Where to Go for WLS

I have a question for everyone out there - where to go for WLS?

I have almost finished getting my medical tests done to turn in my application and have been to an OSHU info seminar and will attend the info seminar at Samaritan in Corvallis this Saturday. But after reading so many people having problems with OSHU returning phone calls, scheduling appts, losing records... I am wondering what to do.
Please help all of us in limbo land.
Thanks,
Vicki

Hi Shelby, I haven't had too much of a problem with OHSU.  One person in particular doesn't seem to return  phone calls very well but someone told me the best time to call her is in the mornings.  Anyway, this has been my timeline so far.  It's moving pretty good.  4/9 sent in my application 4/18 I called them and was told they had my records and could be sent in for review 5/5  I called again to see if I was still in review and was told my chart had just come up and I could be scheduled for appts and was for July.     So it hasn't been bad really; things are moving along.  I was getting leery about it too though hearing about the problems, wondering if I should change to another facility, but I'm just going to stay put since things are progressing without problems, really.    Linda

Thanks, Linda. It is a real concern when you are so ready to do something and the waiting is atrocious. I still have one thing left to do before I turn in my app and then I really begin the waiting process. Your experience is very encouraging.

I still want to do it at OHSU, but I am going to check out Samaritan since it is closer to Salem.

Thanks again for the words of wisdom.
Vicki

My personal feeling is to go where you feel the most comfortable.  I attended three seminars, and finally was able to "click" with one of the facilities.  That was important to me.   There is also Legacy Good Samaritan in Portland, which has a great reputation.  I attended my first seminar in June, and would have been scheduled for surgery in November had there not been my personal conflict with the time offered. Dr. Emma Patterson did my surgery, and I was and still am pleased with my results.  Best of luck on your journey...........

That is very good advice. I had not considered Legacy Good Samaritan, but I will check out their program.

Hey Vicki, I just realized I called you Shelby before instead of Vicki, lol.  Sorry,  Linda

That's way okay.
Actually, I have always loved the name Shelby and when we went to the shelter to get another dog, they had a beautiful puppy that was named Shelby. My husband, Shelby and I hit it off right away and we have had her now for 5 1/2 years.

Vicki

Legacy Good Sam in Portland has a wonderful seminar-very organized and informative. I would highly recommend going to it even if you don't end up going through them. Brandon's 4 month turn around is way faster than I was able to get with OHSU. I went to my first seminar in July and finally had (more on this in a new post) a day for May 15. Part of this was due to the records person at OHSU and part of it was due to records transfer issues from the psychologist and my primary care physician. Now having said that-I feel comfortable with the medical team at OHSU. Just not so satisfied with the support staff!

So, next week you are having your surgery? I am so excited for you. Oh, and a little jealous.
I called Oregon Weight Loss to find out their next info meeting and they were closed for the day. Will try again on Monday. Thanks for the information. I don't know if Legacy Good Sam takes Tricare, but Dr. Patterson and assoc. do.
Since I made up my mind to do this, the waiting is getting to me. It will probably come out in the psych sessions. LOL
Take care and have a great weekend,
Vicki

Dr. Patterson is part of Legacy Good Sam.  For their program, you go through Legacy Obesity Institute for all your prescreening and then Oregon Weight Loss Surgery for the surgery.  They do their surgeries at both Legacy Good Samaritan and SW Washington Medical Center.  Legacy Good Sam is not a separate program.