Not really happy with Weight Wise right now

brownblonde
on 2/25/10 5:01 am
 In my book the customer is always right.  And if they are clearly wrong (or even if they are right but nothing can be done about it) you act like you are listening and taking notes and you apologize.

I went to the WW seminar and August and was impressed.

I went to the surgeon visit in Sept. and came with a laundry list of questions in hand.  This is a big deal, there is no going back, and it's a big expense and I want to make sure I know everything I'm expected to do and I know everything the surgeon is doing.  The surgeon was miffed and said something to the effect of "I've got other patients too."

I received a call from my patient advocate about a month later and told her I would like to stay on "the list."

So I called last Thursday to make the appointments for exercise/nutrition/behavioral.  The receptionist told me I would have to do the preliminary again first but told me to talk to the patient advocate.  I left a voicemail with the advocate detailing my questions.

Today (a week later) I called the office back.  The receptionist was very curt with me and acted annoyed.  She told me that if the preliminary appointment did not occur within the same calendar year you would have to see him again.  To clarify I asked "so if I met with the surgeon on Dec. 31 I'd have to meet with him again in January"--I was thinking surely she meant 12 months year.  She said "right."

I have been talking with Dr. Pleatman in MI who deals with a lot of out of state patients, and though he's out of state and I've never met him, I feel more comfortable with him already.  He has happily responded to all of my e-mails within 24 hours, and called me on my cell phone to discuss.  Obviously the main advantage to staying in-state is that there is someone there if anything goes wrong...but if I can't even get someone to return my calls, or a surgeon who begrudgingly answers my questions...it's not much of a tradeoff.

I know a lot of people are really happy with WW, but I'm just not getting warm fuzzies.  I'm trying to decide if I should get over it because they are close or if my not being comfortable with them means a lot.


SuziJones
on 2/25/10 5:42 am
I'd say follow your gut feeling sweety!

This is your LIFE and BODY you are talking about.

and simply because they are close if you are stressed, tense and on edge that can effect your healing process.

Maybe make another appointment and meet with the local surgeon again. Perhaps you caught him on an off day. He is after all only human.

I wish you the best!! Good luck and sending blessing prayers your way!!
*big supportive hugs*
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You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.  ~Michael Jordan 
My Goals:
1) 200lbs ACCOMPLISHED
3) 170lbs
4) Run 5K
"Unneeded food is not any less wasted in a body that doesnt need it, than it is in the trash." ~Brandilynn
 "Those that will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants." ~William Penn
 
                
    
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Rissa6423
on 2/25/10 6:37 am - Dallas, TX
 I agree, the customer is always right, but that doesn't mean they can alter they process that patients have to go through to get surgery. Surgery is a risky medical procedure and the reason they do things the way they do is to ensure the safety of the patients they operate on. 
I'm not sure which surgeon you saw, but I can say that when I came in with a huge list of questions the Dr. sat for almost an hour listening attentively and answering all my questions. If that wasn't the case the only thing I can think of is that there might have been an emergency with a post-op patient that required their attention. These doctors will drop everything and drive to whatever hospital you are in if something comes up after surgery, even if its 150 miles away! They are great about giving you all their contact information and are there to answer your questions right after surgery if anything is worrying or bothering you. 

  

Patiurple
on 2/25/10 10:40 am - Wheatland, OK
Just y two cents worth..Why go out of state? There are three other wls surgeons in the OKC area..Dr. Ronnie Keith, Dr. lana Nelson, and Dr. grochec(spelling wrong). As a person who has had complications I would not want to drive 4 to 6 miles to see my surgeon. This other surgeon may be quick to call and nswer questions but on the hand.. If you r bleeding, or something else happens that few hour drive would make the difference.
if you dont feel comfortable with WW try another surgeon in this area...
And in defense of WW I am not a patient of theirs.but I have always received a professional polite manner...they have even called me back when I called about some supplies...
But I will also say this a surgeon that cant take the time to answer my questions when Its my dime..he aint gonna get no more from me...
good luck
tawny2112
on 2/25/10 1:03 pm - Midwest City, OK
There is also an awesome doctor in Denton,Tx, Daryl Stewart.MD. He is who I see and I love him. No need to go to Michigan.

Good Luck with your Journey!

Tonya
WHY I CHOSE DS:  No dumping,Highest percentage of excess weight loss , Best long term results, Less weight regain, No band fills, Eat normal sized meals post op and won't regain weight,NO Band slippage,  No revisions, 96% diabetes cured, 90% high blood pressure cured 80% sleep apnea cured. My children. Myself.

    
nursevil
on 2/26/10 7:23 pm, edited 2/26/10 7:24 pm - Tuttle, OK

I agree with Tawny.  Dr. Stewart is awesome.  His staff is great and he has a great track record.  He is in Denton, Tx but as a nurse, I know that any surgeon could handle most complications that can't be handled by phone.  I know Dr. Stewart does the VSG and I would recommend him highly. 

There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch. Robert A. Heinlein
HW:453, BMI 63, SW:452, BMI 63 GW:200, BMI 27.9


Debbie A.
on 2/27/10 12:14 pm
I started out with Weight Wise....I went thru their entire program, up to scheduling the surgery.
Then for a variety of reasons I switched over to Dr. Keith.  For me it was the right decision.     

We are fortunate to have several excellent surgeons in this area, no need to go out of state. 
 

Everything happens for a reason.
HW 252
   

EOD WIFE
on 2/27/10 2:44 pm - Lawton Ft Sill, OK
I would for sure look into another program closer to home before you commit to going out of state. Sometimes I wonder if these Surgeons lose sight of who pays their bills!

     I  MY RNY 5-5-09    Life is Good
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karrenn
on 3/1/10 3:02 pm
I work for a doctor, and however we are suppose to act, the patient isn't  always right however thats my two cents.  I would not go out of state. Call Dr. Gornichec's office.  I had my lapband proformed by him and I like him and his staff.  They are always there for me and I am one of those who ask alot of questions more than once. He is located at Intergist  Baptist Hospital.  They are really careful and go over everything, give you books to keep track of your progress whi*****ludes all the info you need.  He also has CDs you watch at home.  I have been very happy with Dr. G plus he has a great staff of nurses and  nutritinist to help with after care. Good luck in your discision.
            
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