Really Frustrated.....

Okay I went to the meeting tonight in Springdale at Dr. Roller's Office spent a hour there, learned a few things. Then I asked if they would sign off on my support group sheet. And they wont do it for 'outsiders'. After a long hot day, a grouchy hubby, then that I feel totally frustrated. I want to get this done. But I am very limited on money and being on Medicare/Medicaid means I can only see a Doctor associated with Center of Excellence. So now I will have to drive to find the money to drive to little rock for the support group meeting ( I have the funds for the doctor's appointments and surgery trips parents are helping out). I know the parents would help, but I really hate asking for them for help.Unless anyone knows of a support meeting closer. Sorry I am really frustated was a long day and things just didnt go well.

Terri

Hi Terri,

Gee, this  is frustrating.  It stands to reason though, the information found at these seminars and support groups usually are designed around certain doctor's protocols, and we all know how different they can be.
Have you seen Drs Gibbs, Baker or Fuller yet?  Dr Gibbs does NOT require support group meetings, before or after surgery, but he does highly recommend it. I'd suggest you call his office and talk to them.  If you need to go to a COE, then this might be a way around another trip down the road.

P.S.  There will not be a support group meeting in Little Rock in September.  The Walk From Obesity counts as the meeting instead.  It's Sept 20 on a Sat morning....might be a bit more convenient?

Although this is none of my business, I often find myself wondering when I read your posts, "Why is she going all that way when Dr.Roller is so close?" I know people go much further, but I like being near my doctor so that he can perform all of my potential future surgeries. It's important to have a surgeon educated on your WLS do any other abdominal surgeries and is best done by your actual WL surgeon. You don't have to answer my question though.

I'm sorry you are having such a rough time getting your meetings in. I know it must be frustrating. I had many frustrating moments and I only waited about 6 weeks after my first visit to have my surgery. I couldn't imagine waiting years, but it's definitely worth any amount of waiting!

I don't mind answering the question, Shawna. I would love to be able to go Dr. Roller's offices for the procedure, but I am on Medicare/Medicaid and one of their requirements is that a Center of Execellence approved Doctor must perform the sugery. And in Arkansas the closest one is in Little Rock. I would go to Tulsa as that is closer but I have Arkansas Medicaid and it does not cross state lines for non emergency care. I have been at this for 6 months so a few more months will be worth it to me, it is just the frustration along the way that can be a downer at times. But I keep reminding myself there is so much for me to gain with this.

I hope I can go to the walk, just a bit scared LOL I havent walked that much in years.

Thanks Much for listening,
Terri

I totally understand. I suspected it had something to do with the COE. I know Dr.Roller's office is working on getting that, but I'm sure it's a long and tedious process.

I would ask Dr. Baker's office what you need to do.  Call Christi or Becky and ask them.  I'm sure they may have an acceptable alternative if you explain your cir****tances to them.