Post- consult.. what do you think

I just had my consult w DVR on June 27.       I am apprehensive now about the doc and his "program"     I found him to be hard to talk to.    I told him I had a hiatal hernia and it was like he didnt think I knew what I was talking about.  He started to explain to me what it was etc..   After a few minutes I just interrupted him and said the doctor took pictures!!   I really dont like the $500 program fee.   They kept telling me someone would go over the financial contract during my consult.  And i had to sign it before they met w/ me.  No on ever did explain the paper to me.  This fee only covers  nut,  education classes (they never did tell me what that was)  support mtgs and a psych (if needed).   My insur covers nut and psych and I explained to Rose that I will NEVER drive on 695 during rush hour no matter what. She insisted that I take a night off work to go to a support mtg. How can they insist that I take off work?    I really think this program fee should be optional not shoved down my throat.  I am aggravated.  i dont want to feel like I have to join a club for this.  We are short staffed at work and my Mngr hates me.   He has tried to fire before by lying to the personnel director about me.   He didnt suceed and was sent to management class. But even so, I dont intend to rattle his cage and certainly dont want  him to know about my WLS.   What do you all think?    Do I just need an attitude adj or do you think  I have a point. what would you do?

Anywhere you go now they are doing the program fee. Take it, trust me . I wish my doc did it when I had my surgery a year ago. Not all ins cover all that stuff and it can get costly. I thought my insurance covered my nut and in the end they didnt. You need to go to the support group meetings the are your life line in this journey. I think you need to rethink the surgery if you have these things about some of the procedures you will endure during this journey. Good luck to you and keep us posted

I am going through Bayview Dr Anne Lidor. I get A FREE SUPORT CLASSES.They have them a few times a month. I love the people who I am with. my day is this friday. They explain everything and listen to your problems and help you through them.   You need to feel safe and happy if you need to look at a new dr. there number is ...410-550-1226  good luck

Kelly is correct, most doctors have a program fee now that cover a range of things and the feels may be anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. That fee covers a range of services most importantly the pre and post op support group meetings.   Any doctor that doesn't who doesn't insist on structured post op care for his patients is doing them a major disservice. It sounds like the surgeon you saw was not the right fit for you and you need to 'interview' some other programs before you make your selection and get your head around what the commitment you will need to make to WLS is.   This is a serious life style change and you are not going to magically become a size 6 or 8.   You may lose the weight but if you don't have the right mind set and commitment, you will gain it back. Best wishes as your WLS journey continues. Hugs, Mo

My first visit with the people from GBMC was just about as disasterous. I think a lot of that is due to our expectations. Each time I went to the office, I found it more open and friendly.  You only have to attend one of the support group sessions. I don't go regularly as some of my surgery pals do. I use OH as my support group. DVR was fine with that when I told him.  Take a step back. Think from the perspective of the doctor. They tend to be very clinical and appear cold at first. I think it is because this is seerious business. This surgery is major and completely changes the lives of the people who undergo the procedure. It is their responsibility to make sure "we" as patients understand that fact.  The program fee is a pain. But so many doctor's offices are adding them these days. Even my gyn's office has a yearly office fee. It is for the things that surgery doesn't cover. Having paid the fee and having had the surgery, I feel that I have gotten my monies worth and more.  Don't stress. I know you may not feel it right now, but DVR is the best.

I think you should look into the Bayview program. The doctors there are wonderful. And there are no additional program costs. It also sounds from a couple of other posters that GBMC is having problems with staffing. Good luck. Jo

I admit I was a bit upset about the program fee: but it covers all the visits with the nutritionistand your supervised diet visits if your insurance requires them.  I have never received an additionalbill from the Dr's office.  My surgury is tomorrow and I have full confidence in DVR.  His officeis going thru some personel changes and I have heard some complaints about that I must admit. The support group meetings are great but they do only insist you come to one preop. I would suggest seeing another surgeon if you did not feel comfortable with DVR. He has seemed to me to be a quiet but caring Dr. 

good luck to you!!!! mine is friday the 7th

I chose Dr. Von Rueden as my surgeon and I must say that he is great and compassionate doctor.  When he takes on a patient he makes sure that everythign that we tell him we have gets checked out completely.  He is very thorough too.  At first when i met him I thought he was a bit quiet and reserved but very knowledgeable. As for the program fee I felt the same way at first thinking wow that is a lot of money.  But I have to tell you I have had all the help from the nutritionist, the nurse Kathy the support groups and counseling. All that is covered under the program fee.  If I went to a counselor and a nutritionist outside of the program I would be paying my copays for each visit.  With them I have no need to worry to pay another red cent.  I found traveling on 695 a bit hectic too.  I live in Odenton and it takes me 30 minutes to get to the office. When I arrive to the support meetings it is well worth the trip since the support groups are definitely your life line.  I don't always go to DVR's support meeting so I go to one close to home when I am not possible to make it.   I know that you are aggravated but you have not even given DVR a chance to show you how wonderful he is.  had a rough start after surgery and I was shocked to know that my doctor called my house a few times to see if I was coming along ok.   I have never gotten any treatment like that not even from my PCP.   His wife is the same I met her at the support meeting and when I introduced myself she said oh yes Cira I know all about you my husband was so concerned about you.   Just wanted to let you know a little about my experience with DVR. Yo can always find another place to go that does not offer a structured aftercare.  It can be quite disappointing. I have read plenty of post op patients complaining because their dr does not have time for them, or even have much time to see them.   Take care and best of luck in your journey.

I think that some doctors want to know how committed you are to this surgery and the new lifestyle that IS required if you are to be successful.  I believe 110% in working closely with the nutritionist and psych people.  They will really help you a lot.  Trust me...you will need them after surgery.  There can be many mental things that come up after surgery for which you may want help dealing with.  I feel that my NUT has been invaluable to me in helping me have a better mindset in dealing with food choices.  It is great to know that she is there whenever I need her.   I can not stress enough of how important support group meetings are.  Again, they have been invaluable to me.  I have had more of my questions and concerns answered in support group meetings than in my surgeons office.  Our surgeon visits our meetings as often as possible and he makes himself available to us so that we are able to ask questions (and not have to have a seperate office visit).  Our program insists that you attend one support group meeting before and one after surgery.  If you don't attend the meeting prior to surgery then you are not scheduled for surgery. 

You might be able to find another support group that is more convenient for your work schedule.  There are a lot of groups out there.  I just really believe that the support group will be really important to your success with wls.  As far as the docs personality, you should find a doc that you are comfortable with.  That is important.  As far as the program, you will likely find that most doctors will require the nut & ed classes and support groups.  Still, maybe you can find one that doesn't charge extra for these services or perhaps bills your insurance instead of you. 

I wish you the best in your search.  Keep us posted.