Duke WLS patients---where's the forum?

And if it's not bad enough that they took down the forum, there are no support group meetings scheduled.  Not that I went to every one (I'm 5 years out), I did go to many of them, especially if the topic was something I was interested in.  I wonder what's up. Betsy

I also am extremely disappointed with Duke WLS. I went to the seminar June 29, 2007. They never return the calls and have lost my test etc., etc. etc.  I am very disappointed as I used to work for Duke Medical Center and have a lot of faith in their services and doctors. We moved from the area but was continuing to go to Duke for medical care. I last saw someone at Duke WLS in Feb. 2008 and was told to expect surgery in March. I have spent over $3,000.00 out of pocket for test and medical appointments for test they recommended. I have the okay from my primary care and the Duke WLS Surgeon but, can't get them to give me a date.  I have made several calls to my insurance company to see if they have summitted the approval and they haven't had anything sent to them. Then you read on the board about people getting it done 3 months after first going. I even had a friend that started this past Jan. and has already had hers done. I am going to make one last attempt next week and then I will get my records and began another year of deductions started and go elsewhere. I understand the $250.00 is non-refundable but, they are also unreasonable. Wished I had never started with them. What a mess. I appreciate them doing the preventive testing but, they are not very effcient. I wished the doctor's would step in and figure out what is going on as it seems numerous others are going threw this same thing.

Hi, I had my surgery several years ago at Duke so I am familiar but I am also related by marriage to someone who works at an administrative level for Duke. I wasn't going to start my membership or post but I am really tired of hearing all this incorrect information.  First of all, Beth was asked to leave. The program/hospital knew this would put things in chaos for a while but due to legal issues she needed to leave and when all the kinks are worked out it will be a far better program. Second, the forums are down due to technical problems. They are working fast and furious to fix them but they also have to add disclaimers because some folks have attempted to share medical advice and they are not doctors so often incorrect and even dangerous information has been posted. Obviously there isn't anyone who has time to read all the posts and edit appropriately so risk management for the health system is requiring these disclaimers. Pretty standard stuff. Third, not a good idea to compare times for gettig through the program. Duke is a high quality program and they don't just take people to surgery b/c they want to go and pay their money. I have lost down to my goal weight but I know how unhealthy I was at the time of my surgery. I am thankful that my journey took a little longer b/c Duke showed due diligence to make sure I was optimal when I went to surgery. This is why their outcomes are far better than the national average. (look it up if you don't believe me) My course took quite some time but I know someone who had surgery at  age 24, with a BMI of 41 and no medical problems. She zipped right through.  My advice is this. If you want someone who will take your money, take you to surgery when you want regardless of the outcomes I am certain there are doctors who do this. This is not how the Duke program works it is a real program. Multiple disciplines, lots of education and support. This is not what everyone wants or needs. Everyone should find what works best for them. Best of Luck to All. I have had nothing but good results from this program and I really think everyone works hard.  Carolyn

I think many of the posters feel frustrated from the lack of communication.  After paying the fee, and in some cases even paying for testing, I know I would like to know what is going on, an appointment for pre-op set-up.... something to let me know that I am not lost in their paperwork and office chaos.

Exactly Monika J. Communication!!! I am getting very close to it being a year and I was told that they may have to repeat my test if it is over a year old. I only had to have 2 extra test and it took them 2-3 months to get back to me with the results each time. Then one was lost and had to be repeated. I called them 3-4 times to ask the results and maybe because they were so shorthanded all I got was rudeness from the administrative staff. I have a lot of faith in the doctors at Duke but, they sure need to know what is going on behind the scenes. I never posted on the Duke message board and very reluctant to do so on here. But, just needed to see what others have felt and are going threw. It is not about the money or the time as it has given me time to think the process over very long and hard. This is a life changing event and I want to know that I am in the best of care, whether it be the doctor or the supportive staff. Sorry to hear that Beth left and things are in turmoil there. But, at least that explains some things. Thank everyone for their replys.

Carolyn, I can appreciate your point of view, but I have to disagree with you. Sounds like you are just chanting the company mantra. You and the girls in the Admin office as well as John Ferguson are masters at giving "lip service". I expected more from Duke. I could go into a dozen reasons for my obvious negative attitude, but I will not bore you with the details. Fortunately Duke cannot take down this forum.