MUSC

Hi All, This is my first post here. I am waiting to hear from MUSC after sending in my initial paperwork. I seem to "fit" all of the prerequsites really well. It has been almost two weeks. Should I give them a little more time before calling? Thanks!

Welcome aboard Curtis, Dr Byrne is great...no nonsense sort of guy. It shouldn't be too much longer before they call. Joyce, his secretary will be the one you speak to. lesley

Welcome I would call to make sure they got everything from you and your doctor. My initial referral was lost and they needed all the paperwork, including the 2 letters from my physician before my appointment. They understand how eager we are to get things going. You will love Dr. Byrne. He is a very good doctor and cares alot about us and making sure we are success. His staff is also very good. You will be given very thing you need! I felt so prepared mentally for the surgery and what to expect. Do not forget to ask any questions you have, they welcome them. Ask here also! Good Luck and Keep us posted. Hugs Julie

Welcome, Michael!! Glad you found us, and I hope you'll stick around! ~Elizabeth

Joyce no longer works for Dr. Byrne and Amanda Budak is now his program coordinator. Tarnicia Smith is the girl you need to speak to to get an appointment. Amanda is on vacation until Friday and Tarnicia is new to the department. I waited about a week or two for an appointment for the first consult and it has now been three weeks since that day and after three emails I finally have a "tentative" surgery date. You need to keep calling since they like to schedule the consults on the third Thursday of each month so you can have Dr. B's class and then the nutrition class at the psych hospital. It's a long day--9-4 but I loved having everything done in one day. Remember--the squeaky wheel gets the grease!! They are busy and have a new person making appointments. It will be in your best interest to call and check. Good luck with everything!

Here is Amanda's email: [email protected] Go ahead and call, I found it was better to be proactive then to wait because they are so busy. Keep posting and let us know how it turns out. I am sure you will have no troubles getting the surgery....it is the best thing you can do for yourself!! Deborah Welcome aboard! We also have support group meetings every Thursday evening in Charleston at 6pm at JC's bar and grill on Ashley Phospate Rd. Many post/pre ops come and it is helpful. The owner, Cheryl, had gastric bypass and has a menu just for us. It is in the Food Lion shopping center.

Hey Michael Welcome, there's always room for one more Waiting always seems to be the hardest part If you're anxious I'd call just for peace of mind sake, you never know, they might have the answer you want to hear I'm glad you stopped by, and hope you'll continue to from time to time to let us know where you are on your journey. I hope you're not gonna have to wait much longer. Keep us posted.

Thanks everyone for the replys....I left a message for Tarnicia today as well as one for Amanda...sent emails too. I really appreciate the exchange of info that this board seems to offer. Can anyone advise me on what to expect from Medicare as far as co-pays, etc. I just became eligible fore Medicare and understand that they do cover the surgery now but cant seem to find anyone at Medicare to tell me what I can expect to pay...any help would be greatly appreciated. My docs are all telling me that this surgery is my best bet for relief from my conditions (non-surgical failed back syndrome, diabetes, high BP and on and on...get the picture?) and God knows I am more than readly to get some relief! I went all the way thru another doctors (in Chas) prerequsite testing for RNY surgery only to have that doc stop performing the procedure. Perhaps it was for the best as everyone I speak to touts MUSCs program as the best around. Thanks again for the support! Michael