Finally Made the Decision... BUT!!!1
After a year of trying other options and being at the end of the proverbial rope... I've decided to take the plunge... So I called Duke today to set up an appointment and found out that they have NOTHING until October. I'm concerned that the insurance will change in November and I'll be out of luck. My insurance requires a Center of Excellence (CIGNA) so the other options in NC are High Point, Frye and Pinehurst.
Anyone have any thoughts that might help?
I started at Duke and changed to UNC.
I have been very pleased with UNC.
Also I have heard great things about both Frye and Pinehurst.
BTW welcome to the NC forum and wishing you good luck on a healthier future.
Words cannot express what a wonderful change for me my RNY has given me.
Annie
I'll put my timeline of events at the end of this post for you to look through and compare. As you will see, I contacted Hickory Surgical on July 11th, took a 3-hour class with them on September 2nd, met with the surgeon on October 20th, and had my surgery on November 21st. So it was just a little over 4 months from first contact until surgery. I couldn't have been more pleased!
If I can answer any questions for you about my experience, I'll be more than happy to share. No matter what you end up deciding, I am wishing you the very best of luck!
2008 Timeline of Events
In reversed order:
December 2 - Had first post-op follow-up appointment; staples were removed.
December 5 - Bumped up to soft diet.
November 28 - Bumped up to smooth consistency diet.
November 23 - Released from the hospital on full liquids.
November 22 - Clear liquids only.
November 21 - Surgery Day! Used surgical wipes before getting dressed to leave. Was at the hospital by 5:30 a.m.
November 20 - Packed what I needed for the hospital, showered with surgical scrub, and slept on freshly washed linens with no pets. Had clear liquids for dinner and nothing to eat or drink after midnight.
November 14 - Attended Frye Regional's SWL Gala.
November 11 - Started the 10-day low-carb/high-protein pre-op liquid diet (I battled hypoglycemic episodes on the liquid diet and needed assistance from the clinic on days 5 & 8).
November 6 - Attended pre-op at 7:00 a.m. & nutrition class at 9:30 a.m. Paid Hickory Surgical $2540 and Frye Regional $780.67 (could make payment arrangements with Frye).
October 21 - Scheduled my surgical pre-op appointment for November 6.
October 20 - Met with my surgeon, Dr. Cook, at 10:30 a.m. Scheduled my surgery for November 21.
October 16 - Attended my third Hickory Surgical Clinic Support Group with clothing exchange and protein potluck.
October 7 - Attended Mission Hospital Support Group for the first time.
October 6 - The paper chase was officially over. I was able to schedule an appointment to meet with the surgeon,
September 26 - Had my psych consult with Debra Bolick at Carolina Treatment Associates (just had 1 visit & got the referral that very day).
September 22 - I *finally* had all of my medical records in hand and ready to fax myself the next day.
September 18 - Attended my second Hickory Surgical Clinic Support Group.
September 3 - Stopped by PCP's office to request that the additional information I need (see below) and asked it to be faxed to Hickory Surgical. Last week's thyroid panel was normal!
September 2 - Attended the 3-hour information class at Hickory Surgical Clinic. Still had to have my psych consult and gather more information before I could schedule an appointment to meet with the surgeon (I need: 2 missing years of medical records, a normal thyroid panel, and my PCP's letter of recommendation).
August 27 - Had my thyroid level rechecked at PCP.
August 21 - Attended my first Hickory Surgical Clinic Support Group.
July 18 - My 40th Birthday! Started surgical savings account (I have a $2500 deductible + 20% with $4,000 max).
July 16 - Faxed the information packet back to Hickory Surgical and scheduled a 3-hour information class with them. Saw my PCP and signed a paper to release my medical records. Was put on thyroid medication and go back in 6 weeks.
July 15 - Scheduled an appointment with my PCP about my abnormal thyroid level. Received and filled out the information packet from Hickory Surgical.
July 14 - Called our PCP to fax 5 years of medical records and send a referral letter. My blood test results came back showing an abnormal thyroid level (TSH 4.83).
July 11 - Called BCBSNC to inqure about weight-loss surgery (see Corporate Medical Policy for Morbid Obesity). Contacted Hickory Surgical Clinic, a BCBSNC Bariatric Center of Excellence, and they are sending me an information packet.
July 10 - Joined OH.
July 1 - Hubby's employer switched company health insurance to BCBSNC Blue Options PPO. Had my annual physical and blood work with our PCP.
Judy R
*Only Dead Fish Go With The Flow*
Music Teacher in New Bern, NC (lost 48 lbs PRE-op!!)http://bangertmusic.tripod.com/myweightlossjourney
