Very Aggravated

I know this surgery really tests your patience. And it's one thing after another, which I've welcomed with open arms. I've been a great patient, truly. I've jumped, asked how high, and smiled while doing it. But now it's been over 2 weeks since I've been cleared for the surgery and still no news. I called Lois yesterday, she said my chart has been on Dr. Aranow's desk and once he signs off on it, she'll call me. Could be a while because he's busy, been on vacation, she hurt her knee last week and was out, etc. etc. Excuse, excuse, blah blah. I have 3 kids, a hubby and parents who bug me CONSTANTLY about the surgery as they are all taking vacation time around my surgery so they can help me take care of the kids and help me if I need anything. I just feel like my entire life, and the life of my whole family is now on hold. I can deal with it, but I do feel badly for them that they can't request vacation time from employers or plan anything as I have NO IDEA what surgery date I'll get. I just needed to vent. Thanks to all for listening. Tammy

Oh dear Tammy - I FEEL your frustration. Unfortunately this is just the way it is with pretty much every surgery, not just WLS. So take a really Deep Breath and vent all you like to us 'cause I know we all understand this. Hugs, Carla oh and p.s. Dawn sent me pics of your 6Flags outing...very nice!!

Hi Carla!!! Nice to put the name with the face! Love the picture! Yep, I have heard people with the same frustrations. I know it'll happen, just hard to keep waiting!!! We had SUCH a nice day at Six Flags. Can't ride all of the rides, but I WILL be on them next year!!!

Let's try doing some math here. DR A. does 3 patients 3 times a week. Multiply by 45 weeks a year and whatr do you have...... MASS CONFUSION! Remember that just 2 years ago I was patient number less than 200. This is WAY past where he was in such a short time. Yes, you life is on hold. Like calling the office and taking what seems like forever to get answers. It is part of the problem with rapid growth. It does not end with getting your surgical date, so you better kinda get used to it. Find a common timeframe that you need for leadtime with your family. Is 4 weeks enough? 6? Maybe more? Have them ask their employers and find out. When you finally get the magic phone call that says your date is.... say "Woah! Let's schedule it for.....X... so my family can be here. It does work. In ancient history they tole me in April that I would most likely have surgery in August. I told them that it would be December 26th, right after the christmas holiday season for the store. Wel, it got changed by a few days at the end due to a short vacation by Dr. A, but needless to say they were accomidating. Peter

Tammy, I know the run around really stinks, but since you have called and made yourself known a little more, hopefully things will start moving along. Once you get that date you can tell everyone so vacation requests can be submitted and you will be a looser in no time! Carmen

Tammy, Remember you have see me keeping waiting for three weeks and half for getting surgery date and Look at Pattie... It took her for 8 weeks to get surgery date. It is true Dr Aranow is busy doctor and the office staffs are busy. Try to find new hoobies to keep your mind off .My mom and my husband had to be on hold from their vacation because I did not have a surgery date but tehy explained their boss about this sitution and can wait until I got confirmed surgery date. Hang in there! Cut the pumpkins and bake some pumpkin seeds and go shopping to lay away xmas presents for your kids HUGS Kathy K

Tammy! If I was in your situation, I'd be frustrated too. Please try to understand that this process RARELY is in our control. You're at another person's (or peoples) mercy and that just sucks. Just try to be patient. Keep your mind off of it. Call one x a week and keep on checking...but don't get too caught up in it. I understand that you have family and need to plan, but really- there is nothing you can do to make this happen any faster. Sometimes letting it go and realizing that there is nothing you can do will free you up to think positive and keep busy with other things. In the mean time...I'm sending you prayers and BEST wishes for a quick call from Lois with a surgery date. Hang in there!!! lisa C

Tammy, I know exactly how you feel. I also had to wait and wait and wait and wait and wait and wait till I finally called and got to even speak to Lois. All the things you were told are true and unfortunate plus my chart sat on the Doctors desk for many days before He could sign Me off. All I can tell you is once the call is made.. and the date is set-up..all the frustration and worry melts away and the excitement of looking forward to surgery overtakes your life. I will pray for you to have a date soon. Maybe we will be roomies..grins. Hugs Pattie D