Just called my surgeon's office to ask questions.....please read

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone,

Well, I'm feeling quite discouraged and here's why:

Turns out that before I can even get on the doctor's calendar to meet

with him personally...I have to go to a seminar where he speaks about

the various WLS he does and get handed out pamphlets and other

informational booklets, etc.

I asked the receptionist why does the doctor do it this way?

(Thinking this in my head--If someone knows they MUST have this

surgery for severe health reasons that are critical, why can't they

just set up and appointment and meet with the doctor?)

She said that a lot of people change their minds about having the

surgery after attending the seminar. She also said some people don't

have the information needed to make that decision, until they listen

to the seminar given by the doctor.

So....the next seminar is January 25, 2007! God, why do I have to

wait so long? Why? This is going to be a LONG year for me and I

don't want to be sitting there in the springtime without having had

the surgery because the doctor's so busy.

The friend of mine that just had her surgery 3 weeks ago done by the

same doctor told me, that if I start now, I could have a surgery date

in as little as 2 months. I don't think so! It's going to take 2

months just to go to his seminar. Then how long will it take?

Did a lot of you go through this? I'd really like to know, so I

don't sit and stew in this and be angry. I just want the surgery,

and to get on with my life, and have a lot of my health problems go

away.....eventually.

I know, it seems like I'm whining, but I had no idea it would take

this kind of time to set this up.

Please write back and answer my post, I need some reassurance and

encouragement right now.

Hugs,

Cathy

310 and WAITING for a long time just to see the surgeon! (Upset

right now.) Sorry guys....

[Guest guest]

Try to relax and calm yourself. When I first started this process, I was so

impatient. I kept getting the advice to not give up. It is worth whatever you

have to do to get there. I have Kaiser ins here in Cal and I started in mid

March. You have to go through so much to get to where I am now. But I feel

totally prepared for this life changing surgery. I was 14th on the wait list

for my surgeon, over 2 wks ago, so It should be pretty close for me. I am

really thankful for this last few months. I have used the time for a lot of

prayer and reflection on how I will make this tool work for me, to become

healthy and thinner. I know once I made the decision to have the surgery, I

wanted it RIGHT NOW!! Just try to be patient your time will com,sooner than

you think.

sarrah345 sarrah345@...> wrote: Hi Everyone,

Well, I'm feeling quite discouraged and here's why:

Turns out that before I can even get on the doctor's calendar to meet

with him personally...I have to go to a seminar where he speaks about

the various WLS he does and get handed out pamphlets and other

informational booklets, etc.

I asked the receptionist why does the doctor do it this way?

(Thinking this in my head--If someone knows they MUST have this

surgery for severe health reasons that are critical, why can't they

just set up and appointment and meet with the doctor?)

She said that a lot of people change their minds about having the

surgery after attending the seminar. She also said some people don't

have the information needed to make that decision, until they listen

to the seminar given by the doctor.

So....the next seminar is January 25, 2007! God, why do I have to

wait so long? Why? This is going to be a LONG year for me and I

don't want to be sitting there in the springtime without having had

the surgery because the doctor's so busy.

The friend of mine that just had her surgery 3 weeks ago done by the

same doctor told me, that if I start now, I could have a surgery date

in as little as 2 months. I don't think so! It's going to take 2

months just to go to his seminar. Then how long will it take?

Did a lot of you go through this? I'd really like to know, so I

don't sit and stew in this and be angry. I just want the surgery,

and to get on with my life, and have a lot of my health problems go

away.....eventually.

I know, it seems like I'm whining, but I had no idea it would take

this kind of time to set this up.

Please write back and answer my post, I need some reassurance and

encouragement right now.

Hugs,

Cathy

310 and WAITING for a long time just to see the surgeon! (Upset

right now.) Sorry guys....

---------------------------------

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things done faster.

---------------------------------

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[Guest guest]

Personally I would be very hesitant for any surgeon to allow you to have

this surgery immediately. I don't feel that this is a decision that

anyone should jump into without appropriate counseling and information.

