Approved

Hi everyone, I am finally approved for surgery. I had to wait 3 months for UHC to make their decision. Now my next problem is that the surgeon I had is getting ready to retire. He has referred me to a Dr. Korn. Has anyone heard of him? Also I heard that it can take a while for UHC to change the surgeon's name on the file. I hope not. Anyway I just wanted to share my news with someone. On a sadder note, I am sorry to hear about Mamma Angel. May she rest in peace. SKB

i had the same problem as you,i did not feel comfortable having a dr do my rny that had only done about 25 of them so i went to dr. oakley he was great and i had mine lap so i have basically no scars.good luck nikki

Hi Nikki, Thanks for responding. Was Dr. Korn the one you did not feel comfortable with - the one who had only done 25? I am glad you are doing well. I have heard good things about Dr. Oakley. Take care skb

Hey SKB, I am scheduled for my surgery w/ Dr. Oakley on July 6. I am resting easy knowing he will be at the end of my staple gun, I totally trust him and know that I am in good hands!

Hi Laura, I am so excited for you. I will keep you in my thoughts on your big day. sherry (skb)

Dear SKB, I will be having surgery with Dr. Korn. I have one more test to do before we schedule a date. I felt uncomfortible with him also until I researched and met him. He was the chief trama surgeon for St. Al's. Since St. Al's is the only level II trauma center in Idaho, I figure he must know where everything goes and how to take it apart as well a put it together. I liked the man, he is very up front and he tells you that this is not a walk in the park surgery. That outside of pancreatic cancer surgery, that this is the most difficult surgery being performed in the US today. He did state that before the year was out that he would be performing laproscopic RNY's and I do think I will wait for him to start doing those to have mine, as opposed to the open RNY he is doing now. Also, Dr. Ediger is assisting him in doing these surgeries so he has a mentor. I felt very comfortible with him. He also orders some preliminary testing, and in doing these, I feel he is being extremely cautious and careful about his patients. I am very comfortible with him doing my surgery. Why don't you meet him and see what you think. Nameste' , Ann

Hi Ann, Thanks for the information. I do have an appointment with him the first of July. I feel better after reading your post. What kind of tests did he have you do? Thanks, Sherry

Hey Sherry, July 1st , I now have an appt with him on July 1. What time is your appt? Maybe we will meet. The tests he ordered for me were a cat scan of the abdomen and intestines (lower), a psyc evaluation, a stress test, and a pulmonary screening. I have had issues with my heart and with bronchitis and pneumonia previously. So, I feel the tests he ordered were specifically to match some of my health issues. Nameste', Ann

Hi Ann, my appt is at 9am. I would love to meet you. Email me and I will give you my phone number. Are you already approved by your insurance company? Sherry

Usually I have nothing to say! But today I actually DO! Dr.Ediger removed my gallbladder lap in 1999 and I loved him. As soon as I decided to have this surgery I called his office but he was retiring at the end of the month. At that time they weren't officially announcing who they would be referring patients to, so I went with Dr.Oakley. I am so glad I am seeing Dr.Oakley. He is out of network for my insurance so I end up having the surgery covered at 60% instead of at 100%. And that's alot of $$ so that should tell you how much I like Dr.Oakley! He has so much more experience doing this lap than any other surgeon on this side of the state. Having said that choosing a doc is a very personal decision so I wish you luck! Does anyone know why Dr.Oakley doesn't require any pre-op testing other than blood work? When I read about other doc's doing more extensive testing I wonder.... Stefanie