Dr. Blake

Hey Everyone, Ok where to begin..... Well, I went for some more pre-op testing stuff today at the Obesity Clinic at the Medical Mall. While there I did some snooping around. But before I really got started some info fell into my lap. Didn't have to ask for it. Don't really know what it means (yeah right). Someone (an employee) else there asked about Dr. Blake being there. And they were told in a very quick but firm way that "He Left". They were also talking about the restructering of the Obesity Clinic and they said that Dr. Salameh was the surgeon. In a way that would make you think he is the one and only "top dog" there so to speak. Now for what I asked..... I asked an employee since Dr. Blake was not there how was it going to effect us who were already seeing Dr. Salameh, with Dr. Blakes patients being transfered over. Were we going to be given top priority or what. Just how was it going to work out for everyone. Well, I was told that those who were READY for surgery and Dr.B's Pat. would also be getting their surgeries done while some of the patients of Dr.S's who were working their way through pre-op testing gets ready for surgery. Its going to be slow and a long drawn out thing because Dr. S works at the VA part time. But it would get worked out some how. Now for the ones who were just starting to see Dr. Blake or have appointments with him for an inital consult. You just may be out of luck at the moment. Because it ain't looking too good. From what I gathered. Mind you now, that is my opinion. That is not written in stone anywhere. I do know that my brother has (HAD) an appointment with Dr. B in the middle of Jan. maybe closer to the end of the month. Well, he got a nice little letter today saying that the appointment has been canceled. No ETA on when it would be set up again. NOTHING. NO INFO AT ALL. So here I sit thinking "Well, I told ya Bubba over 2 months ago to see if you could get into see Dr. S." Now, he may we waiting a very long time. Because Voc Rehab is helping him. And just who else takes Voc Rehab ??? Dr. S. , but I'm under the impression that he isn't taking on any new cases. Simply because he is swamped to the ears now. I do hope this helps some of you with your questions. And I really wish that I could say Yes this or No that. But that is all I know. If I think of anything else that was said, I'll post it. If you have any questions, email me.

I'm sure that employee THOUGHT that she knew what she was talking about..... everyone seems to "know for a fact" the details of Dr. Blake's absence, but as of yesterday, December 9th, Dr. Blake was still employed by UMC. He has NOT been fired and he has NOT resigned (nor has "he left"). Phone the Department of Surgery's office and ask if he is still employed by UMC.

Hi Karen...No need to get ill with anyone. How are YOU so sure he has not been fired or left. Are you going on a phone call made to UMC (where everyone was told to be hush hush) or do you have inside information that is supposedly unknown??? We take what we hear and pass it along ---what other option do we have at this point---His office sure isnt talking and the only thing left is speculation. Its extremely obvious that SOMETHING is going on and nobody is wanting to talk about it and I find it tacky, rude, unprofessional, and plain ole crappy in my opinion what he is doing to his patients. Where there is smoke there is fire. He may still be officially employeed by UMC but I think he is on either suspension or something else... its so obvious its not a personal matter. I for one would probably not use Dr. Blake had I not already had surgery if he did come back due to all of this that has happened in the past few months and the way his patients have been treated and given no information. I am not comfortable at all with his fatality rate nor his tactfulness. I am glad to see the ones who were planning on using him finding other doctors. I worry myself sick thinking about them being one of his patients. I on the other hand think that Dr. Salameh is great and have heard nothing but wonderful things about him. I know that hundreds of patients used him and are doing great---but what are they supposed to do now--half of them cant even get in to get a follow up and are being told to follow up with their PCP.. He isnt finishing what he started. Its pure frustration on the part of the patients... My opinion

Hey Christine, Do Not Fuss with her. She is NOT worth it... Really. If your reading this post from the board, do a search on her name. There are several buttons under her post, click on the search button. This is her very first post. YEAH RIGHT !!! TRUTHFULLY...... It is probably one of our very own dear sweet people who post here everyday with us. Who has nothing to do but stir up trouble. If you know what I mean...

Ya know... I actually thought that too....

UPDATE : My brother went to Voc Rehab yesterday when he got off work. Well, he wanted to know about trying to go to another doctor. They told him, that they didn't know what was going to happen, because they may NOT pay for these surgeries anymore. So here he is, not knowing if Voc Rehab is going to pay any on this surgery at all. His insurance doesn't cover it. Sooooo..

OH NO! Will his insurance change at the beginning of the year? Thats not good news. They should honor the ones they already said theyd cover though...

No, His insurance is staying the same. He is stuck like chuck right now. (whatever that means) Maybe they (Voc Rehab) will decide to keep covering them. I hope so. There are so many people who need their help. Right now, I would suggest that everyone get a hot dog cart, pick out a great corner, sell them dogs and start saving up. Sorry about that, I just had to add some humor to the situation. Laughter makes life so much more FUN....

Hey, I got a letter from Dr. B's office saying that my appt was cancelled. I for one at this point would not and will not let him do anything for me. This process is a long and drawn out thing that I for one do not take lightly and they better hope that Dr. S can handle all of these pts. What about Cristy? Is she out of job because her Dr. is gone? I really hope not because she is a sweet heart. I am gonna try zetacap pills to try to lose some weight. I have not tried them yet but have some on the way.