Newbie here---and question about Duodenal Switch Surgeons...
Dear Fig,
To be honest, I wasn't aware that Enoch's was doing DS, and I don't know his experience and qualifications, but I have to say that if you choose the DS route, I'd really want to be sure to get someone that had extensive DS experience. It is a more involved surgery than the RNY and regardless of the surgery I was having done, I'd want to have the surgeon have a 100 or more under their belt before I went on the table.
Do you mind sharing why you are nervous about talking to your insurance carrier? I'm not sure I understand what your concern is and thought if I could understand it, maybe I'd have some experience or know someone who does that might be able to help you and/or quell your concerns. I noticed that Angela responded to you and you to her via PM. She will be a good resource re: insurance stuff. She had an 'interesting' experience with insurance and I'm sure will be willing to share what worked and what didn't work.
I wasn't sure that I understood your question: Is it better that I call and get info, but also that the surgeon that I eventually choose do so also? ... If you can clarify, I'll do my best to give you my humble opinion.
If you are in the greater Triangle area, please consider coming to one of our support group meetings. I have a some that meet week night evenings. While they generally have a particular focus, you are most welcome to come weather you meet the 'demographic' for that grou*****t, just know that they discussions often skew to the interest of the special interest group. I also host a monthly 'general' support group meeting on the 3rd Saturday of each month and you are most welcome to join that meeting as well. That meeting tends to have 25 to 40 participants... maybe a few more or less. It's got a great cross-section of programs, surgery types and people at different points in their own journeys from those like you who are still exploring to those like me who are a few years out or more.
Wishing you all the best,
Barbara
ObesityHelp Coach and Support Group Leader
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bcumbo_group/
High-264, Current-148, Goal-145
Dear Fig,
To be honest, I wasn't aware that Enoch's was doing DS, and I don't know his experience and qualifications, but I have to say that if you choose the DS route, I'd really want to be sure to get someone that had extensive DS experience. It is a more involved surgery than the RNY and regardless of the surgery I was having done, I'd want to have the surgeon have a 100 or more under their belt before I went on the table.
Do you mind sharing why you are nervous about talking to your insurance carrier? I'm not sure I understand what your concern is and thought if I could understand it, maybe I'd have some experience or know someone who does that might be able to help you and/or quell your concerns. I noticed that Angela responded to you and you to her via PM. She will be a good resource re: insurance stuff. She had an 'interesting' experience with insurance and I'm sure will be willing to share what worked and what didn't work.
I wasn't sure that I understood your question: Is it better that I call and get info, but also that the surgeon that I eventually choose do so also? ... If you can clarify, I'll do my best to give you my humble opinion.
If you are in the greater Triangle area, please consider coming to one of our support group meetings. I have a some that meet week night evenings. While they generally have a particular focus, you are most welcome to come weather you meet the 'demographic' for that grou*****t, just know that they discussions often skew to the interest of the special interest group. I also host a monthly 'general' support group meeting on the 3rd Saturday of each month and you are most welcome to join that meeting as well. That meeting tends to have 25 to 40 participants... maybe a few more or less. It's got a great cross-section of programs, surgery types and people at different points in their own journeys from those like you who are still exploring to those like me who are a few years out or more.
Wishing you all the best,
Related to that, while I don't live in the greater Triangle area, I used to and I'm pretty familiar with the area. I'm in the Triad area...are there groups here?
The only reason I'm "nervous" per se about talking to the insurance company is that they have a reputation for denying things and I'm just not looking forward to that possible battle. Hopefully it will be smooth. I know that generally speaking Aetna does approve WLS, but our policy is kinda wonky, so I'm not sure. I plan on calling tomorrow to see.
About the other question (that made no sense to me either when I just went back to read it again..lol), I think I was asking if it were better for me to call and find out qualifications or if it was better for the surgeon or someone in the surgeon's office to do that.
Anyway, thank you to everyone for all of your info and help! Please keep it coming.
(And can someone please take me off of moderated status? Is there a post number requirement before that's lifted? It's irritating...lol)
He has lots of experience with the DS and all other surgerys. I highly recomend him. The Ds surgery has been great I am 31/2 months post op lost 53 pounds and am doing great. Over the holidays I ate in moderation all I wanted and didnt feel deprived I did stall my weight loss but did not gain any either I am back on track. Please take the time to check out all your options and dont settle for a different surgery if it i not what you really want. The Ds is worth the wait.
http://www.southeastbariatrics.com/
