Next step goes how???

Sher huney issues are a part of life.  I waited 3 years past when I WANTED to have surgery due to losing my job at Directv after KNOWING they would cover the surgery, to sitting on my butt getting bigger for another year and begging for some miracle to happen.  That miracle was my mother who chose to help me just like yours chose to help you.  We both have struggles and issues but I made it and you will too huney.  I am here in your corner rooting for you and it will happen.  Have Faith.

Thanks so much for the encouragement...I think it's just never being told anything....I have had real issues with my advocate but have bypassed her before and will do it again... I will keep up the faith....You will hear me yelling clear up there when I finally do get a date!!

I would do the minimum amount of appointments you can get away with and meet their requirements.  Try your advocate again and look at this way...after your surgery you won't need her any more!!  So just hang in there a little bit longer and you will get through this.  Remember that God doesn't give you more than you can handle.  He  just trusts you a little more than you wish he did!  Ha!  LOL!

Yep, I am going to try again to reach her and find out what I do next...I am trusting but sometimes I wish he would just give me a hint now and then!! lol
After talking with the Office Manager about the financial issues. She had said she would put everything in the file and they would get back to me....I was waiting patiently.....I guess now it is the time to call...
Yes, sometimes I wish he would just take over and do it all....At least there would be no mixups! lol

When someone has a history of not returning my calls, I start writing down when I call them-making sure that I leave a reasonable time between calls for return of the call-24 hours for most non emergency type things.

Call 1.....make a note

Call 2.....state that this is the second call, ask my question, ask for a response.

24 hours later I call the main number, explain nicely (the receptionist is not responsible for unreturned calls) and ask to speak to the person immediately or someone who can cover for them or is next in command and  basically I do not get off the phone until some talks to me either to explain why my calls aren't being returned or answers my question.

It's my own personal 3 strike rule.  I don't lose my temper (or I try not to) but I do explain to anyone who will listen that in addition to being troubled by the initial problem I am now annoyed at the lack of customer service.

Doctors are in many ways miracle workers, but at the end of the day they are also running a business and want happy customers.  That's all covered in med school.  (I promise it is, I've been "observed" by dr.s watching what happens in Accounting....LOL). 

Where were you when I needed advice before??? LOL YOU are a riot!!
I'm usually pretty good about writing things down.....but darned if I know where it is after waiting patiently a month later. I know.....number 4. Do not wait a month to find out why there is no response!!! LOL
I found out my advocate was buying a new house and that was why she never called......I won't waste the space here with my response to that one!! LOL.  I was very polite until I got that. I was still polite...just an angry polite!
I am going to call tomorrow and leave a very nice message asking her to please call me. I will jot down the time and subject, allowing for the weekend, but trying to be first on the machine....on Monday....We shall see where we go from here now.....Thanks to my family here for the advice....I'm taking it all in and I am sure now of what I need to do....Sometimes it just helps to have someone knock you a time or two on the head to listen....Ya know??

There is also something empowering about writing it down.  You see it there in black and white, yes, I've called twice and it's reasonable now to escalate to the next level.....wasn't it the Godfather who was always talking about being a reasonable man?  LOL.

You have to admit...he got angry, but always politely so.....I believe I will politely escalate to the next level!! I love that one....I'm writing this down so I can read it off! LOL Somehow this makes me feel empowered too!!

Sherry, It sounds like there has possibly be some mis -communication here. Usually all of our patients have to follow up with the team with monthly appointments until your surgery date has been set. You need to call an make an appointment to come in and discuss where you are at in the process. I'm sorry that your calls weren't returned. I know that Weight Wise sees a ton of patients and sometimes things get hectic and fall through the cracks. I would call and ask to speak to your advocate again and ask her what your next step is. Call everyday if you have to until you get to speak with them.

I know that some of the appointments, testing and requirements do not make sense to us as patients, but it is part of the program and part of what makes our WLS a success. They also could be waiting for reports from your Cardiologists ,etc etc .If they haven't gotten a report then they just assume it hasn't been done. Call and discuss your concerns and I promise you it will get taken care of. Best of luck to you and (((((((HUGS))))))) Rita

I was pre-op for almost six months and went to my pre-op appointments every two weeks, because I was in the process of losing 50 lbs! They gave me an option to go monthly or twice a month. I chose twice because I needed to be more accountable on the weight loss. All this was included in the surgery price, did not cost me one penny more.

I would be my advice that you do keep the monthly appointments (if you don't have one, call the main number and schedule one), because it is a process and on your next one they most likely will schedule your surgery, and then schedule you for the pre-op appt with Dr. Walton.