I HAVE A SURGEON

THANKS TO YOU ALL THINGS JUST GOT BETTER FOR ME!! I got up this morning determined to check out some doctors. With everyone's info, I started calling. 3 offices said they wouldn't take my insurance. But I kept calling and finally got one that said they would check into it. Within 2 hours, Megan called me back and said they had talked to my insurance and I AM APPROVED FOR THE SURGERY. Dr Webb in Jacksonville will do my surgery. Now they have set me up for a few tests on the same day I go for the seminar they have. I live quite a ways so that will make it nice. On July 22, I will do the tests and then go to the seminar and she said they can set up my date, hopefully at that time. Thank you all for encouraging me to continue and for all the info you have given me. I know I still am not there yet but at least the journey has got a swift kick at it today. Carol

How wonderful! Atleast you have got started. Good luck, I'll keep my fingers crossed and you in my prayers. gail

congrulations on the approval... you will do great!!!!

Carol, Way to go!!! That's the way to do it! You just have to keep movein until you find someone who says yes. I live in Jacksonville, wish we could meet but I will be in Ft. Lauderdale for my surgery at that time. Please keep us updated! I am so happy for you!!!! LOVE MICHELLE

Congrats Carol!!! I live in Jacksonville too, but like Michelle I will be down in Ft. Lauderdale. Maybe we can all meet the next time you come up for testing or a consult with Dr. Webb? I wish you all the best... Hugs, Erika L

Thanks everyone. I am sorry everyone will be in Ft Lauderdale and I will miss you but looks like I will be up there several times so maybe..... Anyway, I am on the road.

Well heck see what a difference a day makes! I am so happy for you. Now it's really my turn ....I have my appt tomorrow with the local Dr. and if he doesn't tell me he can do it, since they put a hold on surgery at our hospital then I will need to travel to Tampa. Please say a prayer things go okay tomorrow...I honestly have waited a yr for this appointment with Dr. Benetiz and I really want him as a surgeon. Okay I am ready to do a happy dance for you Carol...you are one step closer than last week and that is great!

I KNOW!!! One minute I was whining and the next thing I am dancing . ANyway enough about me. I will have my fingers and toes crossed for you Ginny. Go see that doctor and show him you are waiting on him. Good luck on you appointment. AND HAVE A GREAT DAY. Carol

Ginny, I'm in Fort Myers too and was told there were no doctors in our area that perform the WLS. I have been referred to the Cleveland Clinic by three people who are from this area. I will be seeing Samuel Szomstein, M.D. in Fort Lauderdale and supposedly he is very good and has good bedside manner. I also hear the Cleveland Clinic has all private rooms and is very nice. Just another option if you have to go out of town.

Hi Laura, The WLS surgeon I am seeing tomorrow office me today to let me know there is no signs of Southwest Regional Medical Center resuming surgery. I am still going to see him since I have a authorization and I want to get his opinion on a few things, am having stomach problems, hiatal hernia and reflux. His office did refer me to another surgeon who has pretty wonderful crendtials and I would like to see him but he is 164 miles at least from me, in Port Richey and Palm Harbor which is a little closer by about 10 miles. His name is Brad Case & his website says he does take my insurance, Dr. B went to watch him perform lap surgery and was very impressed and also wanted to find a place to refer his WLS patients. I am so upset this is so hard to get organized. I want to crawl in bed and go to sleep...is this depression or defeat? When I am in pain I just don't want to think about anything and its been 8 weeks..I swallowed glass that was in my tuna and haven't been the same since. Needless to say I also broke a bridge with 2 caps and spent two days in the hospital after quite a tear in my insides. I keep trying to deal everything but today I had a eye dr.'s appointment and canceled because I felt like a little rolly polly and didn't want to leave the house. I am sure I will have to do all the tests all over as well. I am going to post to see if anyone has used this Dr Case as yet...oh but the car ride with my deterioated spine is killing me already...oh boy am I whining today, just ignore me LOL I don't have many days like this, I'm overtired. BTW, Cleveland Clinic won't even give me an appt unless I want to pay cash, say they do not take Tricare ...I guess this will eventually become a rich persons surgery only.