Sorry it took so long to get the picture too you. I'm not the greatest sometimes with technology.

Melissa

As far as Dr. V leaving. I'm pretty angry right now. Though I'm not sure who I should be angry with? Myself, for not picking Dr. Bauman in the first place. Dr. V's office for not being able to still do the surgery. I'm totally stressing about the extra costs involved with changing doctors. We are SOOOO totally strapped for cash right now and Dr. Baumans office thinks he will make me do his nutritionist. Thats 500 dollars I don't have. Plus from what I read on their forms I filled out ...it takes the longest to get an appointment with the Nutritionist. Take into the fact that I feel like I've wasted 150.00 dollars for Dr. V's evaulation fee...and the fact that I've paid 185.00 to his nutritionist already I feel like I have every right to be pissed. I just don't know where to aim the anger. Maybe the surgery wasn't meant to be for me. I'm not sure I'll even have the nutritionist fee before spring when taxes come back we are stretched so thin right now. All I know is this situation sucks. I will probally not go to dr V's support group this time, though I will still try to make our smaller gathering.

Okay Melissa, I hope you don't mind, but I'm putting the pic right on your thread so it shows up. But ya'll can hit the link, too, if you want to!

I'm dissappointed about Dr V. I'd be mad, too. If Presby doesn't even have a band doc anymore, well, I suppose he has bandsters out there fluttering in the wind? I don't know. I'm with you though on attending the support group meeting. If I were you I would have a hard time with that. You made a commitment and now you are left holding the bag. No bueno, man.

Anyhow, here's the pic on the thread.

Angie (Bondgirl) is front and center. Surrounding her from left to right is:

Kathy (the best me), Melissa (dragonwilo), Kim (gordonfamily3), Starr (Starr), and Dianne (sunsett). Please forgive spelling errors!!

Can't wait to meet again!!!

editing:

Oh Look! Penni fixed it!!!! Good job!!!! Okay, I'll take mine out but leave the introductions...Thanks Penni!!!

Melissa,

I would think that since you already saw the nutritionist that Dr.V;s off ice should be able to help you get your stuff transfered. I don't think it is to much to ask, and I would request it in writting, and also by calling or stopping by. Ask them to send the records and all the reports.

I would not be suprised if they have a lapband Dr in there real soon.

Hang in there! I'm scared! But everyone has helped me so much through this. Most of all my faith. If it is ment to be, it will happen. Remember it is not always done in our time.

The difference is Dr. Bauman requires his patients see a nutrionist once a month for a year. Dr. V Only had several visits every few months in his plan. I think Dr. B's plan sounds much better, its just I don't have that extra money right now. I have to go to Dr. V's office today to sign the release of my records and get them transfered to Dr. B's office.

Melissa

I can't tell you who towards your anger to but I agree with you. I would be so mad right now...but that is no reason to give up hope. Why can't you pay as you go with his nutrionist...I don't see the reason you have to pay upfront or why you couldn't continue to see the nutrionist that you have started to see. I know that Dr. B like for everyone to use his but I think he should be a little giving on patient he is getting from Dr. V. I would ask....I really wish there was something I could to help with the anger...but I can say I am here for you..you vent, cry, laugh or even just yell at me if you need to...

Hang in there girl...your time is coming!!!!! Please stick with us in "our" monthly meetings...we would miss you too much.

When you go to the office today ask them where he is going? Maybe is is just leaving the center.

I gotta tell ya I'm scared!

Dr. Timothy Kuwada does lap-band at CMC. I don't know if he goes to Presbyterian or not. I got his name from Inmed (spelling[?], the makers of lap-band), and the weight loss specialist I saw last week knows of him and approved. Maybe this is an option for you?

Melissa, Karen is right...check him out before having your stuff sent to Dr. Bauman. If he is new he might be able to get you in quicker. FYI- I know you have the same insurance as I do and Karen has the same as us so I am sure you would be good. Plus she got his name from Inmad...you can't go to wrong with that they wouldn't let some one just of the streets use their products.

Good Luck,

Hope everything works out..

Dr. Bauman's nutritionist program is excellent and worth the money. The nutritionist isnt linked to him they are out of Northeast Medical hospital. But you go to his office to see them. You pay 100 dollars on your first visit and then start paying 100 every month until the $500 is paid. You dont have pay him all up front for that. You do however have to pay $250 up front for his consultation fee. And that will be used to either pay some of the bills at the end or you will get it back if your insurance covers it all like mine did. I think it could work for you. I go tomorrow to see the nutritionist and I have to give her 100 bucks. It will hurt but its work it! Don't be discouraged at all. This will work for you. All depends on how much you want it too! Good luck with ya!!

Angie

Hehehe I just asked you this in another thread! How funny. I think going to a nutritionist once a month can be nothing but good for my progress...but was worried how I would pay for it. Think I can manage the 100 a month, especially after surgery will be eating far less <grin>.

Melissa

Alright Melissa sounds like this is going to work for you...I have a big ole happy face on my face right for you...Please keep us posted and just think you could have a date by the time we meet this month....

YOU GO GIRL!!!! See things are all coming together.

Hi Karen, do you have UHC and would you know if Dr. Kuwada is covered. Please say yes. Just trying to keep hope alive. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks

I posted our pic on the Picture page for more widespread viewing.

Starr

Yes, I have UHC - Choice through Wachovia Bank, and according to their website, he is a providing "specialist" physician. I haven't gotten approved yet, so I haven't actually seen Dr. Kuwada yet; so I can't give you any first impressions, etc.

Excellent!!!! I wonder what the others will say about us!

Angie