Got my packet from Dr. Jones

Finally got all my papers from Dr. Jones & St. Vincent's today. Man, what a bunch of stuff is in there! I feel like I've spend the past three hours filling it all in. That diet history thing is a killer. On a sort of good note, had a visit to my OB/GYN today (yay, my favorite visit), and on their scale I was 214. I had been getting a reading of about 215 at home, with occasional dips to 212, but I figured at one of those dr. scales, it would be more like 220. So that was kind of nice. Did anyone who had their surgeries at St. V's have their psych consult on the same day as their regular consult? I didn't know that was an option until today when I got my packet, but it says those appts fill up fast. If I'd've known I needed to do that, I would've done it before now. I will probably try to call tomorrow and see if I can get scheduled or not for Wednesday when I'm down there. I'd love to do it on the same day to minimize time off work. And what does everyone think of Dr. Stote if you had your psych eval with him? For some reason, I'm really uncomfortable going to a shrink I don't even know, who's a man no less, and talking about my weight issues. Maybe they don't even do that very much. I have read about the giant list of questions you have to answer. Hope everyone has had a nice Monday! Kim

Kim- I didn't see Dr. Stote, but I do remember the term "strange little man" being used more than once on this board when talking about him! I don't think he gave anyone much trouble, but people thought he was weird! Have a good evening, Carmen PS great job getting all your paper work done! Don't worry too much about the little ups and downs on the different scales, just go by one and use the same one the next time...

kim i had both appointments in one day . made for a long day but i got it out of the way. dr stote does charge $115.00 up front cash or credit card only he doent bill insurance because he is out of net work for everyone. you do have the option to go to a different shrink if you want but make sure you tell st v's because they have a set of questions that they need to ask. with dr stotes i was only in his off ice for about 45 minutes maybe a little less, and yes he is a strange lil man but seems to be very nice. congrats on getting started . i am just a little ahead of you i have had my consolt and shrink vivst and just waiting to turn in paper work to insurance. have a great day vicki

Kim, I went to Dr. Stote. He was all right. Kind of an odd duck, but I got the impression he wasn't in it to deny people, just wanted to help them make sure they understood what they were getting into, and had the right supports. I wouldn't worry about it too much. As for the fee, they give you a handy dandy, pre-printed page with diagnosis and other information on it, that you can turn in to your insurance for reiumbrusement. I got mine reiumbursed from Anthem with no problem. Linda Vicory

Kim, I had both on the same day and had their house psych. He is strange. Because of his letter, I made sure I included a cover letter to my packet. He had asked me if I drank and I said 1 or 2 wine coolers a week (we owned a bar so I thought that was pretty mild). He wrote on his report that I would have to give up my drinking problem?!?! I was also already quitting smoking. At that time, I think I was off the smokes for about 2 weeks..which says alot since I couldn't have gone 2 hours without one before quitting. He made sure he put that I would have to quit. He also put that I needed to attend like 2 or 3 support meeting pre-op and at least 2 post-op. By that time, I had already had been to 3 or 4 of them. After reading his letter, I just thought of him as a critical person who didn't listen. My cover letter did a good job of clarifing his crap so when you get his letter in, read it, and then include a cover letter if you feel you need to. Sherri

Hi, Well, for ME he was insensitive and critical. I went to my own In-Network Phy. that my PCP recommended, to have a second opinion, since Dr. Stote basically said I had "issues" I needed to deal with- HUH??? He didn't explain what issues! That caused me some real stress . I did call my surgeons office and spoke to them as to why I chose to go to someone else, and they were great about it. I wish you the best, and don't want to scare you off, just sharing MY experiance. ((((hugs)))) Ellen

I have to agree with just about everyone; he is an odd little man and Dr. DOH caused me some problems, too. The bazillion question assessment he gives is very broad and just about anything on it can be interpreted as an "issue." I have been on depression medication forever, and he listed as part of my diagnosis as "depression." Well, DUH! He also listed that I had serious personal issues that must be addressed before surgery and suggested that I go see a therapist for at least 10 visits. WHA..??!! So off I trot to a food addiction/weight loss therapist, saw him 5 times and he said I was one of the strongest (mentally) candidates he's ever had for WLS. He said the assessment Dr. DOH uses really shouldnt' be used for a general purpose like it's being used for, and that it can give a false impression. So, I was out $200 for co-pay for pretty much nothing. I wasn't impressed any in the least. I hope yours goes much better.

Wow, now you all got me a little scared! They didn't have any spots left except for 4:30, and I'll need to be heading back home to get my kids picked up by then, so I didn't take it, but the lady scheduled me for the 15th at like, 7pm, which is great really. But I'm sure I've got some issues myself! I didn't realize he'd be out of network... didn't really check, but figured since Dr. Jones is in network and St. V's is, then he would be too. I may have to check that out. My insurance is supposed to pay for that & I'd be a little annoyed to be out the money if I can get it paid for elsewhere. No idea where else I could go though... Thanks everyone for letting me know what to expect! Kim

I had mine last week- with Dr. Stote. He asked indepth questions about my family and childhood, and about my work history. They have you fill out a survey that has about 600 questions- that you rate from "very applicable to me" to "does not apply to me at all" For example: Likes to be the center of attention, likes to read books, likes spending time alone etc. We discovered that I am addicted to food and that until I get a handle on that, surgery would not be a good idea. He referred me to someone I am seeing on Wednesday. So don't be afraid- they have your best interest at heart.

He is a strange man but he didn't write anything bad on me b/c I am approved. I found it interesting in the notes he took on me - like the fact that I ate chef boyardee whenever I ddin't like dinner as a child. He was fixated in things like that and recommended that I work hard with the dietician to find new things that I like. Well I have already started talking to the dietician at my job and she said she would help. Plus I hope my palate changes and I start liking a wider variety of food once this is done. Just don't let him see you sweat.