I'm in pain & tears..just needing opinions....

Back in February I started out with a Dr. over here in Riverdale, Illinois.  I started out seeing he weight loss coordinator and then went on to my first visit with DR Kim.  After that initial visit, everything was up to the coordinator to get everything in order.  ie: my records from my doctors for the last 3 years and all my letters of medical necessity from any doctor i was seeing.  Basically, I have done all the foot work, calling my doctors, signing release forms and going on my own time for the letters of medical necessity.  This was all fine to me as long as she was meeting me half way and working on the insurance company on her end, because with my Aetna plan, Bariatruic surgery is not a covered benefit.  Nothing new....So, in the mean time, she was supposed to start the typical procedures, having me undergo some testing, ekg's and whatever.  Mind you this has been since Feb. For the past year I and a half I have been seeing a pain clinic for chronic leg pain ( both). Last June I had a discogram and found that I have 4 torn discs.  I am in such severe pain and I am on Morphine & Vicoprofin and percocet daily and still in horrendus pain.  I'm in tears daily.  Well, my back dr wants to do surgery asap, but is holding out because he said if i can have the wls, and lose some of this weight, it might be tolerable ??  So, my question is this, obviously if I can get away with just the wls and be in occasional pain, life would be great.  I email this woman and leave messages and she barely repsonds.  Sometimes by only a general email.  The last of which was saying ( last Monday) that she was meeting with someone to help her get the info she needed to move forward & then she would let me know. Here, 4 days later and I have not heard from her,  I feel like dropping her and moving to a different doctor.  I KNOW this takes time, it could be a long time, but if I knew I was moving forward, in SOME way, I could live with that.  My insurance CO says they have NO information submitted by her, so what the hell has she been doing for the last 6 months?  Meanwhile, I am dying and in pain and trying to take care of my 4 daughters and husband and work 50 hours a week. ???  Not to mention, keeping up with housework ?  Sorry to vent, but Ive had it.  Should I switch now ( that 6 months have gone by) and leave someone I am already established with ( for whatever good that is) or stick it out and get on her and possibly **** her off because I'm nagging and then she realy won't do ****  What should I do ?

Is there any way that you can show up at the office where you are supposed to be getting the paperwork from and ask for what is due to you? Don't be demanding when you get there, be as sweet as sugar because you draw more bees to honey than to vinegar. It could help you by going there and asking for your paperwork.

Christine

Although I realize you have spent 6mo already w/ this office, it does not sound like this person is looking out for the best interest of you.  Have you shared your concerns with your surgeon or the office manager?  If they act the same way w/ no concern then I would move on.  Face it, these people that are taking care of you are going to be a part of your life for the long haul.  If you don't have the warm and fuzzies now......... what's going to happen if you need questions answered or need support in the future or heaven for bid.. have complications?  As I see it, my surgeons team has become an extension of my family.  They look out for my best interest.  They want me to succeed.  They return calls, bend over backwards.  They have passion, are in it for the long haul.   I personally would get out now. I'm not telling you all this because I get anything for referring people the only thing I get is gratitude knowing people are being taken care of. My surgeons name is Dr. Jeffrey Rosen, LifeWeigh Bariatrics is Downers Grove, IL.  I know there are many other great surgeons out there so please, follow your heart and do what is right for you. Christina

PS, I second what Christina said about the recommendation of Dr Jeffrey Rosen. Her and I both have him for our surgeon and really, really like him and his office staff. It might be a little bit of a drive for you but well worth the move over to a place where you will have a holistic approach to your health care. They are worth your while the check out. They have an ad in the lower left hand corner of this page. LifeWeigh Bariatrics.

Christine

I agree with Chris and Christina....Go to Dr. Rosen.     I think he's the best ever!     Been thru 2 other surgeons and so I KNOW what you're talking about!    It's your life.......make the best decision that you can........You have to be comfortable with your choice of surgeon.......b/c you never know how long he and his staff are going to be in your life!      Remember they are getting paid a lot of money to do what they do so your expectations should be high!    They work for you!    Pam

 I agree with Christina, Christine and Pam. Dr Rosen and his staff really work for the patients. They are like Christina said like part of the family. They still care after they have made the bulk of the money they put the patient first. I don't know how far you would have to drive, I drive 3 hrs to get there and its worth it. I had a different dr in the begining and I am greatfull to have the "BEST" any way to me  for my surgon. If you do not feel they are doing the best they can for you the I say go else where.   Karen