sorry everyone but I have to vent before I do something stupid, I've been doing nothing but jumping through hoops for a month now working towards getting my sleeve, I was penciled in for the 16'th of April, according to the scheduler, very doable as long as "I" did everything on time. well I did my part, the scheduler on the other hand has dropped the ball, all she had to do was request a "weight history" from my PCP, she had all the paperwork and consent forms signed at our first meeting back in the end of Feb., it took her a whole month to request a simple form. I called her simply to see if the 16'th is still doable as my wife and I have to schedule vacation time for the surgery, not an easy task for her. now, she won't return my voice mails, I've called her direct line about 2 dozen times and she NEVER answers her phone, I've left her 3 messages over the last 1 1/2 weeks and nothing. that kind of stuff REALLY BENDS ME OUT OF SHAPE, in my last message a few minutes ago, I gave her until this afternoon to call me back or I was going to collect all my records and find a new doctor. I mean, how hard is it to pick up a phone and make a quick call to someone? what the hell is wrong with the medical professions these days, what gives them the right to decide their time is the only time thats valuable ???? stupid arrogant asses.

OK, vent over, now I need a stiff drink !!!!!!!!!

Sorry you are going through this. Are you having your surgery at a hospital or at a surgical center? If at a hospital, I have some things that might help you out. I work at one so pretty much know the in's and out's. Yes, believe me, I have had my fill of frustrations at times as well. Not too bad in this process, but in others, so I totally understand. Feel free to drop me a line or just respond here and I'll see if there is anything I can add that might help you out.

it's through the Bon Secour's Weight loss center, it will be performed at a local Bon Secours hospital, clear as mud huh???

I had the same kind of experience. After receiving a call (my wife took the call, I was out) on a Thursday saying they had everything they needed and would submit to the insurance company the following Monday, I got a call on that Monday from the doctor's insurance processor. She wanted to know where all my test results were and why hadn't I had the tests done? I told her it must have been the other office girl who called me and to check with her. She said she would, and would call me back when she found out what happened. Stressed out, I gave her two days, then called her direct line. No live body there, so I left a voice mail and waited another day. Still no answer, so I went into the office (only 6 miles away) and angrily asked to speak to the office manager. Before I could blink, I had the insurance processor lady in front of me and I read her the riot act about not answering my calls. She apologized profusely and said she would get right on it. Long story short, she filed the paperwork that day and I had my approval in 6 days from the insurance company. Two days later I got my date. All I can advise you is this: the squeaky wheel gets the oil. They need to be reminded that without people like us, there is no need for people like them. Good luck

PS: That's why they call us patients........

thanks, I got a call from her about 11:00 this afternoon, now my surgery is pushed back to the 30'th of April. she said they couldn't get it done because of the delay in getting the info. from my PCP (all her fault), and not even a "sorry about that". when I asked her why I hadn't heard from her on the previous 3 voice-mails she was like "because I didn't have an answer for you",,,,,, what a crock of "you know what".

I hate when people do that. When you don't have an answer you could simply call and say just that. I don't have an answer...she is hiding the fact that she messed up.

I had an excellent surgeon here in Chesapeake, dr Eric Yancey, at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center

Hilo-tech - are you in Virginia? I'm in Newport News and just switched Drs because of incompetent office workers and red flag warnings going off in my head. Now I'm so happy with the new Dr!

Are you having it in Newport News VA, Bon Secours? If so I have heard a couple of bad things about that office. I was sleeved on 3/21/12 at Riverside hospital in NN by doctor Salzberg. I had a wonderful experience!

I'm having it at DePaul hospital in Norfolk, Dr. Salzberg if my Dr. too. I like her, but her scheduler is the one messing things up.

Missmarbe--- I found out about Dr. S. through a friend of mine, she had the Gastic Bypass done but it was with Dr. S. and she spoke wonders about her.

sooo---- your 10 days in, how's it going for you now ????

z

I'm having it at DePaul hospital in Norfolk, Dr. Salzberg if my Dr. too. I like her, but her scheduler is the one messing things up.

Missmarbe--- I found out about Dr. S. through a friend of mine, she had the Gastic Bypass done but it was with Dr. S. and she spoke wonders about her.

sooo---- your 10 days in, how's it going for you now ????

My Dr. Salzberg (David Arnold) is a male. I did see that there is a Dr. Salzberg (female) on the southside.

I'm doing ok but frustrated that I am still on Clear liquids for 3 more weeks! i'm tired and still a little sore but no regrets at all.