I have a question

Has anyone on here,gone or went thru to the Bariatric center in Herrin,IL?  If so how did u pay;self,insurance or medical card?  I have the medical card and the Center is Springfield I feel is screwing me over,cause they will not let me do anymore appts until the end of April.  The social worker told me that I had to show our monthly bills for 3 months to show I can afford the vitamins/supplements.  When she asked my income,I said none cause I don't work right now.  She goes how to do u expect to pay for them I told her my parents plan to help me with them until I start working.  She goes no you can't have them buy them,cause they might die LOL.  Then I go can I have my boyfriend buy them for me and she goes he would have to come in with you at ur next visit and say he will pay for them.  I found a friend of mine's niece went down to Herrin & had the sleeve done(she is a mecical card too) and the surgeron wrote her precrips out for vitamins/supplements so she would not have to pay for them and medical card would cover them.   My friend is suppose to find out more from her niece about it.  I think I am call down there on Monday.  And see about switchin over to them,cause it is closer for me.  Cause Herrin is like around a hr & half away and Springfield is almost 2 1/2 hrs away from where we live at.  

Vickie

Hello

I can't answer your question but I remember your post on the LapBand board a while back.  I think the cost of the vitamins your doctor wants you to take is really too much...especially for Lapband.  I would understand if you were getting RNY because they have the malaborbtion...we don't.  Most Lapband people take Centrum multivitamins...or something like that.  In fact I know many that don't take vitamins at all and have no problems.  Not that I advocate not taking vitamins.  I take more than my doctor recommended because I chose to

I just think it is a little expensive to demand a Lapband patient to spend $50 a month on vitamins.  Especially since they know your income situation.  I would think that I would want a doctor that sees I don't have much money so maybe I will recommend a vitamin regimen she can afford to stay on.  I don't spend that much on vitamins each month.  I would look into the other doctor and see if they are willing to work with you.  If your current place won't work with you I can only imagine what it would be like after surgery and you are going for your fills.  You want a doctor that is flexible and compassionate to each patient's needs and concerns

Vickie, oh how horrible for you to be going through this. Instead of helping you the social worker is tearing you down. I do not know anything about the center that you are asking about but do remember the name because there used to be a lady by the name of Dee S/and or Peaches. She would change her screen name from time to time. She has not been active on the board for close to a year. I do remember that either she lived near Herrin or her doctor was from there. My mind is playing tricks on me at the moment. I hope you can work it out. Being closer to your doctor source is a definite plus.

PS I agree also with what Crystal wrote.

Thanks ladies!!!

Vickie

I am just starting my process with Dr. Ahuja and I know there is a $200.00 fee for your 1st initial consult with him and the medical card doesn't pay for that.  I called last week and my appt. is Feb 24., so if you plan on switching you will need to call asap.  U might also have to attend one of his seminars.