I finally was able to reach the nurse today after calling for two weeks and leaving messages for her to call me. I wanted to know that my stuff was in fact faxed for approval on Nov. 22 like I was told it would be. The nurse informs me today that she did not fax it until December 10th.  That is so infuriating.  All it had to do was be written up and faxed. They have had alllll of my stuff since October 27th.  I rushed and rushed to get all of the test completed as soon as I could and then the Dr office just sits on my stuff like they don't care. UGGGG My blood pressure is so thru the roof. If they would just get on the ball and let me have my surgery I will get out of their face and leave them alone.  I have been on a liquid diet forever so that I " would be a good little patent" only to be put off by them.  Grr  I understand they have other patients but dammit I am one too!!!

Sorry guys just had to rant. I feel so let down by my Dr office.  I don't even know what to say anymore.

Hi, Being you have been to Dr. Bellows I have a few questions to ask.
Do they always take so long to answer the phone?
I was told to fax my referral to 988 5301... I did 3 times and still they say that they havent recieved it, Is this a common problem there?
Are the office visits long?

I see you are using Dr Bellows also, well i got my referral and letter of recommendation... At first when calling... Tulane kept giving me the wrong fax number then they gave me the wrong office number.
Finally I got the right number and I tried to fax them the referral...at 504 988 5301 They keep saying they arent recieving it... even though I am getting a confirmation.
Then I called the office phone at 504 988 5110 after 30 minutes of music and please hold for next available representative ,,, the nurse answered the phone in a very ****y attitude and informed me that the person who gets the faxes,left for the day, and that she doesnt look at the fax machine. So I will have to wait until monday for a confirmation even though I sent the fax at 9:00 AM. today. Infact, i sent them 3 faxes.

I came across this recipe on the main RNY board. I dont remember who posted it, but I made some last night and it is VERY, VERY GOOD. I could only eat 1 piece because it is very rich. I tried to eat a second piece and it made my pouch a little grumpy.

Sugar Free Fudge

1 can fat-free evaporated milk(12 ounce can)
1 cup Splenda Granulated
1 package Hershey Sugarfree chocolate chips
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix the splenda and evaporated milk and then boil until the milk is very thick. If you have a candy thermometer boil to about 234 - 240 or the soft ball stage.  I have also have really good results using the Whey Low sweetener.   Remove from stove and stir in the chips, vanilla and butter.

Pour into a foil-lined pan and let cool before cutting into squares.

 -Gwen

I am still waiting for my approval letter to come in the mail. I call twice a week to see if anything is posted but as of yet nothing. Next week will be a month since my stuff was sent off. I am getting so impatient. I just want to be sleeved and on my way to recovery.  I called sheila early last week and still have not heard back from her. not surprised. Takes FOREVER for her to call me back.  I know she is busy but I am  patient too. I will let you guys know as soon as I do. Take care and Merry Christmas to all of my OH  family.