Traveling for follow ups...

I know this might sounds strange but I guess until recently I had assumed I would be able to find a doctor within a couple hours of me to do this surgery. Follow up visits weren't something I thought a lot about simply because driving two hours wasn't a big deal, I figured I would worry about that AFTER surgery. Now that Medicare has changed it's policy, I'm going to have to go with Hornbostel if I want this surgery any time soon. He's 6 hours away from me, that's a LONG way to drive for any follow up that I might need. I'm sure some of you are facing the same situation, how many times should we expect to have to drive back for follow ups? If we have complications do we have to go back to Hornbostel or can we go to someone closer? Like I said, this is something that I didn't think about because I assumed my surgeon would be closer. Lia

Hi Lia For me I had a checkup with my WLS surgeon at the 2 weeks, month, 3 months, 6 months and now I'll be doing the 1 year check up coming up in May. Then once every year after that. In the first year they need to monitor you a bit closer just because if something goes wrong it usually does in the first year. At about the 8th month mark my gal bladder went bad to I had to get it taken out. But I've had a very healthy first year tho.... I have lost just about 300 pounds! (Pre op and Post Op weight loss) Just remember that these check ups are important. They are there to help assess your health but also to help you make the most of the 18 months in your weightloss journey... That's my 2 cents worth... hope it helps some! Ardie

Thanx Ardie, I think I'm going to have to wait for a hospital closer to me. This surgery is important to me but gas prices what they are right now, a six hour trip for me is about $120 round trip. I know that I won't be able to afford that and those follow ups are too important to miss. Lia

Arent gas prices the pits... I live in Columbia and I went to a friends house wednesday and gas was 2.49 when I got back at aroun 3pm it was 2.65! Now that is stupid... I wish you were closer to the University here. Dr. Scott is a wonderful surgeon! If a 41 year old woman could have a hero he's mine! If you want just for grins you can take a look at the Beriatric program here at the University Hospital. The link is http://www.muhealth.org/~obesesurgery Good Luck to you and you can do this! There is a new and wonderful life ahead of you! Grab it when you can... you won't be sorry! Take Care Ardie

I looked into them after I contacted SSM DePaul and was told that they didn't accept medicare but that the surgeons at University of Missouri did, the only problem now is that they aren't a Center of Excellence. I just can't win...lol Lia

Lia I do know the University is working hard on getting that done. They were working on it before the axe fell. Hang in there you'll make it... and win! Ardie

thank you, that's good to know. I figured a lot of hospitals were working on their certification. Lia

Hi Lia, I am in the same boat. I have Medicare and was scheduled for surgery on 4/13. This was canceled because Barnes/Jewish Hospital in St.Louis is not a Center of Excellence. I have Dr. J. Chris Eagon. His nurse, Donna, said they are working toward getting this status. I also checked into going elsewhere. When I called to ask Donna if Dr. Eagon would take over the after care she said that he doesn't like to follow another surgean's work. Can't say I blame him. I will try to wait for the certification because of the travel issues. It would be dangerous to develope a problem and not be close to your surgean. If I see that this status doesn't come through then I will consider traveling elsewhere and taking the chance. Lots of luck, Dawn