So upset

Well I'll get right to it- the norton bariatric center denied me as a candidate for surgery.  I can only assume it's because I am mentally ill- thats a topic that was discussed highly when I was at the center and I was upfront and asked about my mental illness being an issue with having surgery even before I atteneded a seminar. What I don't understand is this- the packet was never sent to Dr. Geller's office and also, I was told by a therapist at the center (who shall remain anonymous) "whats do you need to talk about, you were denied, there is nothing to discuss" and hung up the phone.  I kid you not, that is all that was said to me, and she hung up the freakin phone!  I am just in tears.  I have spent hours and hours researching, talking to people, joined the YMCA, and quit smoking.  It just doesn't seem fair that the dr. gellers office didnt even recieve the packet and I was denied.  I spent $300 and didn't even get an explanation why I was turned down.  I am even more upset bc I gained 13lbs in the two weeks that I have quit smoking.  I just don't know what to do.  My mom says maybe we can talk to the people at St. Mary's and Elizabeth's but if Norton's turned me down, I don't know if they will approve me either.  I now weigh over 280 lbs- the most ever in my life.  I left a message for the director to get an explanation, so I am waiting for a phone call back, but I will tell you this, I will not tolerate being talked to the way I was talked to.  I am a poor college student who saved money to pay the $300 for the assement fee and was deneid, without the packets being sent to the doctor (i know this bc I called Dr. Gellers) and was talked to like I wasn't worth anything.  I am more upset than anything.  Also, no one thought to call me and tell me that I had been denied...what a complete lack of respect. Has anyone ever had an experience like this? This is a nightmare.  Thanks for letting me vent.

sarah

Wow, thats just crap! I would definately call back and speak to a mgr or supervisor and demand (in a respectful way) reasoning as to why you were denied. I dont know how things work in your area but would it be possible just to go straight to the docs office instead of going through a separate center? Like I said im kinda clueless on the way other places do things but its just a thought.
Congrats on the smoking! I need to get some motivation to quit myself!
I hope you get things worked out and get some answers or atleast your money back.
--Sarah

I'm so sorry!!!!!!!!
Dawn

I was denied a couple of years ago for RNY surgery, When I lived in Louisiana. There ( insurance) reason was because I wasn't heavy enough at the time. But once that denial came through they basically had no need for me, wouldn't return my calls etc..etc.. So I know how you feel. INfact when I did call the Dr's office they told me to gain weight and come back in a couple months.. Nice ehh???
I'm sorry your going through this. I would definately call and keep calling to get a hold of a manager/or nurse manager to see if there is anything you can do.
Good Luck

Hi Sarah,

I am very sorry this happened to you. You do not deserve to be treated like that. The good news is that there are other hospitals/surgeons you can choose from.  From what I read it doesn't seem as if you were given a fair chance, especially since you are not smoking, and are going to the Y. You were putting in a lot of effort on your end it seems. You would think they'd take that into consideration. I have seen lots of people with mental health issues gain approval from mild depression to bipolar disorder, etc. Be strong and don't give up. Look at this as a small set back. Now is the perfect time to ask questions and find another surgeon.

Good Luck!

Sarah I am sorry you were treated in the manner, I am suprised as most of the individuals at Norton Bariatric are wonderful.   I am going to PM you some information