They won't schedule me...

Until I am under 370 lbs, go to another support group meeting (I've been to one already) AND see a primary care doc who specialized in WLS.

Now, when I first saw Dr. Steele, she told me that she would "like for me to try" to lose 10% of my body weight.  She did NOT say that if I didn't, she wouldn't proceed.  My therapist asked me about this, so I asked the nutritionist (who I saw monthly for 6 months) and she said that no, I wouldn't be denied if I didn't reach that goal.  Apparently, she was wrong.

The support group thing is a serious pain in the behind, because they are at 5pm which is when I get off of work, on the other side of town.  I really can't take off early, but I guess I will have to make it happen.

And the primary care?  She's at the downtown Hopkins campus.  Scheduling that is going to be a freaking nightmare.

When I saw Dr. Steele orginially she did mention that it would be good to lose about 10% of my body weight but did not say that it was mandatory.  She also said that I only had to attend one support group meeting ( I have been to several) and that was pretty much it other than insurance required things.  Did she just tell you this recently?

This happened today.  My insurance approved me two weeks ago, and I was waiting for my date.  Instead, they told me this.

Also, it's good to see you post this.  At least I know I'm not an idiot who just didn't understand what I was told.

aaww I am so sorry!  I know this really sucks!  I am wondering if the same is going to happen to me.  I will keep you posted.  I spoke with EHP this morning and she said that my paperwork was with the medical reviewer and that I should know something soon. 

Maybe it's time to sit down and have a heart to heart talk with this Dr., and if she really stands firm that you MUST lose 10% of your body weight for her to do the surgery, find another Dr.  I never heard of that before and she isn't the only WLS Dr.!  Good luck!
Ginger

Gingerma, she kind of is the only WLS doc for me, unfortunately.  I have my insurance through Hopkins and I have to go there for this surgery unless I want to pay out of pocket, which is not an option.  I could switch to someone else within that practice, and I may consider doing so, but I am stuck with Bayview.

My case manager with my insurance co is going to call and see if she can figure out what the deal is with this, because she has never heard of this either.  Seems a little backwards, to have the insurance co fighting for me to get surgery while the doc office is refusing.  Isn't it usually the other way around?

Who did that information come from?  Christine Walsh, the JH Bayview Bariatric Program Nurse Administrator, was always really good to speak with when I had any problems or questions.  You may want to either touch base with her or ask to speak with Dr. Steele directly. 

It sucks that they are giving you more hurdles to get over, especially at this late date.  If they stick to what you were told, they must have good reasons for it and it will be worth it in the long run.  That doesn't make it suck less now, but it will be.

Heather

Heather, I talked to Erica.  I think she is Dr. Steele's office coordinator.

I would definitely try getting in touch with Christine Walsh as well...it couldn't hurt.  I used to have her e-mail address but lost it when my computer blew up.  I'm sure if you call the main Bayview number (410)550-0409, they can connect you to her.

Good Luck,
Heather