Has anyone started with one hospital/center, found out it wasn't a fit for your plans and switched to another? If so, did you have to go back to the beginning or were you given credit for past accomplishments? I'm running into a roadblock with my current program and wondering. whether to stick it out or cut ties. [emoji22] Thank You

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Would put you in a tricky spot for sure...but I can't see how they could withhold your records...I mean...they do belong to you.

Would depend very much on the new surgeon.

Can I ask what the roadblock is?

Edited February 14, 20188 yr by Creekimp13

13 minutes ago, kakatlady612 said:

Has anyone started with one hospital/center, found out it wasn't a fit for your plans and switched to another? If so, did you have to go back to the beginning or were you given credit for past accomplishments? I'm running into a roadblock with my current program and wondering. whether to stick it out or cut ties. Thank You

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I was in exactly this situation that you were talking about. Each program is slightly different with varying requirements. I got some credit for the past accomplishments with the hospital system that I transferred into but the new program had even more requirements than the old one. I was a bit disheartened at first but I realized that the additional tests and screening were to really give me the best hope for a safe surgery. I chose to cut ties with my first program because the staff just had horrible bedside manner and wanted to get in there and out quickly. I was concerned that if I had complications after surgery, would they behave dismissively to me? I am not a whiner or complainer per se, but if they're treating me terribly insensitively now, what happens when I truly need their guidance? Why do you want to cut ties? If the reason is finding a faster route, it isn't worth it. If the reason is that you have reservations about the quality of care, then it is worth consideration.

After going thru the entire program in 2015-16 ,being never told I had completed and was approved, my job was terminated and lost insurance coverage. I thought I had only completed 5 of the 6 required dietary consults. I had not persued it at that time, I'm told recently former insurance only required 5 sessions. They were only waiting on a new # from new insurance carrier, they could have told me then but failed to. Hokay,I then[emoji7]

started the process over last fall, did all my different requirements all over,had all done by the end of 2017. Have been waiting with somewhat baited breath for a surgery date, had 1 person call from surgeon's office and gave me February 15, turns out she was a minor peon and spoke out of turn. Official person called last Friday, said---'" oh by the way psychologist wouldn't clear you for surgery. "This person when I saw her face-to-face told me I had passed all requirements and she would be telling them that. 1st time thru I had talked to a full psychiatrist and things were fine, well I'm the same old me as I was then, Now I am told their commitee-' I call them the Bariatric Court of Appeals ---will be meeting February 20 to review my case. Do they over-ride the faulty assesment, does my surgeon have the necessary man bits, (I'd use the proper Spanish term but I don't want Alex to ban me,) to go forth with this surgery as I think he should? All the sudden I feel like like I've fallen into a beauty pageant and I'm being voted whether I'm Miss Congeniality. Does desire ,weight loss & commitment count for anything? I've cut my weight down 32 lbs ---and at my age and activity level it ain't easy!

My Bariatric Facilitator Amber says to relax,and everthing will be All right, if everything is so okay then this isn't a game that should have been played. My past approval should count for something.I need this surgery, it is my last best hope for better health and a longer lifespan. If I wasn't depressed before, I am now. It is difficult to accept I am unfit and unworthy, I've fought that battle --'hearing that from family and so called friends.[emoji25][emoji25][emoji8]

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I don't have any advice to give, but know I'm in your corner, hoping and praying that this mess gets sorted right quick.

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Thanks. Mrs G--- you are the best

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Go get your approval from your first psych. Get your record from him and send it to them. You might even call him and ask if he can get your approval asap...

I would also call the present therapist and ask her personally why she told you a verbal approval and then changed positions in writing. Could be as simple as she got the files mixed up?

Sorry for this hell!!! ((hugs))

Edited February 14, 20188 yr by FluffyChix

Might have been better if I'd only had my demon suit on. You know the flame retardant one with the lovely pointed horns and tail.

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Well, you do you--but maybe the demon suit is what got you in this mess? Just spit ballin' here...

No cause I could have zapped them with my infernal light saver and singed all the faulty paperwork. You can't find it,? okay give her the surgery.

