Anyone else having problems w/ surgery @ RiverBend?

Dr. Yarborough will be leaving August 1st and they do not have a new surgeon yet, so I have no idea when I might be having surgery.  Is anyone else in this same boat?

They have not said anything about when they anticipate having another surgeon or anything.  Do you think I would be better off to switch everything to the Corvallis hospital where Dr. Yarborough is going?  I don't know how long that would take, but it might be better than having everything up in the air.

I'm so confused and frustrated right now.  I started this process in October of last year and I only have a 3 month required program for my insurance.  Originally - I was told to expect surgery in May.  Now I will be lucky to have it before the end of the year.

Hi Tish,

I'm so sorry for your frustration with the Sacred Heart program. I would call Corvallis today and see what they have to say. I recommended my sister, who is having the same problem you are, to Dr. Tersingi in Coos Bay and his coordinators name is Robin.
Don't give up because it will change your life when it eventually happens for you :)
Kim

Thank you so much for the suggestion of Dr. Tersigni! 

I contacted his office and Spoke with Robin and I have an appt on 7/24 to meet the doc and attend the one class that they are requiring me to attend to acquaint me with their program.  From there, they will schedule me for surgery, once they obtain a new approval from my insurance for their hospital.  She said it should only be about 4 weeks.  I am so thrilled!

Thanks again!  (My family is looking forward to spending a weekend at the coast while I am in the hospital as well!)

Your so welcome Tish!!  I would have ended up going there myself because the troubles with Oregon Bariatric go back to '07 when I had surgery...  I work with many people who have had Dr. Tersigni as there surgeon and  they have nothing but glowing reports and great results :)
Keep in touch,
Kim

My mom works for the hospital in Corvallis that Dr. Yarborough is transferring to and it's supposed to be a good program there. She is going to start the process there in August when he transfers to Corvallis. I had my lap band surgery done by him at Riverbend and I think he's a great doctor, I'm going to follow him to Corvallis for my fills as well.

Tami,

I contacted Corvallis about the possibility of going there and they were not at all willing to work with me.  Well - I guess that depends on your definition.  They would take me as a participant, but they would require me to start their entire program from the beginning, even though I have completed EVERYTHING at Oregon Bariatric - except for surgery.  I already took all of my evals (nutrition, psych, everything).  I completed a 3 month diet and 3 group classes over a course of 6 months total.  They want me to do it all over again.  I just really don't see the point in that.

And - if I started over, I may not qualify, because I lost weight on my pre-op diet, and my BMI is lower now.  This would also put my surgery to the end of November - if everything went as planned - which we all know NEVER happens.

The main reason I want to change from OBC is because I don't want to chance waiting until the end of the year - so I would be in the same boat - and out more money.  Not to mention re-doing another program all over again.

It just didn't sound right to me.

Anyway, I contacted Dr. Tersigni's office in Coos Bay and they are willing to take me without making me "start over".  So - if all goes as planned, I should be having surgery in about a month.

Cross your fingers for me!

Thanks for the help and advice!

That seems so weird that they would make you start all over, I don't understand why places are so hard headed that way. I'm glad you found some one who would take what you've done and work with you from there. I hope your surgery goes well and I wish you luck!

Yeah, I was wondering if there were problems with OBC.  I had seen in the local paper that both Good Sam in Corvallis and Dr. T in Coos Bay were advertising.  I think it is very odd that a hospital the caliber of Riverbend, can't keep a bariatric center open.  Wonder what the real problem is.  Also, since they don't have a surgeon, does that also mean, upon finding a surgeon, that they no longer qualify as a Center of Excellence, which many insurance companies require.

I had my surgery  at Good Sam in Portland with Dr. Patterson, and I am pleased with my results.....

Something is definitely not quite right about Riverbend.  I was told they knew about Yarborough leaving for about a year and didn't say anything about it.  I signed up with them last October and had no idea - otherwise I would not have done it.  They have gone through 3 surgeons - can't seem to keep one.

I think they should have at least told the people in the program there was a possiblity that they would be without a surgeon.

From what I understand - the Center of Excellence is a 3 part certification - the doctor, the clinic, and the hospital.  Each one is certified separately.  You have to have all 3 pieces to be a "Center of Excellence.  Now, since RiverBend has the Hospital and Clinic piece, if they get a surgeon that has been certified, they will still get to keep their rating as a Center of Excellence.  So - they are ony interviewing surgeons that qualify.  I'm sure that limits them somewhat.

They still don't have anyone after months of looking.  They are trying to find 2 and can't even get one!

I just don't feel like waiting.  I will see Dr. T. in Coos Bay in 2 weeks and probably have surgery a week after that.

I have had two friends go to Dr. T in Coos Bay.  One was insured and insurance paid all, the other was self pay. Both were pleased with the surgery.   Only problem was the after care.  They both had lap band surgery, and didn't like having to travel to Coos Bay for a quick 15 minute appointment to get a fill. 

One of the gals has since discovered Kelly Fitzpatrick locally, and goes to her for her fills.  Cuts the driving time immensely.  I am fortunate, as Dr. Patterson's office does come to Eugene/Springfield monthly for appointments, meaning I don't have to make that LONG drive to Portland. 

Best of luck with your pending surgery!  Keep us posted.