose to be a center of excellence is why I picked it. I know after care is so important. I am a stand up for yourself type of person; but, for some reason they are just walking all over me and I am letting them. This is the oddest thing to me. I also feel that after care is the most important part of this program. They don't even answer the phone there because there is no one there. I don't know if you are familiar with her but this is the office of Dr. Robin Blackstone a surgeon who has done people far and wide. I think they may have gotten too arrogant (sp) from doing celebrities and don't care about us common folk. If you have a problem with insurance, God help you because they brush you off and could care less. I have never met a bunch of such non caring people in my life and yet I am still going back. What the heck is the matter with me. I guess I have gone through so much and have finallly got a surgery date I feel like I can't give up. Yet, I know I am going to continue to get bad service. Are we wanting this surgery so much we give up all common sense and pride to bow down to these offices. It seems like I have and I am really angry and still doing it. Thanks all for listening

Thanks: I sure hope I don't have to do everything over, I can't afford it. Have a great day.

Yes Congratulations. It sounds like you are doing great.

sorry for the double post

Hi everyone: I have been approved for my surgery by my insurance; but,I am changing surgeons. I just can't work with this surgeons office staff. I have an appointment with the new surgeon and their office said that all they do is call the insurance office and tell them that I have changed surgeons. It is not a change to a surgeon in the same office.They said I would not have to get reapproval because their doctor is also an approved surgeon with my insurance and they have done this before. Does anyone know about something like this. I have all my records except the psych exam and dietian report which I will have to get from the old surgeon. What problems can you for see?I have BC/BS Anthem. I am really bummed because my surgery was scheduled for September 24th. I have found out that the first surgeon does not even have a full time office staff and they are hard to get in contact with and even more difficult to deal with. They are a Center of Excellence in Arizona and don't even answer the phone half the time. Actually my cardiologist even freaked out when he heard they had No full time office staff. Sorry for going on so long. Any help would be appreciate. I am so disappointed. Thanks Pickles

I was wondering... I am pre surgery and I was wondering if the lap band port interfers with having a mammogram. I had mine yesterday and notice that there is a clear plastic panel on which your breast is placed that has about 3" of plastic that hangs down in front of it. If you port is located near your breast (rather than down further on your stomach) is this going to present a problem? I know there are many younger people who have not had a mammogram; but, there are many others who have. You know they really push you into that plastic face plate. Has anyone had a problem with their port location in regards to their mammogram. I never would have thought of it had I not done it as a pre op requirement for this surgery. Also, I have heard some people speak of having their port directly beneath their chest bone. Just wonder would this interfer with CPR. I have worked in the medical field all my life and just some questions I would like answered. Anyone have any of these problems or not a problem. Thanks

Do you have a high tolerance for pain? I can't imagine this being easy.

I had to have my testing before I was approved. You are lucky. You can sit and count the money you saved by not having to do the testing first. Ha Ha 3 weeks and still waiting for approval

It seems to me more people are getting denied. (Or they are the ones that post more about it) I can see that this little window we have here might be the last one we will have in a long time to get something like this paid for. The government and insurance companies. Whew!!! This is not a political agrument for me one way or the other just in case someone thinks it is. Just one readers opinion. I know my BC/BS dropped the six month diet. I just can't imagine that is going to last.

I did have the necular stress test and I have a few things wrong as well as a leaky valve. My cardiologist gave me the okay for surgery as well as his recommendation. I am sorry I don't know exactly what it is you have; but, there are some good nurses on here that can answer your questions. Just call the office and ask them to ask the doctor would surgery necessarily be rulled out if you have a left bundled branch blockage. Mine called me right after the test and said he would okay the surgery and then I came in a week later for the complete results. I was too nervous to wait. I was stressed too but see what the cardiologist has to say.

Thanks Cleo's Mom. Your port sounds like it is in a good location. I think I will mention this to the doctor because a male doctor might not consider this. I read someone mentioned they were to draw where the bottom of their bra line was. If they put the port right under that you might have a little harder time with a mammogram. Anyone else have any experiences?

This is the funniest thread. I am a total worrier and now this. You would think the surgeons would want our underpants on. Good lord. One more thing to worry about or laugh about. I think I will save this for a good laugh just before I go into surgery. I do have a mole I would like removed and since they are in the area???????

Good luck on your surgery tomorrow.

Hi everyone. I don't have my band yet; but, wanted to ask a question. Is it the band with the problem, the way the surgery was done with the band, tubing and port or the person doing the fills? I am sure it is all three but what is the main reason everyone is having this problem. There are sure a lot of you out there having problems. This is a little upsetting. Thanks for any information you can supply.

I can only say where I am going to have my surgery the bypass is $40,000 and the band is $20,000.

I haven't been banded yet; but have been to the nutritionist. I told her I read a lot of people just aren't losing with the band. She said. (I know this is going to make a lot of people mad) If you are not losing you are not eating the right things.

I don't weigh but maybe once a month. When I do reach my goal I do weight daily to keep within one or two pounds of my goal weight. But, that was a long time ago.

I could see 3 minutes between bites when you are first learning how to eat. That way you would not eat too fast. I told my husband after surgery if I get up and walk around between bites don't be surprised because I am a fast eater and I know it will be a big adjustment. I think that 3 minute between bite rule might be good for me to teach me to eat much slower. I would prefer that to pbing, I know. Might be a good idea for learning after surgery.