How long did it take to get an initial appt. at OHSU?

It has been more than three weeks since i sent all of my paperwork in and my PCP sent the letter to both the doctors office and insurance company. How long did it take to hear from OHSU or an initial appointment for those of you that had surgery with them? I called once (no answer and left a message) and sent an email asking if my records and paperwork were in order but I have heard nothing back? Tina

All of my paperwork went in on 1/31/07 and I rec'd a call with appt times on 2/1/07. The person to contact is the scheduler, Terra Gast, at 503-494-1983. After all of the needed paperwork is in, it goes to the nurse practitioner for review and then back to Terra for scheduling.   Hope you hear soon.

Hey Shirley!  How are you doing?  Long time no 'see'! Linda

I'm doing well.  Off later this morning to go to Portland for my second post-op appt. with Dr. Deveney.  I'm feeling stronger every day.  I've lost 32 lbs since surgery -- so with my pre-surgery weight loss I have lost a total of 64 lbs. Found a couple of foods that do not go down well for me -- chicken and applesauce.  All fish does just fine.  Luckily, I like fish.  Strangely, my tastes have changed.  I used to have a nasty sweet tooth and now I have no interest whatsoever in sweets.  I would just as soon it stayed that way. This is a learning process.  So far everything is going very smoothly - hope the same for you. Shirley

Congrats Shirley,  you have done well.  I bet you need a new picture one here!   Keep up the good work.  Julia

Wow!  You're doing great.  Yes - things do change.  I have developed Lactose intolerance.  It suddenly became nearly impossible to choke down those protein drinks.  My stomach was just spasming and I actually tried to vomit to ease the misery (I guess I am now unable to vomit).  I finally got some Lactaid Fast Act and now I can get the shakes down.  I'm kind of upset about this because I love milk, but -- life does change. Congratulations on the loss! Linda

It took me almost a month, but that was because my PCP's transcriptionist was out sick and there was no one there to type up the letter recommending the surgery for me!!  I went to the informational meeting on January 20th, had my nutritionist and NP visits on February 21 (I think), I had to get a psych visit in Bend, because everyone was too backed up, and got my surgery approval in early May.  Surgery was just a little over two weeks ago.  This whole process has been amazing and I feel GREAT!! Linda

I finally got through to people-both at OHSU and my PCP's office. I guess my pCP did not send the records and did not tell me the correct procedure to request them. I sure wish I had found this out three weeks ago! Hopefully the new and improved faxed request will work. Tina