Hi Everyone,

I've been going through the approval process since last September with my hospital. I saw my surgeon last October and completed all my insurance documents and appointments March 3rd. The last thing I completed was a support group at the hospital, where I found out that my Dr. is pregnant and going on leave in May (they didn't mention this in October), they are now booking her surgeries in July!!! I am very upset and their reaction is basically you waited this long what's a few more months. They supposedly turned my stuff into insurance last week (although I can't get any confirmation from the financial coordinator- she doesn't respond to email or vm). :thumbup:

I feel like I'm in a Catch-22 because they have all my insurance information, but I am very frustrated with the whole program (Johns Hopkins Bayview) and would like to go to another hospital. But if I go to another hospital and have to start over will it be July anyway?

Has anyone had a similar situation? Talk me down...:smile:

Thanks,

Linda

I did not experience anything like this when I was banded, but I an a financial coordinator for a dialysis company. I can tell you from past experiences with patients that when you transfer from one doc to another, they don't always accept everything from the previous doc. Even if you have all your ducks in a row, it still might not be accepted. I know this isn't what you want to hear, but you should probably wait until your doc returns for maternity leave. I know it is easier said than done, but I would take the time from now to July to prepare my mind and body for the lapband. If you are not on a regular exercise regimen, start one. Also, start watching what you are eating and make a effort to cut down. This will help you during the first months of haveing the band when you really have no restriction and it is shear willpower that keeps you going. Good luck to you and God bless.....

My doctor's got a long waiting list, and the earliest surgery date he had was in July. I sympathize with your frustration, and there's been a few moments when I've considered changing doctors. Like you, I started the process months ago, and it feels like we've just been waiting forever. It's hard to hear that we need to wait a little more.

If I was you, I'd wait it out. There's a good chance that switching doctors wouldn't yield a much earlier date, and all your ducks are in a row for this one. It's lousy, but I'm using this time to get myself even more mentally prepared, maybe even drop a few pounds before surgery.

Good luck with everything!

hi,

so sorry to hear your problem, but i did change doctors and hostipals 5 months into everything.

( 1st doctors office never got back to me with anything)

anyway the doctor i have now just got all the info from 1st doctor, i am now waiting for approval.

this is my 6th month.

i am in pittsburgh/ good luck

sandi