Ticked off at Ochsner

I went for the support group meeting again tonight, and guess what they told me? Oh the support meeting was on Tuesday night. I said I was here and they told me the meeting was cancelled because of a broken pipe. The nurse said oh no the support meeting wasn't cancelled, only the seminar for new patients was cancelled, the support group meeting was in this room here (pointing to a smaller room next to the big seminar room). I'm very upset that they didn't think enough of us to have someone there to let us know the support group was still meeting *IN THAT ROOM*. I told the nurse that really sucked for people driving a long ways to be there. I heard they have a very good support group over at the Omega Hosptial on Severn Ave. and the meetings are at 6 pm so I wouldn't arrive 20 late each time. I'm really disgusted.

I would DEFINITELY point it out to Dr Kennedy and Dr Richardson! I'm "hearing" a LOT of complaints lately about the meetings being rescheduled or cancelled or moved... I bet the doctors don't even know.

Hey there. How's it going? I'm going to take your advice and make sure to mention it. The next time I see Dr. Richardson is for my surgery on Wednesday morning, but on my first visit back, I'll make sure to let him know I keep trying to join the support group, but they sure aren't making it easy. Dianna

Hi Kat! I hope your doing great and enjoying your new job! We work as a team so the Dr.'s are aware of what changes have to occur at the last minute that are out of hands. It is true that we sometimes have to move the location (of seminars only) due to unexpected reasons that we have no control over. Rest assurred we get just as irritated but unfortunately there is not much we can do and sometimes things happen. I'm sure you may experience the same frustrating situations once in a while in your program and just hope that everyone understands. Look forward to seeing you soon and pls call if I can answer any questions or you have any comments or suggestions. Thanks, Melissa P.S. I will be bringing these messages to administration so they are aware of the feedback.

I'm doing great, and yep, job is going very well. I'm glad you guys could get the feedback... I think that's one of the most important parts (thus the sugestion to give the feedback in person).. And yep, things do come up sometimes. With being out of town and all, I go for a group here. Good Luck to you personally, and with the working out the kinks Oh, and FYI since I haven't seen you guys in a while... I'm down to 283 as of last monday.... so 63 lbs since my highest weight

Yeh! I'll let Richardson know and log it on your record. Keep up the good work.

OMG! I'm so glad I didn't make the trek down there again tonight. I've had it with that "lack of support" group. Would it be so difficult to get all of our e-mail addresses and have the receptionist send us an e-mail to let us know what's going on? I went once when no one was there because the nutritionist told me the wrong day. I went again on Tues. and didn't see any sign or anything. I have to get off work 1/2 hour early to make it and drive across the causeway. Well, I don't think I'll be doing it again. Jen

I want to apologize to any of you that have made attempts to participate in our support group and have not been able to due to communication. Our meetings are help every 3rd Tues. of the month. We have switched around the times to try to reach more people and due to requests. All our times and dates are on our website and we also give you a handout when you attend seminar. Please, please, feel free to call our office before you drive the distance. We have only cx'd 2 support groups since we started ithe program in 2003 because it is such an important and fun event for us and you. You can also give me a call at the office and I will be happy to send you a flyer tomorrow. It is as disappointing for us as it is for you to have missed our group. We put in a lot of effort to make these events special and serve your needs. We appreciate your feedback so we can correct issues. Thanks, Melissa P.S. We are working on updating our e-mail list to send out reminders. So please send me your address so I can add it. Thanks!

Jennifer, Please call me at the office so I can give you proper info and read my other responses. We would love to have you join our support group since I think it's great and we try hard to make this an event for you. Thanks, M

Ok, so I am two weeks late in reading these posts.LOL  But are the meetings you all are speaking of being held at Omega Hospital?  I was banded in 2003 and they had just started recently the support meetings prior to my banding.  Often were no meetings, happening more and more then we were told that Dr. could no longer lead the meetings.  Therefore, no more meetings for the longest, I am not sure just when they started back up again.  I was very adamit about bringing back the meetings I agrivated Dr Uddo's office staff as well as Omega's staff.   To no avail, I just sunk into a hole, very depressed.  Just recently I learned that a meeting is back at Omega, called hospital to inquire, sheeeeezzzzzz, nobody knows nothing!!!  Please can someone here tell me of any meetings in the metro New Orleans area, especially at Omega?  I lost 72 lbs and since Katrina I have gained back 20.  I need help!!!!! Banded Buddy, ~Kathy