Dr. sonnanstine pt's

I am seeing Dr. S by the referral from another friend that had her surgery at Tri-State.  She has raved and raved about Dr. S., but quite honestly I'm already tired of the waiting.  If this is how it's going to be the whole entire process, then I will have to look elsewhere.  Every question I've asked I've gotten a quick answer, but now that I'm questioning why I haven't received a call with a date for my FIRST appointment, I can't get an answer and still have no date.  I'm calling on Monday and if I can't make any process then I think I will go elsewhere.

 Just remember for Haley and Kevin you want the best.  Dr. Tom is the best and worth the wait.  Hell, I go from Cincinnati to Georgetown to see him.  He saved my life...not just with the surgery but really saved my life more than once.

I attended the seminar Georgetown held in N. KY with Dr. Sonnanstine (my husband is wanting a lapband).  As I recall, they said they wouldn't call with the first appointment(s****il the insurance company approved the surgery.  They want to make sure the surgery can go forward.  I had my lapband done in Florence, but from the time I first attended a seminar, until my insurance company finally approved MONTHS passed.  I know you're anxious to get a date set, but there's probably not much they can tell you. 

When Tri-State was in full swing with Dr. S on board, the phone calls were not quickly returned because of their work load.  Not to mention when they are on the phone trying to answer all our questions, they can't do their jobs trying to get insurance approvals. 

I understand the frustration with the wait, but in this case, patience is definitely a virtue.  And having the experience I had with Dr. S, I would wait a year if I had to.

Jan

Thansk Brenda! Yeah I think she has been out the pas two weeks and she returns next week sometime. I have to say the center seems to have improved with returning calls and the wait to get in. I have been very pleased. And I like how Dr July spent the time and sat and talk to me like I was the only patient she had on her mind. That makes me feel alot more comfrotable knowing she is so into her patients. I like to have that one on one feeling with someone who is going to be "chopping" on me. LOL In a good way. I hope to be in the OR and starting this new journey in my life with in the next couple of weeks. And yes she said she was fellowhsip trained which is a big plus for me.  I also like how they took care of the insurance for me. With my busy schedule it would be almost impossible to have to fight with them too. The insurance cordinater( Kristi i think?) has been so heslpfull. I didnt think it was going to happen at first but she was so persistant and stayed on them until the approved it. I have to say I am very happy with the service the Tri state office had provided me with. I hope everyone has everything fall into place as well as they helped me get done. This is something I think everyone that is over weight and cant do it on their own should have a chance at. It almost like getting handed a second chance at life! Good luck to all and with who ever you chose. Just dont give up hope! Dreams do come true if you kick them in the butt long enough!!! lol

Ah yes, God bless insurance people one and all.  I don't know how they deal with those companies all day long..

Well girls I am with you.  I went for my 1st appt. on March 27th at Gtown, and I am still waiting to know something about my insurance.  I do want Dr. Tom but if I am going to have to keep waiting like this I to am going to look elsewhere.  I have all my work done.  Already did the 6 month diet, got my referral from my PCP, stress test, Upper GI, Cardio Clearence, chest x-rays, MRSA swab, breathing test, everthing is done, and I am just waiting on them.  I talked with Jennifer on Thursday and she said that I should know something yesterday or Monday so we will see. I can actually have surgery in Sommerset which is closer to my home, so if they don't start giving me something to look forward to then I am going elsewhere.

My friend is going to Dr. Sonnanstine as well.  I do know from going through the process myself it seems to take forever while they put things together, contact insurance companies and reading through all of your records.  Then passing it on to Dr. S so that he can review it as well.  But once that is done you will get the call and things happen very quickly.  I know how anxious I was.
She also is on their own website, she ask questions and was given answers almost immediately.  I would check that out as was suggested here, she said it's extremely helpful and very informative.
Jonda

 Hi All, 

I just wanted to say that Dr. Tom did my lap-band, and he is absolutely worth waiting for.  A co-worker had him for surgery (she loved Dr. Tom, too), and has gone to the new group at St. Luke and is happy with them, as well.  There are a lot of qualified surgeons, but one thing I can tell you for sure.  I've always felt comfortable being 100% honest with Dr. Tom.  When I am headed down the wrong path, I tell him.  I've never felt rushed, or judged.  (Even when his office was busy, I had his undivided attention, always.)   I have yet to decide if I'm going to follow him to Georgetown.  

Its a matter of insurance networks and travel time for me.  I would recommend him to anyone, and say I know he is definitely worth the wait.

Good luck with whatever decision you make!


 

I had my surgery at G'town (although it was a different surgeon at the time).  I always found that if I sent an email to Jennifer I got better responses.  I think they are so busy it is difficult to make all the return calls.  However, they can send a response via email while they are doing other things.  I would recommend contacting them via email.  I will say also that the program director at G'town was a different person when I had my surgery.  She is now at the Somerset hospital heading up the Bariatric program there.  She is fantastic.

I don't have a complaint one about the G'town hospital.  They were fantastic.  The hospital has done a lot to "cater" to bariatric patients.