Arizona Weight Loss Forum

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DrMichaelSakowitz
on 5/12/10 4:50 am

How is the battle going?

Michael L. Sakowitz, Ph.D. is a psychologist (NJ 35SI00148700) and member of ObesityHelp's Mental Health Board. By posting, he makes no promises, guarantees, representations, or warranties, expressed or implied, and assumes no duty or liability with regard to the information contained herein. This post is not intended to diagnose or treat any physical or mental condition. No professional services are being rendered and nothing is intended to provide such services or advice of any kind. No website or informational post can take the place of seeking professional help. If you need professional help of any kind, please seek the services of a professional or dial 911.

DrMichaelSakowitz
on 5/12/10 4:47 am

Topic: RE: Dr. Blackstone's "Patient Liason" rude additude, anyone else?

Choosing a weight loss surgeon differs from choosing a surgeon to remove your appendix! You need to have an ongoing relationship with the doctor and with the office staff. You will need follow up care, fills, checkups etc. Having said that, however, I urge you to speak with the doctor and or the staff member. See if you can resolve your issue with them, it might be you and not them. If you cannot I suggest you find an office where you feel respected and cared about as well as cared for.

Good luck

Dr Mike

PS This should not be understood as a comment about Dr B's skill, I have heard that she is excellent.

DrMichaelSakowitz
on 5/12/10 4:32 am

Topic: RE: paying deductibale up front?

I urge you to contact your surgeon immediately to discuss this situation.

BTW have you not hhad other expenses already this year? Psych eval, office visits etc. all of these charges would go towards the deductable.

Hope this helps

Dr Mike

Ann M.
on 5/12/10 2:52 am - Peoria, AZ

RNY on 06/16/06

Topic: RE: Vitamin B12

Debbie, I googled this question and here's the answer. One question though, are you sure you're taking 25 mg or is it 2500 micrograms which translates to 2.5 mg? I use the Trader Joe's 1000 mcg which would be 1 mg but would feel ok to take 1 in the morning and 1 at night.

Can you take too much Vitamin B12? I just bought my first bottle of sublingual B12 and it has 2500 mcg one time per day. My friend has 500 mcg sublingual B12 and takes it two times per day. What are the dangers or cautions that I need to be aware of if I take this vitamin on a daily basis?
Vicki - About.com User
Answer: Vitamin B12, or Cyanocobalamin, is important for energy use and metabolism. Overdoses are almost unknown, and although 2500 mcg is a high dose, it is safe to take daily.

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Stacyb15
on 5/12/10 1:24 am - Casa Grande, AZ

RNY on 05/17/10 with

Topic: paying deductibale up front?

Just wondering if you had to pay your deductable up front before your surgery or if your surgeon accepts payments over time for that. I could have sworn when I called initially to ask questions I asked and my doc's office said I could do payments but now I am not so sure. I am worried because I am 5 days away from surgery and do not have my $3500 deductable.

ReCurve
on 5/11/10 10:49 pm - Peoria, AZ

DS on 07/31/08

Topic: RE: Approved for Revision to DS!!!

Todays the big day.
I'm wishing nothing but the best for you.
Get well soon.

Ladyj20956
on 5/11/10 12:11 pm - Sun City, AZ

RNY on 08/02/10

Topic: RE: Dr. Blackstone's "Patient Liason" rude additude, anyone else?

I have been floating round this site for a few months now. So I thought I would finally pipe in and share my experience. I have decided to go with Dr Blackstone. I am less than thrilled with her staff though. I know she is the best surgeon around, but her staff has been a nightmare. I have provided them the necessary medical records 3 times and was told they had everything they needed to submit to the ins. Last Friday I was told by the "auth girl" Christina that she had everything she needed and was submitting my stuff that day to BCBS for approval. Well after 3 days of no returned calls, I called BCBS and she hasn't even contacted them yet. I called her supervisor (Jennifer) and explained things to her. I received a return call saying that she checked with Christina and she (Jennifer) was told that she (Christina) needed more info from me before she could submit my case to the ins. WHAT!!!!!!???? I was told she had everything she needed. Jennifer told me I would be getting a call from Christina any minute to get the required info. Guess what? No call. This is so frustrating!!!!! Why would this girl lie to her supervisor and I think it's incredibly rude to not return a call for 3 days.