Getting a little frustrated on this end...

I submitted my paperwork to Dr. Gandsas' office the end of June. I understand he was on leave for awhile and the office has just taken off but then I went with a friend to a seminar. I spoke to Eileen (who is just the nicest person EVER) there and she told me to call that Thursday. So I did, and they couldn't find my paperwork (after over a month!). So I resubmitted it and they said they found it. Next step was to wait for insurance verification. How long does that take? So I waited 2 more weeks and called and was told there were about 60 patients that submitted around the same time. So I'm waiting and its been another 2 weeks. So its almost 3 mos and I still don't even have a consultation appointment scheduled and I'm just a little flustered. Sorry to vent but I don't know who else to talk to. I don't want to call them again because I don't want them to think I'm a major PIA.

I feel your pain Marcia, I waited and waited. Then... I took matters into my own hands and called and called and called until I got answers. (different surgeon) I felt much better when I went to the office in person. I left with a better understanding of the office and met the staff face to face. Now when I call they know who I am and not just some paper work. I also had to tell myself, I am not the only patient and they will get to me when it is my turn. Good luck and keep us posted. Denise

Marcia, Sometimes the old adage the squeaky wheel gets the oil does work. This is your body and your life. Make follow up phone calls both to the doctors office and to the insurance company. That way you can verify both are working efficiently and effectively to obtain optimal results for you. Persistence does pay off. Good luck to you on your weightloss journey. Denise 3/25/05 339/223

Thanks for the support. Its just what I needed. I'll call the office on Thursday (a little birdy told me that's the best day to call there). I met the staff and Dr. Gandsas at the seminar I attended. They were really nice to me and very welcoming. I know that's who I want to perform the surgery. I guess I forgot to mention in my post that I was up for this surgery over 2 years ago but they found thyroid cancer and I had some other health issues. Now that I've been "cleared", I want this more than I've ever wanted anything in my life. I feel like I should be 2 years post-op and posting inspirational posts, not sitting here waiting for the phone to ring. *sigh*

Hang in there, Marcia. We're all praying that you'll get that "call" soon. Janet

Thanks for the support. Unfortunately, I'm getting even more down right now because a friend of mine who just decided to look into the surgery already has an appointment with someone at Union Memorial and she's only been talking about this for like 3 weeks! I don't want to start all over again with yet another doctor!

Hey Marcia sorry to hear that you are having a hard time i am in the same boat r one similar to yours..but the good news is that there are a few good seorgeons here in baltimore that perform this procedure, unfortunately i think there is gonna be a wait no matter where you go.But i do thaink that you need to be a little more persistant with sinai, or if you feel that you have already done that look elsewhere.

Marcia, Congrats on your recovery from the cancer, thats a feat all in of itself. As for the doctors office I am a firm believer if it's meant to be it will be. Hopefully all will go well with your call in the morning but if not, then come to the support group meetings of the other surgeons in the surrounding area and I guarantee you will find someone equally qualified that you may even like better than who you are currently trying to see. Let us know how your phone call goes and remember we are all here for you on this journey. Denise

I didn't even get a response. I had to leave a message on voice mail. I'm very disappointed. My friend went to someone at Union Memorial and already has her first round of tests set up...3 weeks for the initial appointment and less than that for her initial testing to start?? I guess I'm whining like a jealous baby but it does twing a bit. Thanks again everyone. I'd love to go to a support group meeting. How do you get the details?

Marcia, My doctor did his through St. Agnes hospital. Our support groups are open to everyone. We have a group meeting on Wed. Sept 21 and again on Oct. 5th and 19th . They are at 7 pm. There is no fee for parking come in the main entrance and they will direct you. Dr. Kligman operates out of University of MD hospital and he has a seminar on the 20th. You can call his office for the time, and to register it's free. Let me know and I'll get you the number and he has a support group meeting on the 21st as well. I can give you time of that too. As for the other doctors you can call their offices and ask. I think there is a support group meeting in Crofton on Tuesday night as well. I hope this helps, they normally post support group meetings on OH so just be on the look out. Denise