Thank you Vicki. 

Linda

Does anyone have the phone number of who to call at OHSU about getting insurance approval?   I was going to call Heather but can't find her phone number and the other numbers I have I get voice mails that are full.   I have completed everything now and want to see when they are going to submit for approval. 

Thanks,

Linda

Hi, Tiska--I went to the informational meeting in August for the Oregon Bariatric Center (that meeting was still at the Eugene site).  I turned in my application packet there (I downloaded it from the web so I was ready in case I decided to go for it after I'd been through the meeting!) and got a call in a few days scheduling my evaluation with the surgeon.  I had to wait about 5 weeks, until 10/7.  At that eval, I found out that the OBC's case load had about doubled over the summer and so the wait for a surgery date, and even for the various evals that are need (psych and dietician) is at least a couple of months or more.

As to the info meeting itself, I didn't think there was a huge number of people, probably not even 50.  There was plenty of room. I didn't feel crowded or that they were trying to weed people out.  Quite the opposite.  I felt encouraged!   OBC provided cold bottled water, which I thought was nice.  Packets about the process and with the application were also handed out.  The surgeon (Dr. Yarbrough in this case) spoke first about the two types of surgeries they do there and the various risks and results.  He also touched on what you had to do to qualify for and prepare for the surgery.  He showed overheads and even had a laprascopic tool they they use for the surgeries.  Seems like there was a lapband displayed also, but I might be misremembering on that.   (The doctor also goes over similar information during the surgeon's evaluation if you decide to apply.)  The dietician also spoke about food and eating and what your limitations would be, etc.  Then also, a patient who was at least many month post-op also spoke.  Some of the things she said disagreed with what the Dr. and the dietician said, but as was pointed out, everyone is different and thus their experiences are different.  I believe there was even a speaker who discussed insurance/financial issues. There was an opportunity after the meeting to speak with the doctor.

I thought the meeting was quite helpful and hope-inspiring.  I had previously attended an informational meeting at Good Sam in Corvallis and felt it was not at all a positive expression of what WLS is about and what it can do.  I remember leaving the Corvallis meeting thinking that they must not want to do these surgeries because it was presented in such a negative manner.  I recall thinking "wow, I'd never want to have that surgery!!"  But I had a friend who went to OBC and she convinced me to try the one in Eugene (now Springfield).  I'm sure glad I did.  The meeting in Eugene was totally the opposite from the one in Corvallis.  I came away much better informed and not feeling like a failure for considering the surgery. 

I'm glad you are going to the one at the OBC at Riverbend.  It's a really nice facility too.  I hope this reply is helpful to you. 

Hello all,

I just called and spoke with Brenda AKA Musik's Mom. Brenda came out of surgery at 1pm. Her sugery took 5 hours but everything went great! She is currently in the recovery room.

I will call her mother  back in a few hours and post another update..

Beth

http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/musik/ is her profile.

Hey Jeanne,

Thanks for replying even without any suggestions. Iron infusions are something that I hate and would love to avoid considering the pain that follows after wards. Every bone in my bone starts using the iron at the same time and makes me feel like I wa**** by a bus. I unfortunately can't rely on vitamin, iron or mineral supplements due to the absorption problem. 

Due to the fact that we have two insurance policies, I am not charged for my Vit B injections. I get it one a week. I do feel the difference right away and it does help with the fatigue.

Again, thanks for the reply and I will definitely share what information I obtain from my appointment with the Gastroenterology specialist. Take care...