Dr. G

Was insurance the only reason you left Dr. G? I started with Dr. Fischer and then went with Gorospe. I have bcbs and they said they never pre-authorize but that they agree it is medically necessary.. Whatever that means! I am starting to wonder if I really need this surgery. I am about 100 pounds over what the chart said I should be but honestly even when I was super thin I didn't weight that. I am wondering if I should just work out more, eat less and deal with my weight slowly and without medical intervention. I am scared about the surgery and I am starting to wonder if this is the best idea. I am a Type 1 diabetic and so I am very concerned about infection and complications. I was told last tuesday that I would be scheduled by his office and I still haven't heard anything. Anyone else get frustrated and feel this way??? Thanks!

Yes, insurance was the only reason, BUT after the fact - I am so glad I did change because I feel that Surgical Associates program is great. From day 1 to the day of your surgery they are preparing you, body and soul, for your surgery. I had no complications, except for a "pulling" in my tummy about 2 weeks out, but other than that, as long as I done what they told me to do, I did just fine and am still doing fine. I have lost 100 lbs. in 7 months and FEEL GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck! Cyndi

Hello Kathleen, I had my surgery with Dr G and I cannot imagine how any other surgeon could be any better. I did have a few minor complications, which are explained further on my profile, but Dr G and Dr Kirk took great care of me. I am not sure how other surgeons have their surgery set up, but Dr G and Southcrest are awesome. Once you have your consultation, they will call you as soon as they get the authorization from your insurance and depending on the carrier it could take time. I have united healthcare and Dr G's office personnel say this is the easiest to get approved. I had a bmi over 50 so they approved me within a week. I went in for consult on feb4 and got approved and scheduled on feb11. I only had till 28feb to do all my preliminary testing because I had the surgery 3/1/05. I am so impressed by how thorough the pre-op testing is because I found out that I had several minor problems. My sleep apnea was the worst of it and the drs are so concerned about you through the whole process. Dr Worley is the pulmonologist he requires you to work with because this doctor is there with them all day checking on the patients. Southcrest has it's own bariatric ward and it's not unusual to see Dr G and Dr Kirk on their breaks from surgery checking on the patients. Also the office staff is really great, because you have a dedicated member of the staff who will see you and bring you a cough-buddy stuffed animal and your follow-up appt info and they can answer almost any questions you only have to call and ask even on weekends. Also the P.A. Amber is really knowledgeable and nice and if you don't see the surgeons you will see her quite often. It's just like a second family atmosphere there because everyone works together so well and do everything to make your experience as easy as possible. Even though I had minor problems mainly because of my breathing, I had no problem with the way they took care of me. Dr G is considered one of the top surgeons in the nation, and yet he has dedicated his practice to us. He is so available for his patients, and I just got back from the monthly support group meeting where he is there for questions for about the 1st hour and then throughout the whole meeting his whole staff is there for about 2hours for anything you need to ask or talk about. I am going back for my 2 week follow-up on friday so I will let you know how I am doing after that. I know I have lost over 20lbs since surgery and it is great. Talk to ya later!

Hello and thank you both for your input! I went to the support group meeting lastnight and recieved my surgery date today after calling the office. I am scheduled for April 6th. I am still really afraid but I hate the way I look and feel. I want to be a healthy and active mother to my little 4 year old. On the other hand, I worry that something could go wrong and I would be unable to care for her after having an elective surgery. After the surgery, was anything really horrible? I heard that you couldn't have liquids or ice for 12 hours after the surgery. Have you been able to go back to work yet? I took off work for 2 weeks and a day so that I should be able to go back to work...are you feeling good being 2 weeks post op? I really appreciate your understanding and offering me your opinions and support!

I am in the process of trying to get my insurance to approve me. Let me know how it goes as I am too looking to use Dr. G.

I got approved after 7 days of the insurance showing that they recieved the information. I am currently having doubts about surgery but NOT because of the staff or Dr. I just am worried about going under that big knife! His support group is a hoot and they are very supportive. Be careful of those who throw religion at you. I have had several that were uplifting about gods love and how he will help me (and you!) through the surgery and then one which basically attacked me. So be careful there. I'm approved and have a date set of April 6 for surgery. I am scared to do the EGD clearence since I'm not thrilled to know someone will be sticking a tube down my throat but I guess that is okay since I'll be out of it. Please feel free to talk to me anytime and I hope I've been some help!

You know, I never did find an answer in the entire bible on God's thoughts on WLS...lol...I know He loves me and wants me to live a long life. Whether or not he supports the surgery, well I have never seen specific evidence to support this. I think some might argue that God would expect you to lean on him completely and loose the weight. Some people feel that's just not going to do it for them, yet others do it and succeed. It's really an individual quest between you and God. I am sorry if anyone ever made you feel otherwise. That's between you and God.

Thats okay! Like I said, I'm sure they were meaning it in a good way. I am slowely gathereing all the things I need post op..chewable vitamins, b-12 sublingual tabs and other stuff. I'm enjoying my "last" meals ...haha We will have to meet at the next support group meeting for Dr. G. You and I seem to have the same sense of humor! If I can help in any way possible, please ask but remember, I'm a newbie!!

Hi Kathleen, I am glad to hear you are using Dr Gorospe because you can be sure he and his staff will take great care of you. I am over 3 weeks post-op now and I feel fine other than missing my comfort food. Please be sure to enjoy you "last meals" with the best and most favorite foods because it will be a while until you can have any of it again if you can stomach it at all after surgery. Everyone is different and can handle different things that others cannot, but I can tell you despite how hard it is to adjust to being without the food you are so accustomed to the whole process is worth the sacrifice. I feel like it is much like how people go to rehab to break an addiction, because it does feel like withdrawal at times. However, I am glad that I have no choice but to treat my body right and take care of what is best for me. I have lost 28lbs so far, and I feel so much better about myself. Hey and don't worry about the EGD, because it is like nothing at all. I went in at 8am and first they do a urine test then set up an IV then you wait for the nurse to come take you in where (my dr was Dr Kirk) he tells you what they will be doing and before you know it they put the anesthesia in your iv and you are out like a light since the procedure only takes a few minutes, they will have you back out in the first waiting area again where you will just wake up and it's over. Your throat may hurt a little, and you will be a little groggy from the anesthesia but after you chill out for about 2-3 hours afterwards you are just back to normal. It is so important that this procedure is done so they know exactly what your stomach looks like inside getting ready for the big event. This procedure is how I found out I had GERD and it's no problem they just give you medicine to take care of the esophagus and you are ready for surgery. Well, I hope this helps you to know what to expect and that you did make a good choice. If you have any thing else you want to talk about you can just email me. Take care!

ok sounds like a plan!