My start to finish of educating myself about this surgery and following

through the appropriate steps I had to take before even sitting down and

meeting with the surgeon to finally get her approval was almost 2 years

exactly, and guess what 2 days after my surgery I was having some

questions as to if I had made the right decision. I also feel strongly

that while it is wonderful to have friends who have gone through it, it

is important to remember sometimes things just don't happen the same/or

by the book with each surgery.

You say you want to get on with your life. You can begin taking those

necessary steps as you go through the appropriate process now.

Please don't take this as being rude, I am just concerned that you are

seeing your friends weight loss and thinking this is the miracle

cure-all, and it's not, there is a lot of work to do for the rest of

your life, and that is why it is important that all surgeons keep high

standards and don't do surgery quickly.

Best Wishes to you.

in Maine

11/20/2006

236/223/150

Rhinehart wrote:

>

> Try to relax and calm yourself. When I first started this process, I

> was so impatient. I kept getting the advice to not give up. It is

> worth whatever you have to do to get there. I have Kaiser ins here in

> Cal and I started in mid March. You have to go through so much to get

> to where I am now. But I feel totally prepared for this life changing

> surgery. I was 14th on the wait list for my surgeon, over 2 wks ago,

> so It should be pretty close for me. I am really thankful for this

> last few months. I have used the time for a lot of prayer and

> reflection on how I will make this tool work for me, to become healthy

> and thinner. I know once I made the decision to have the surgery, I

> wanted it RIGHT NOW!! Just try to be patient your time will com,sooner

> than you think.

>

> sarrah345 sarrah345@... > wrote:

> Hi Everyone,

>

> Well, I'm feeling quite discouraged and here's why:

>

> Turns out that before I can even get on the doctor's calendar to meet

> with him personally...I have to go to a seminar where he speaks about

> the various WLS he does and get handed out pamphlets and other

> informational booklets, etc.

>

> I asked the receptionist why does the doctor do it this way?

> (Thinking this in my head--If someone knows they MUST have this

> surgery for severe health reasons that are critical, why can't they

> just set up and appointment and meet with the doctor?)

>

> She said that a lot of people change their minds about having the

> surgery after attending the seminar. She also said some people don't

> have the information needed to make that decision, until they listen

> to the seminar given by the doctor.

>

> So....the next seminar is January 25, 2007! God, why do I have to

> wait so long? Why? This is going to be a LONG year for me and I

> don't want to be sitting there in the springtime without having had

> the surgery because the doctor's so busy.

>

> The friend of mine that just had her surgery 3 weeks ago done by the

> same doctor told me, that if I start now, I could have a surgery date

> in as little as 2 months. I don't think so! It's going to take 2

> months just to go to his seminar. Then how long will it take?

>

> Did a lot of you go through this? I'd really like to know, so I

> don't sit and stew in this and be angry. I just want the surgery,

> and to get on with my life, and have a lot of my health problems go

> away.....eventually.

>

> I know, it seems like I'm whining, but I had no idea it would take

> this kind of time to set this up.

>

> Please write back and answer my post, I need some reassurance and

> encouragement right now.

>

> Hugs,

> Cathy

> 310 and WAITING for a long time just to see the surgeon! (Upset

> right now.) Sorry guys....

>

> ---------------------------------

> Check out the all-new Yahoo! Mail beta - Fire up a more powerful email

> and get things done faster.

>

> ---------------------------------

> Want to start your own business? Learn how on Yahoo! Small Business.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I went through the same thing but i had chose 2 dr.'s so one appt was like next

year sometime and the just so happen to be that coming friday so yeah it's

fustrating but hang in there and think of the outcome

sarrah345 sarrah345@...> wrote: Hi Everyone,

Well, I'm feeling quite discouraged and here's why:

Turns out that before I can even get on the doctor's calendar to meet

with him personally...I have to go to a seminar where he speaks about

the various WLS he does and get handed out pamphlets and other

informational booklets, etc.

I asked the receptionist why does the doctor do it this way?

(Thinking this in my head--If someone knows they MUST have this

surgery for severe health reasons that are critical, why can't they

just set up and appointment and meet with the doctor?)

She said that a lot of people change their minds about having the

surgery after attending the seminar. She also said some people don't

have the information needed to make that decision, until they listen

to the seminar given by the doctor.

