new here

Hi all. I am new to the idea of biatric surgery. I have tried all the conventional dieting and exercising and I can never lose more than 20 lbs. Like I get stuck there. So I had my primary get me a referal to a local baratric center and when I called the "receptionist" is trying to tell me before she even knows anything about me that if I dont have diabetes or high blood pressure I dont qualify.  She was rude and very snotty as well. I have ins. to cover and my primary thinks I qualify. I am 5'7" and weigh 265lbs. I am well over 100lbs of my ideal weight. Is it customary that you need develop an incurable disease such as diabetes before they help you? I have other health issues due to my wieght and it isnt helping the self esteem much either.  Does anyone know anything about this? Please help. I know that receptionist has no business giving medical advice to anyone for anything. But she really got under my skin and made me feel hopeless. Thanks.

Hi and welcome to the NY forum, I think you should be looking for a new surgeon! Unless things have changed since I've had my surgery, you have to have a bmi of over 40 or 35 with at least one ailment, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, etc What area do you live in?  Maybe someone reading this post can recommend their doctor to you.  I had Dr. Arif Ahmad from Pt. Jefferson (long island) and he is awesome.   Good luck!

I live in the capital region. Just outside Albany toward Saratoga. I called the bariatric center in Ellis Hospital in Schenectady. ANyone know of somewhere closer or better?

Hey there - Welcome!! I am so sorry you had a rough experience with Ellis - that is unlike them. I had my surgery done by Dr Clarke & am extremely pleased with him.  Have you checked out Albany Med? They are very good too. Both have great surgeons & really good follow up care but I chose Ellis because I felt more comfortable with them & ultimately that's what mattered to me!!!  Good Luck!!! Cece

Welcome to OH! 

I'm sorry you had that experience!  I believe the receptionist (and remember that's what she is!!!) is incorrect!  I had no co-morbidities, other than my BMI being so high and had surgery in May.   Forge ahead and don't  let a pencil pusher get ya down!

xo 

You have to be 100 lbs overweight OR if you arent you need to have other comorbities like diabites, high blood pressure, ect...  Ellis is where I go, I live in Hudson Falls, not far from you.  All you have to do is call Ellis and ask to be signed up for the seminar.  They are a great center.  I wish you all the luck in the world.  Welcome here!!!

I am currently going to Ellis Bariatric Center and so far so good, you have to attend the seminar before making an appointment with the doctor, everyone in the group is wonderful!   The office staff has always been helpful, kind and understanding.    It is my understanding that you would qualify with the BMI (being 100 pounds overweight)  dont give up on them, they are a wonderful group, funny I got the same reaction from the practice in Albany and personally for me my Primary Care Physician would not allow me to go anywhere but Ellis, he claims they are the best!    I am from Hudson Falls which is about an hour from Ellis (same for Albany).

I would say call back, and sign up for the seminar, You will NOT be sorry! Good luck.... Michelle

Yea...I love Ellis also. Thats where I always go for everything else. I had a bad experience from a prier surgery at Albany Med in May. Their nursing staff in after care was rediculous. Rude...insensitive. Absolutely no bedside manner at all. And I think I got to see the doctor a whole 30 secs if that in the 5 days I was there. My problem is not with Ellis. It was with how the receptionists treated me. I know I am 100 lbs overweight. I am 5 7 and weigh 265. If that isnt than I dont know what is. I did  sign up for the seminar. JAn 31st. I really hope they find me to be a candidate. I just dont know what else to do. It will be nice to be able to breathe normal, move, get up off the floor without help, and sleep without a pillow under everything to hold it up so I dont squash myself.  Thanks for all the replies.