CHRIAS Information...

Well, I did call this morning and they told me that the earliest consultation that they would have would be Sept the 7th with Dr Peters. I am kind of bummed out because that is a long time to wait. They also told me that my insurance is out of network and that my consultation would cost $300. I do not have $300 just laying around. I told her I would keep the appt for now, but I am definitely going to keep my consult at Barix because it is next tuesday...and I am so excited to get things rolling. So, I thought I had my mind made up but now I am not sure again. We will see how Barix goes. I only have to come up with $55 for that consult, much more within my budget. You know, being a stay at home Mommy only pays in hugs and kisses and I don't think the dr's want me to pay them that way. Well, they might...lol....or they might call security. Robyn

Hi Robyn: I had to pay the $300 consult fee also, because CHRIAS said my insurance (CIGNA) was out of network. I did eventally get reinbursed from my insurance. If you go with Dr. Irgau's office and have surgery through Christianna hospital (PMRI) that program will be another $1200. I'm just finding out from this web site that If I had surgery at St. Francis hospital that the program there would only be $400 this would have saved me $800. I had to cash in my pension plan to come with the money, because I had just left my job. And now my surgery was denied one day before surgery (7-20) I'm appealing but if this goes on for any lenth of time I'm afraid that I won't be able to have the surgery. I have to go back to work in Sept. I'm a teacher and that is why I wanted the surgery in the summer. What is this Barix program that you are talking about and where is it located? Rosemary

Wow Rosemary, that stinks. I am sorry you have been going through such a hard time. Barix clinics is a new name for the former Bariatric Treatment Center. They are on tv and internet ads all the time. That is how I heard of them. They have been really great with me so far and very friendly. It is just a lot farther for me to go, but if it means I can have my surgery sooner, it may be worth it. I do like the fact that Gastric Bypass is the only surgery they do, so of course they are specialists in that field. You can find more information at barixclinics.com. Hope that helps a little. Robyn

Hi Robyn, Don't think of the time until Sept. 7 as a long time to wait ... think of it as time to keep researching and to get started on some of the other things you'll need to be doing. Talk to Mistee at CHRIAS and ask her if there's anything that can be worked out. Explain the financial side of things -- she's terrific -- all those gals are! She might have some helpful ideas. I opted for St. Francis mostly because PMRI's program was too $$$ and the program fee is always out of pocket. Now, I'm really glad I did. I got great care at St. Francis and the prep work -- clearances, nutritionist, etc., etc. etc., went a lot faster. I don't know if this helped, but hang in there! Where there's a will there's a way! Ann

Thanks Ann, I will see if they can work with me some. I am keeping both appts so we will see what happens. Robyn

Ann, Does St Francis really limit your visitation to the ICU hours? I've heard from some that they limit it, some that they don't, and from some that they don't let you have a phone, and others that they do... I'd love to talk with you about your St Francis experience since I go there on Sept 1 for my surgery. I've had a surgery there before, wonderful hospital, but I wasn't in the ICU. Huggles Rachel

Hi Rachael, When I was there I was really in an anesthesia dream land kinda like Lost Weekend, but my husband stayed the whole time. He did go home Friday night 'cause I was sleeping anyway, but they would have let him stay. Nobody ever scooted him out or enforced visiting hour rules. There was one other lap band pt. there (who was doing much better than I) and I don't think they shooed his wife out either. They watched TV and even visited with nurses, etc. I was only there one night and didn't have any other visitors. I would think it would depend on how many "other" ICU patients the had in the unit. I wrote up a hospital eval on my profile if you want to check it out. From what I remember of it, I had a great stay at St. Francis. Don't fret -- visit! MaryEllen Sparks the Bariatric Surgery Coord is great! She'll answer any questions you have. Hope this helps -- good luck with your surgery! Ann

Thanks Ann, I have met MaryEllen already, she's great. And Anja is thrilled with my current diet and is not worried about my post-op diet. Think they'd let my "fiance" stay? No, I don't really have one, but planning on telling them that the BF is my fiance anyway... I know, but I want him to visit whenever he can! Huggles Rachel

Hi Rachel, I really think it probably has a lot to do with how busy they are in ICU. Which makes sense if you think about it. I mean people in ICU do need their (whi*****ludes YOU) Are you going for RNY or lapband? I think that maybe too, since lapband is less invasive and a shorter stay, they may have been more lenient. BTW -- Dr. Peters did my lapband -- he's a charmer! I think you'll like him. Don't be afraid to ask him any questions, anything -- and if you forget any -- call back! IMHO you should really not fret so much over visitors. My poor husband stayed the whole time and I hardly acknowledged his presence. Who knows how you'll feel when you wake up? You might actually not really even want visitors if you're not feeling too spiffy at first. RELAX girl ... it all works out for the best ... Ann

Hi Ann, I'm kinda funny, even when I'm asleep, I know if someone is with me or not. I'm having an RNY laproscopically. Dr Wynn is my doc, but I believe Peters is the other surgeon who is helping her, not sure. I don't usually stay groggy long after surgery (had a few already) and really enjoy the company. I hate hospitals, having someone I care about close by makes me less anxious... just something I've learned over the years. Huggles Rachel