Duke WLS

I know a lot of people on here, myself included, have posted about being frustrated with them.  I just wanted to say that in the last two weeks I have been really impressed with their staff.  They have been very helpful and responsive and I am feeling positive about the whole thing.

Hey Sam,

That's great to hear. I know that my husband Ben has been getting much better support lately as well. Maybe their front office has turned the corner and will be up to par with the the technical team which is truly excellent.

Wishing you all the best,

Barb

I think they are really making a lot of efforts to turn their program around. The surgeons are great there.

I'm glad your expereince is turning out to be positive. Maybe we are starting to see the results of  the changes being made by Duke WLSC. My chart moved from medical review within 3 days which I thought was GREAT. Now I'm "in line" to be submitted to insurance which I've heard is running about three weeks behind. How far into the process are you?
~ Jennifer

Hi Sam,
I am also a patient at Duke. I got a call yesterday from Debra that I have been submitted to insurance (BCBSNC). My chart came out of medical review on Sept. 3. It looks like they are now two weeks behind instead of the three weeks that I was told that it would take after the chart comes out of medical review.

I was given a tentative surgery date of Nov. 4 with Dr. Eric DeMaria. (I chose this date, could have gotten Oct. 28 but wanted to do it the first week in Nov) I am on pins and needles today waiting on a reply from insurance. I have heard that some get approval within 24 hrs. with BCBSNC.

I agree that the new staff is great!  I feel sure that you and Jennifer both will hear something soon.

Take care,
Kim

Hi Everybody ,
After being frustrated with Duke WLSC for months (I applied in June) , I  too am starting to see great strides , and all at once.   Within the last 3 weeks , I have had my inital visit , completed my last study , had Hilary(nurse) and Dr Friedman (psychologist) both call ME (thats a big turn around from me bugging them) to say they were completing my paperwork. 

Today , I got a call from Debra who said my med review had been approved.  It went in on this past Friday!  Man , they are awesome good now.  I have a tentative surgery date for Nov. 30 with Dr Portenier.  She submitted for insurance approval today.

Anyone had surgery with Dr Portenier?  All of this pushing and now Im scared.

I had the same feeling yesterday. I was feeling scared and thinking, holy crap, this surgery is really going to happen. I applied April 18 and it's been a long journey. Once I hear from insurance, then I can really start to get excited!

 
   Debra called me 2 hours after telling me that she was submitting insurance forms to tell me that I was approved!   I was amazed , even though I knew BCBS Federal would probably approve.  

I decided to go with Dr Pryor with a surgery date of 11/5/08.  I have my preops and surgeon consult next month. 

I finally realize this is going to happen and started working out today , I also was more conscientious with my eating.  Tomorrow , I shop for protein drinks.  I want to lose 20 lbs by my surgery date.

Congratulations to all of us for finally moving forward.  Im very happy I stuck it out.

That's awesome! I'm so happy for you. I know you are excited.

I started the preop diet about three weeks ago and have been tracking my food and water intake on www.livestrong.com by using my daily plate. It really has helped me by tracking every single bite that goes into my mouth and by being able to see at a glance where my calories, protein, carbs, fat, sodium, etc. are coming from. 

My tentative surgery date is 11/4/08. We'll both be at DRH at the same time.

Keep up the good work and congratulations again on getting insurance approval and a surgery date. I have heard Dr. Pryor is great and you will like her.

Kim C ,
What does your pre-op diet consist of?  Patrick told me to start eating more often and to cut out the fattening desserts.  He said to start sipping fluids btwn meals and to not gain more than 10 lbs.   He also said I could start searching out protein drinks I might like , but there was no pre-op diet. 

He did say that they had one surgeon on their team that required a pre-op diet , but  that it was not a part of their general program.  How much weight have u lost on this diet , and what are u having?