1 Year Waiting...

I waited 4 years with Dr B at 3 1/2 my referral went Dr S approx 1 1/2 years ago , I never got a call from Dr S but just when I told my doc to cancel my referral to Dr B  I got my call for my first consult after that it took about 14 months to actually have my surgery but during that time I had other appts, ie with the team with the nurses and my final one before surgeyr with Dr B at whicg point he said he would write  2 months for me to have  a date but it may take up to 4  I had my surgery 2 1/2 months later. So once you get in the door things should then move ..... but call  monthly / follow up and make sure you get booked for the training sessions etc.

I called when they were changing offices.  The lady I spoke with *sharon* was very helpful but they couldn't even find my referral.  Then the secretary on another day tells me she's putting all the information in the computer and that there are now "well over a thousand" names to be entered. 

I panicked, what if mine was lost?  Am I going to have to start over?

Anyways, I'm just saying this because I lost faith quite a few times in this process.  We were told many things that didn't happen when they were supposed to or not at all.  The point is that I am willing to wait.  I know I can't afford to self-pay or I would.  I have waited this long, and I'm still here.  My health is getting worse, and yes, it's discouraging.  But when the call comes in, I'll jump for joy.  It will happen.  Patience is a virtue that I am learning to appreciate.

The good thing is that most people here share any information they get, no matter how small.  That has been a life-saver for me because I hate to bother thos busy ladies.  When I call, I always tell them that I'm going to post an update on OH.  They seem to think that it's awesome for us to be as close as we are.

So, not being a usually positive person on this subject I will say...YOUR time will come.  Just like mine will, and like everyone else.

When was your referral sent?

I'm sure this is as frustrating for the people who have had a consult but nothing else is happening, all the ones that are keeping their fingers crossed for a DS that will not happen for quite some time yet.  Things are moving along....at one point we'll be looking back at this thinking that it wasn't too bad...  :) 

Chin up ladies!  Everything happens for a reason!

OK, now that was my cheery dose for 2010...I can't be responsible for any of the irritating comments I make for the rest of the year...LOL

My referral went in March/09. It was misplaced and when I called in September that was when I found out. My doctor had to send another one. They entered my referral from the original date.

The problem is not with the doctor's but with what Medicare is controlling. Medicare will only allow 2 weightloss surgeries per week (this according to the nurses at the clinic last fall).

They are a great group of gals as they are very uplifting when I speak with them. They also told me that there are quite a few tests that I won't have to have as I am already being treated and monitored for those so that would speed up the process once my foot is in the door.

I guess I am just down as this has been a very tough year for me health wise.

It took me seven years from the first contact sent by my family Doctor until I first saw Dr. B!  I wish I had called and followed up weekly!  Stay positive and get on the phone - the squeaky wheel gets grease first!