So....the next seminar is January 25, 2007! God, why do I have to

wait so long? Why? This is going to be a LONG year for me and I

don't want to be sitting there in the springtime without having had

the surgery because the doctor's so busy.

The friend of mine that just had her surgery 3 weeks ago done by the

same doctor told me, that if I start now, I could have a surgery date

in as little as 2 months. I don't think so! It's going to take 2

months just to go to his seminar. Then how long will it take?

Did a lot of you go through this? I'd really like to know, so I

don't sit and stew in this and be angry. I just want the surgery,

and to get on with my life, and have a lot of my health problems go

away.....eventually.

I know, it seems like I'm whining, but I had no idea it would take

this kind of time to set this up.

Please write back and answer my post, I need some reassurance and

encouragement right now.

Hugs,

Cathy

310 and WAITING for a long time just to see the surgeon! (Upset

right now.) Sorry guys....

---------------------------------

Access over 1 million songs - Yahoo! Music Unlimited.

---------------------------------

Access over 1 million songs - Yahoo! Music Unlimited.

[Guest guest]

Well, said....and this is coming from someone who just had it last week.

It has taken me three years to think about it....and even then - my surgery is

not scheduled until January (visit with surgeon was August). Even then I was

flip flopping with my decision.

Jackie in CA

Bamford-Perkins jenny@...> wrote:

Personally I would be very hesitant for any surgeon to allow you to

have

this surgery immediately. I don't feel that this is a decision that

anyone should jump into without appropriate counseling and information.

My start to finish of educating myself about this surgery and following

through the appropriate steps I had to take before even sitting down and

meeting with the surgeon to finally get her approval was almost 2 years

exactly, and guess what 2 days after my surgery I was having some

questions as to if I had made the right decision. I also feel strongly

that while it is wonderful to have friends who have gone through it, it

is important to remember sometimes things just don't happen the same/or

by the book with each surgery.

You say you want to get on with your life. You can begin taking those

necessary steps as you go through the appropriate process now.

Please don't take this as being rude, I am just concerned that you are

seeing your friends weight loss and thinking this is the miracle

cure-all, and it's not, there is a lot of work to do for the rest of

your life, and that is why it is important that all surgeons keep high

standards and don't do surgery quickly.

Best Wishes to you.

in Maine

11/20/2006

236/223/150

Rhinehart wrote:

>

> Try to relax and calm yourself. When I first started this process, I

> was so impatient. I kept getting the advice to not give up. It is

> worth whatever you have to do to get there. I have Kaiser ins here in

> Cal and I started in mid March. You have to go through so much to get

> to where I am now. But I feel totally prepared for this life changing

> surgery. I was 14th on the wait list for my surgeon, over 2 wks ago,

> so It should be pretty close for me. I am really thankful for this

> last few months. I have used the time for a lot of prayer and

> reflection on how I will make this tool work for me, to become healthy

> and thinner. I know once I made the decision to have the surgery, I

> wanted it RIGHT NOW!! Just try to be patient your time will com,sooner

> than you think.

>

> sarrah345 sarrah345@... > wrote:

> Hi Everyone,

>

> Well, I'm feeling quite discouraged and here's why:

>

> Turns out that before I can even get on the doctor's calendar to meet

> with him personally...I have to go to a seminar where he speaks about

> the various WLS he does and get handed out pamphlets and other

> informational booklets, etc.

>

> I asked the receptionist why does the doctor do it this way?

> (Thinking this in my head--If someone knows they MUST have this

> surgery for severe health reasons that are critical, why can't they

> just set up and appointment and meet with the doctor?)

>

> She said that a lot of people change their minds about having the

> surgery after attending the seminar. She also said some people don't

> have the information needed to make that decision, until they listen

> to the seminar given by the doctor.

>

> So....the next seminar is January 25, 2007! God, why do I have to

> wait so long? Why? This is going to be a LONG year for me and I

> don't want to be sitting there in the springtime without having had

> the surgery because the doctor's so busy.

>

> The friend of mine that just had her surgery 3 weeks ago done by the

> same doctor told me, that if I start now, I could have a surgery date

> in as little as 2 months. I don't think so! It's going to take 2

> months just to go to his seminar. Then how long will it take?