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Update and cold*** sober serious****

After a relationship of 2 1/2 years, off and on, I feel my bariatric program has kicked me to the curb. I completely finished the program once- in Spring 2016 and after a change of insurance, the new insurance had approved me for surgery and I could have had it then. They never told me of this fact until maybe a week ago. I started the process once again in November 2017, got all my prerequirements done December 2017 thru January 2018. Things looking well , yes? Not so you' d notice, when checking over my paperwork the contracted psychologist not even affiliated with the hospital had given me a less than stellar evaluation. This self-same person had told me face to face I had passed all testing and she would submit it into my records. Not my word against hers for my son (who is an adult) heard her also. So they had a meeting yesterday, I called it the Bariatric Court of Appeals. I was ruled against, none of the 3 surgeons were willing to continue the case. The scheduling woman who called me back suggested I get counselling, how can I do that when I don't know where I did wrong or what hidden flaws I may have? I did receive a grudging admittal that the records belong to me and could be released to another program of my choosing. So I called the other programs in that city, both Centers of Excellence Hospitals, one wanted the paperwork and then they would consider me, the other invited me to the first informational seminar they had open during the day, March 10th, said I could fill out release of information paperwork that day and get things moving.Which one do I really want? To tell the truth I wanted the place that was not faithful to me. I had re-arrainged my life to have nothing bar the early-mid March date they had originally promised. Will I have to start back at the total beginning of a new program, Gee i hope not for I am not getting any younger. Do I feel my deepest wishes and desires were violated? Dang straight! Those if you who have read my postings know me to be a level- headed straight shooter of a gal. I hate duplicity in any form, always have, always will.I am not doing well being told I am unworthy, not good enough or important enough to go forward with surgery. I would have tried my best to be a model patient, wouldn't have complained of pain or anything else. They did not give me a fair chance to be successful. Do I go along losing a pound or 2 a week and hope that's enough to prevent me from dying prematurely? I can't lose any more sizable amount without surgical assistance, Lord knows I've tried everything up to and including starving myself. No diet really works. Any advice Bari-brothers and Bari-sisters?----- kakatlady 612

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I would get a second pysch consult ASAP. Don't overshare, be boring and upbeat. Sign up for the informational meeting on the 10th to get the ball rolling with the new center. Once you get the psych stuff straightened out, send that and your health information to that center (presuming you like it).

Wishing you all the best.

Kakat, this is an outrage. I am so sorry this is happening to you! It is their obligation to tell you your health conditions and their concerns. If they don’t tell you what’s going on, I’d of course be fuming mad, but also question the kind of operation they’re running. Grab your paperwork and run, girl. I would definitely get started with one of the other hospitals and even tell them what has happened. You’re in my prayers sweetie. And don’t you fret. You will have surgery....with or without your original hospital.

I intend to land on my feet, I may look like a sweet Puddycat on the outside but inside lies a sleek fawn colored cougar ready to pounce. Tonight,i feel like biting a surgeon or 3, maybe by morning I may mellow down but tonight I will roar if necessary. Fool me once -Shame on you- Fool me twice -Shame on me.

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Update :::I found 3 other programs in my area. Made application to all 3. #3 is in my own town, I would have,to switch to a VSG as they don't yet do RnY. Not certain why but I can't have consult with the surgeon or her immediate staff until April 10, she is a general surgeon -only does bariatric consult Tuesday morning and Thursday afternoons. That program is starting, been up since Thanksgiving 2017. The other 2 are in Columbus, one has informational seminar March 9th, the other March 10th. I'm leaning right now towards the March 9th one but I do want to make sure it is a good fit and if I commit to them --will they commit to me? It is a two-way street, I am weary of. sublimating my will to someone else, for you don't win love or respect that way. I am a little wary after my last experience. I am reminded of a Bible verse addressed to Jesus " are you he whom we seek or shall we look for another?" And thats how kakatlady's world turns today. I still value any feedback any of you may have, still trying to make sense of what happened. P.s. Both #1and #2 have Center of Excellence accreditation, program#3 does not. Also since insurance picked up cost of 1st set of testing would they pay a 2nd set or should I hope all records transfer? This is a game I never planned to play!

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Kakatlady...you need to get to the bottom of what the therapist said.

There is some huge red flag in that report that is causing the doctors to balk, and you need to figure out what it is, and if it's fair.

Have you tried calling the therapist and asking for a copy of his/her report? It's your medical record...it belongs to you. You could also ask the therapist to discuss his/her concerns about you having the procedure. Maybe there's a misunderstanding? If the original therapist wrote an abridged evaluation...it would help your case. You could ask the therapist what steps you would need to take to get a recommendation for surgery if he/she sees a problem. Ask what specific, actionable things you would need to do to turn it around.

Or, as Apple said... have another appointment with a different psychologist and see if you get a different result.

Things they worry about: past addictions, current addictions, impulsive harmful behavior, untreated depression, unstable relationships, little support, the potential for crossover addictions.

Call the psych and get a one on one meeting....get to the bottom of why you were not approved...so you can fix it and move forward.

So sorry you're dealing with this. Best wishes.