So Calif Dr.s???

Hi All!!

I think I might have asked this quest a few months ago....but my memory, being what it is, I can't remember.

DS dr.s in Southern California???  Is there other WL surgeons, doing the DS, besides Dr. Crookes??

I think I established that Health Net had sent  a few people to Dr. Crookes.  I'm hoping to be able to get HN to send me to Dr. Crookes (after I get approval for the RNY, then I'll tell them that I want the DS).  What kind of tests, (ie Psych, blood, heart, etc...) does Dr. Crookes require before surgery and how long did it take you to complete???  Who was the Dr. that he sands you to for the Psych test???  Does it have to be a Dr. or can it be a councilor??? Also, did Dr. Crookes have a back log?  I mean, did it take a month or months to get a surgery date?

My last weigh in for my required 6 month diet is Nov 6th, I'll be my PCP's office on Nov 7th with my referral in hand.......OR ELSE......lol  I have a break in classes between mid Dec and the last week of Jan so I'm hoping to get my surgery during this time.

I want to try and plan a head so I can reduce any time I can.  Any info on Dr. Crookes and the Psych test and other tests he requires and if anyone wants to share their time lines, I'd really appreciate it!!

Thanks!!!!!!

I actually did my psyche before I even had my consult with Dr Crookes. You can get it done anywhere that your insurance will accept. He will also require a stress test and very recent lab work(blood) and I had to do a lung function test. I did them all locally within  two weeks of my consult. Sent off fort approval once they were all done. got approved in 9 days and could have scheduled the surgery about 30 days later. It didn't fit my schedule so I actually scheduled 2 months after I was approved.
As far as time goes wasn't an issue. I got in fairly quick for consult and everythng happened pretty quick after that.

He does require you attend one of their seminars in Pasadena as well.

Will your PCP give you the referal to the Psych before the 6 months is up? it takes 7-14 days to get the answer from them officially in writing

My PCP will not give me ANYTHING until the 6 months are complete. He wouldn't even tell me the surgeon's name that he'll be referring me too.....lol