>

> Did a lot of you go through this? I'd really like to know, so I

> don't sit and stew in this and be angry. I just want the surgery,

> and to get on with my life, and have a lot of my health problems go

> away.....eventually.

>

> I know, it seems like I'm whining, but I had no idea it would take

> this kind of time to set this up.

>

> Please write back and answer my post, I need some reassurance and

> encouragement right now.

>

> Hugs,

> Cathy

> 310 and WAITING for a long time just to see the surgeon! (Upset

> right now.) Sorry guys....

>

> ---------------------------------

> Check out the all-new Yahoo! Mail beta - Fire up a more powerful email

> and get things done faster.

>

> ---------------------------------

> Want to start your own business? Learn how on Yahoo! Small Business.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I also had to go to a seminar before I was able to see my doctor. At the

seminar packets were handed out. As soon as the paperwork was filled out and

sent in then the office made an appt. to see the Dr..I think it's a fairly

common practice. Hang in there..........Lorelei

[Guest guest]

I think that is standard. I went to the seminar before I was allowed to meet

with the surgeon. I think I waited about a month for the next available seminar.

Then I had to get a referral and letter of medical necessity from my PCP. Then I

got to make an appt with the doctor. I guess it took about two months. Now, I've

seen the surgeon and I've begun all the testing I have to do preop and they

started me on a medifast diet of two to four shakes and one sensible low carb

meal per day. They estimate two to three months from meeting with the surgeon to

surgery date. I'm not sure when it will be. This liquid diet has been the hard

part for me. I've just started but I'm focused and trying my hardest. I'm slowly

getting into the swing of it, although my cycle started which has totally thrown

me off. (I eat like a vacuum cleaner once a month) But I'm perservering. I

figure if I give it my best, I won't be disappointed in myself and it will all

work out.

sarrah345 sarrah345@...> wrote: Hi Everyone,

Well, I'm feeling quite discouraged and here's why:

Turns out that before I can even get on the doctor's calendar to meet

with him personally...I have to go to a seminar where he speaks about

the various WLS he does and get handed out pamphlets and other

informational booklets, etc.

I asked the receptionist why does the doctor do it this way?

(Thinking this in my head--If someone knows they MUST have this

surgery for severe health reasons that are critical, why can't they

just set up and appointment and meet with the doctor?)

She said that a lot of people change their minds about having the

surgery after attending the seminar. She also said some people don't

have the information needed to make that decision, until they listen

to the seminar given by the doctor.

So....the next seminar is January 25, 2007! God, why do I have to

wait so long? Why? This is going to be a LONG year for me and I

don't want to be sitting there in the springtime without having had

the surgery because the doctor's so busy.

The friend of mine that just had her surgery 3 weeks ago done by the

same doctor told me, that if I start now, I could have a surgery date

in as little as 2 months. I don't think so! It's going to take 2

months just to go to his seminar. Then how long will it take?

Did a lot of you go through this? I'd really like to know, so I

don't sit and stew in this and be angry. I just want the surgery,

and to get on with my life, and have a lot of my health problems go

away.....eventually.

I know, it seems like I'm whining, but I had no idea it would take

this kind of time to set this up.

Please write back and answer my post, I need some reassurance and

encouragement right now.

Hugs,

Cathy

310 and WAITING for a long time just to see the surgeon! (Upset

right now.) Sorry guys....

We are a very active support group.

If the email becomes overwhelming,

please change your setting to NO EMAIL!

Please contact Group Creator

Robyn@...

[Guest guest]

Cathy, I'm with you on this one. I did go to a seminar two weeks ago,

and since I'm a rabid researcher, he didn't tell me much I hadn't

already read.

However, I did learn one thing. I won't go back to the guy. That piece

of information came about in a very oblique manner...

I asked a question about if removal of the gall bladder was also a

part of the surgery (since the gall bladder can cause gastric problems

later. Also thought this was reasonable, since I have heard of doctors

removing the appendix when doing other abdominal surgery.) I've been

led to believe that there are no stupid questions.

Well, he answered in a very flip manner, saying " Removal of the gall

bladder only if I want to make a few extra bucks that month. " Everyone

laughed politely.

So his little joke at my expense told me about this surgeon's attitude

and lack of compassion.

