The ongoing saga featuring me vs. the Cleveland Clinc

Well, after 3 years of dealing with the Cleveland Clinic and their so-called WLS program, jumping through all their hoops, changing to my husband's insurance (at an additional cost of $100.00/month), going to their various required appts (13 different appts in all) and getting a sleep study that no one bothered to follow up on, you can imagine my excitement when I rec'd a letter from my insurance company that my surgery was approved! Oh but my joy was short lived because of course when I called the Clinic to get my surgery date I was told "We're sorry but you have to see a sleep study specialist before we can give you a date" Unfortunately, there is no appointment available until August 29, and no one at the Clinic can help me out. I can't believe I work for this jacked up facility. They preach World Class Service at the Cleveland Clinic but the only thing they are world class in is passing the buck. I would never conduct my work in such a manner! I'd be fired immediately. Sorry for the long post but I've had about all I can stand with this!!!!ARRRGGGGHHHHH. I am just ready to scream!!!!!!!!!

Take the appointment for the 29th and get on the waiting list if they have a cancellation. When I needed to have my sleep study the availible dates were like 3 months away, but I told them to give me a call if someone cancelled and sure enough I was in within 2 weeks. It might me that you have to call them and check for cancellations, but I know many specialist I see only see patients on 1 or 2 days in the clinic so you might just call the day before and see if anyone had cancelled. Seems like everything else is in order for you, and I know it's still frustrating but at least you've gotten your approval. Congrats on that!

Thanks so much! You're right. I'm very lucky to have my approval. I'm just fed up that I've jumped through hoops for 3 years and I'm an employee of the Cleveland Clinic! Every time I think I'm finally getting close something else happens. Thanks again for the encouragement!

Jennifer, Can you do your sleep study elsewhere? I did mine at the Medina Sleep Clinic. It is a little drive for you but I bet they could get you in sooner that August! Sue

Thanks Sue! That's a great idea!! I appreciate the advice I get on this site so much!!!

Hi Jennifer, I know exactly how you feel. I have been dealing with Cleveland Clinic since June 30, 2004. They have been very good at spinning the hoops and asking me to jump through them. I have finally done all the tests and had all of the appointments. I have lost 130 pounds on the diet that they asked me to go on (to get ready for the surgery). I was supposed to finally meet the surgeon and they told me that because they got a new surgeon and they are changing the program I had to fill out a packet full of information, and then wait for a group appointment(which they only schedule once a month). I filled out the packet and mailed it. I have called three times in the last two weeks. They finally got the paperwork today. The post office told me they would have it in 1-2 days. They probably had it but it took a week and a half to get it to the right office. I talked to someone today and now I have to wait for the nurse to look over my file. I have no clue when I will meet the surgeon. But I am not giving up. I know I want to have the surgery. I have worked too hard and too long to give up now. And besides, if I would try to go anyplace else I would just have to start all over. Becky D.

Hi Becky! You are amazing! I am so proud of you! I can't imagine losing that much weight! You know, the sad thing about the Cleveland Clinic is that it's supposed to be providing World Class Care. Their bariatric surgery program is a joke! Someone like you that has lost all that weight should be bumped up on the list for surgery because you are obviously very serious about it. I started on this road back in 2002. They keep changing surgeons and keep saying they're getting their program together but they've been telling me that for 3 years! The frustrsting part is that no one seems to be able to help. They need to set us up with 1 person who will keep on top of everything and give us updates and explain what we should do next. I feel like I have just pieced this all together myself and then they say "Oh you should have done this or that" after the fact. So frustrating!!!! Try calling Ruth Jerkins. She has tried to help me a bit. To be honest, I don't know her position. She just told me that the person who usually handles questions about the program was out of town. Her # is (216) 444-0032 maybe she can help you. Let me know how things go! feel free to email me! Take good care! Jen

Hi Jennifer, I just read your post, Please don't shoot the messenger But with my surgeon, If you have sleep apnea (most people over weight do) then my surgeon required for me to be on my sleep apnea machine the CPAP for 6 weeks before he would do the surgery. I just wanted to give you a heads up so there would not be another surprise. You should call your surgeons office and ask what the requirements are. I wish you the best of luck, and hopefully there will be a cancelation and you can get in sooner. Hugs, Lisa

Hi Jennifer, I just read your post, Please don't shoot the messenger But with my surgeon, If you have sleep apnea (most people over weight do) then my surgeon required for me to be on my sleep apnea machine the CPAP for 6 weeks before he would do the surgery. I just wanted to give you a heads up so there would not be another surprise. You should call your surgeons office and ask what the requirements are. I wish you the best of luck, and hopefully there will be a cancelation and you can get in sooner. Hugs, Lisa

Hi Lisa! Thanks for the heads up! I really appreciate it! I will check into the whole sleep apnea situation. Take care! Jen