Also, he said that he did 3 types of surgery, the RNY, the the

vertical, and the lap band. I asked him if there were any predisposing

conditions that would make him lean toward one or another, say age or

diabetes, for example. He wouldn't answer the question. Just told me

that once I submitted a psychological profile, a PCP letter of

necessity, and met with the nutritionist, he'd tell me which would be

best for me. I already KNEW that. I wanted to know an actual fact if

any conditions (not people) seem to respond better to one type of

surgery or another.

Although I went into the seminar thinking, " Why should I have to do

this? " I have to say that it gave me valuable information that I don't

want to waste anymore time with this insensitive clod. Also, your

attendance post operatively is required at group meetings. I'm just

not the group meeting type. Not now, not post-op.

I have appts with two other surgeons who didn't require all this

nonsense. Not all of them do. But I have to say that the seminar was

quite valuable for me, and not for the reason it was supposed to be.

--Cat

>

> Hi Everyone,

>

> Well, I'm feeling quite discouraged and here's why:

>

> Turns out that before I can even get on the doctor's calendar to meet

> with him personally...I have to go to a seminar where he speaks about

> the various WLS he does and get handed out pamphlets and other

> informational booklets, etc.

>

> I asked the receptionist why does the doctor do it this way?

> (Thinking this in my head--If someone knows they MUST have this

> surgery for severe health reasons that are critical, why can't they

> just set up and appointment and meet with the doctor?)

>

> She said that a lot of people change their minds about having the

> surgery after attending the seminar. She also said some people don't

> have the information needed to make that decision, until they listen

> to the seminar given by the doctor.

>

> So....the next seminar is January 25, 2007! God, why do I have to

> wait so long? Why? This is going to be a LONG year for me and I

> don't want to be sitting there in the springtime without having had

> the surgery because the doctor's so busy.

>

> The friend of mine that just had her surgery 3 weeks ago done by the

> same doctor told me, that if I start now, I could have a surgery date

> in as little as 2 months. I don't think so! It's going to take 2

> months just to go to his seminar. Then how long will it take?

>

> Did a lot of you go through this? I'd really like to know, so I

> don't sit and stew in this and be angry. I just want the surgery,

> and to get on with my life, and have a lot of my health problems go

> away.....eventually.

>

> I know, it seems like I'm whining, but I had no idea it would take

> this kind of time to set this up.

>

> Please write back and answer my post, I need some reassurance and

> encouragement right now.

>

> Hugs,

> Cathy

> 310 and WAITING for a long time just to see the surgeon! (Upset

> right now.) Sorry guys....

>

[Guest guest]

I went to two different seminars. Since my insurance was going to be the same

with either one I felt I had a choice. I chose the one I felt most comfortable

with. There are four surgeons in the group and they are all great doctors. I

have heard if you ever call with a problem - the one oncall calls you back

right away. PLUS - gastric bypass is not their bread and butter - they do

other laparoscopic surgeries.

The seminar was a requirement for the surgery. They consider you have been

informed of the risks and complications and the whole process - informed consent

that is needed pre-op.

Jackie in CA

baricat baricat@...> wrote:

Cathy, I'm with you on this one. I did go to a seminar two weeks ago,

and since I'm a rabid researcher, he didn't tell me much I hadn't

already read.

However, I did learn one thing. I won't go back to the guy. That piece

of information came about in a very oblique manner...

I asked a question about if removal of the gall bladder was also a

part of the surgery (since the gall bladder can cause gastric problems

later. Also thought this was reasonable, since I have heard of doctors

removing the appendix when doing other abdominal surgery.) I've been

led to believe that there are no stupid questions.

Well, he answered in a very flip manner, saying " Removal of the gall

bladder only if I want to make a few extra bucks that month. " Everyone

laughed politely.

So his little joke at my expense told me about this surgeon's attitude

and lack of compassion.

Also, he said that he did 3 types of surgery, the RNY, the the

vertical, and the lap band. I asked him if there were any predisposing

conditions that would make him lean toward one or another, say age or

diabetes, for example. He wouldn't answer the question. Just told me

that once I submitted a psychological profile, a PCP letter of

necessity, and met with the nutritionist, he'd tell me which would be

best for me. I already KNEW that. I wanted to know an actual fact if

any conditions (not people) seem to respond better to one type of

surgery or another.

Although I went into the seminar thinking, " Why should I have to do

this? " I have to say that it gave me valuable information that I don't

want to waste anymore time with this insensitive clod. Also, your

attendance post operatively is required at group meetings. I'm just

not the group meeting type. Not now, not post-op.

I have appts with two other surgeons who didn't require all this

nonsense. Not all of them do. But I have to say that the seminar was

quite valuable for me, and not for the reason it was supposed to be.

--Cat

>

> Hi Everyone,

>

> Well, I'm feeling quite discouraged and here's why:

>

> Turns out that before I can even get on the doctor's calendar to meet

> with him personally...I have to go to a seminar where he speaks about

> the various WLS he does and get handed out pamphlets and other

> informational booklets, etc.

>

> I asked the receptionist why does the doctor do it this way?

> (Thinking this in my head--If someone knows they MUST have this

> surgery for severe health reasons that are critical, why can't they

> just set up and appointment and meet with the doctor?)

>

> She said that a lot of people change their minds about having the

> surgery after attending the seminar. She also said some people don't

> have the information needed to make that decision, until they listen

> to the seminar given by the doctor.

>

> So....the next seminar is January 25, 2007! God, why do I have to

> wait so long? Why? This is going to be a LONG year for me and I

> don't want to be sitting there in the springtime without having had

> the surgery because the doctor's so busy.

>

> The friend of mine that just had her surgery 3 weeks ago done by the

> same doctor told me, that if I start now, I could have a surgery date

> in as little as 2 months. I don't think so! It's going to take 2

> months just to go to his seminar. Then how long will it take?

>

> Did a lot of you go through this? I'd really like to know, so I

> don't sit and stew in this and be angry. I just want the surgery,

> and to get on with my life, and have a lot of my health problems go

> away.....eventually.

>

> I know, it seems like I'm whining, but I had no idea it would take

> this kind of time to set this up.

>

> Please write back and answer my post, I need some reassurance and

> encouragement right now.

>

> Hugs,

> Cathy

> 310 and WAITING for a long time just to see the surgeon! (Upset

> right now.) Sorry guys....

>

---------------------------------

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---------------------------------

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[Guest guest]

That really stinks that you have to wait that long, but that is the way that

they do it here where I live in SC. I asked why they did it this way and

was told for the very same reasons that you were told.

Lin

Lhsh@...

American by birth,

Saved by the grace of God.

Just called " my " surgeon's office to ask

questions.....please read

Hi Everyone,

Well, I'm feeling quite discouraged and here's why:

Turns out that before I can even get on the doctor's calendar to meet

with him personally...I have to go to a seminar where he speaks about

the various WLS he does and get handed out pamphlets and other

informational booklets, etc.

I asked the receptionist why does the doctor do it this way?

(Thinking this in my head--If someone knows they MUST have this

surgery for severe health reasons that are critical, why can't they

just set up and appointment and meet with the doctor?)

She said that a lot of people change their minds about having the

surgery after attending the seminar. She also said some people don't

have the information needed to make that decision, until they listen

to the seminar given by the doctor.

So....the next seminar is January 25, 2007! God, why do I have to

wait so long? Why? This is going to be a LONG year for me and I

don't want to be sitting there in the springtime without having had

the surgery because the doctor's so busy.

The friend of mine that just had her surgery 3 weeks ago done by the

same doctor told me, that if I start now, I could have a surgery date

in as little as 2 months. I don't think so! It's going to take 2

months just to go to his seminar. Then how long will it take?

Did a lot of you go through this? I'd really like to know, so I

don't sit and stew in this and be angry. I just want the surgery,

and to get on with my life, and have a lot of my health problems go

away.....eventually.

I know, it seems like I'm whining, but I had no idea it would take

this kind of time to set this up.

Please write back and answer my post, I need some reassurance and

encouragement right now.

Hugs,

Cathy

310 and WAITING for a long time just to see the surgeon! (Upset

right now.) Sorry guys....

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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[Guest guest]

I had to do the same informational seminar. Then I met with the

program director (doctor) and nutritionist. They met with the surgeons

and all together decided if I would be a good candidate. Then there

were 4 meetings with the nutritionist, another appointment with the

doctor and a brief (i.e. social) visit with the surgeon. I think I

talked to him only 5 minutes, everything else was handled by the

doctor and nutritionist.

This was all in addition to the 12 months of doctor supervised diet

and exercise required by the insurance company. The wait does make you

a little crazy, but it will happen.

in MI

Hi Everyone,

>

> Well, I'm feeling quite discouraged and here's why:

>

> Turns out that before I can even get on the doctor's calendar to meet

> with him personally...I have to go to a seminar where he speaks about

> the various WLS he does and get handed out pamphlets and other

> informational booklets, etc.

>

> I asked the receptionist why does the doctor do it this way?

> (Thinking this in my head--If someone knows they MUST have this

> surgery for severe health reasons that are critical, why can't they

> just set up and appointment and meet with the doctor?)

>

> She said that a lot of people change their minds about having the

> surgery after attending the seminar. She also said some people don't

> have the information needed to make that decision, until they listen

> to the seminar given by the doctor.

>

> So....the next seminar is January 25, 2007! God, why do I have to

> wait so long? Why? This is going to be a LONG year for me and I

> don't want to be sitting there in the springtime without having had

> the surgery because the doctor's so busy.

>

> The friend of mine that just had her surgery 3 weeks ago done by the

> same doctor told me, that if I start now, I could have a surgery date

> in as little as 2 months. I don't think so! It's going to take 2

> months just to go to his seminar. Then how long will it take?

>

> Did a lot of you go through this? I'd really like to know, so I

> don't sit and stew in this and be angry. I just want the surgery,

> and to get on with my life, and have a lot of my health problems go

> away.....eventually.

>

> I know, it seems like I'm whining, but I had no idea it would take

> this kind of time to set this up.

>

> Please write back and answer my post, I need some reassurance and

> encouragement right now.

>

> Hugs,

> Cathy

> 310 and WAITING for a long time just to see the surgeon! (Upset

> right now.) Sorry guys....

>

>

>

> We are a very active support group.

> If the email becomes overwhelming,

> please change your setting to NO EMAIL!

> Please contact Group Creator

> Robyn@...

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Cathy!!!

I know this is totally frustrating!!! It is normal for this to be

part of the process. I also had to go to a seminar and I also had to

go to a support group meeting. I took me about 3 months from the time

I went to the seminar to the time I had surgery. Hang in there!!!

Hugs!!!

>

> Hi Everyone,

>

> Well, I'm feeling quite discouraged and here's why:

>

> Turns out that before I can even get on the doctor's calendar to

meet

> with him personally...I have to go to a seminar where he speaks

about

> the various WLS he does and get handed out pamphlets and other

> informational booklets, etc.

>

> I asked the receptionist why does the doctor do it this way?

> (Thinking this in my head--If someone knows they MUST have this

> surgery for severe health reasons that are critical, why can't they

> just set up and appointment and meet with the doctor?)

>

> She said that a lot of people change their minds about having the

> surgery after attending the seminar. She also said some people

don't

> have the information needed to make that decision, until they

listen

> to the seminar given by the doctor.

>

> So....the next seminar is January 25, 2007! God, why do I have to

> wait so long? Why? This is going to be a LONG year for me and I

> don't want to be sitting there in the springtime without having had

> the surgery because the doctor's so busy.

>

> The friend of mine that just had her surgery 3 weeks ago done by

the

> same doctor told me, that if I start now, I could have a surgery

date

> in as little as 2 months. I don't think so! It's going to take 2

> months just to go to his seminar. Then how long will it take?

>

> Did a lot of you go through this? I'd really like to know, so I

> don't sit and stew in this and be angry. I just want the surgery,

> and to get on with my life, and have a lot of my health problems go

> away.....eventually.

>

> I know, it seems like I'm whining, but I had no idea it would take

> this kind of time to set this up.

>

> Please write back and answer my post, I need some reassurance and

> encouragement right now.

>

> Hugs,

> Cathy

> 310 and WAITING for a long time just to see the surgeon! (Upset

> right now.) Sorry guys....

>