Totally Frustrated!
Good! It will take you a long way...
Barbara
ObesityHelp Coach and Support Group Leader
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bcumbo_group/
High-264, Current-148, Goal-145
Hey Worl,
I attended my seminar last October, turned in my application in December and completely forgot about it. In January Duke called and set up an appointment with Dr. Pryor and the rest of the crew. Unfortunately I had to cancel due to having knee surgery the same day. I couldn't reschedule until I was cleared by my orthopedic doc. which was in May. Finally rescheduled June 16 with Pryor and the nut. I completed blood work, xrays, etc...retrieved my stress test from triangle heart. My next appointment was to be with Dr Applegate on June 29. Had to cancel this due to my back going out and I couldn't walk. I was taken out of work on June 28 and have not returned due to restrictions. This allowed me to meet with Dr. Friedman on July 15. Thinking I had everything done, I sat and waited, then I called and waited. Two weeks ago the nurse called and said she couldn't find my labs or my upper GI. I was like no one schedule an upper GI. Was scheduled for it two days later. After calling everyday last week, I decided to visit yesterday. Sometimes talking to someone face to face gets your point across better than on the phone. In fact, the ladies at the front desk have become accustom to me showing up looking to get answers. Being proactive will get you everywhere, as I was told yesterday, I would have my date by tomorrow. I have been approved but have to be scheduled. As for my frustration, I'm working with limited time, as my FMLA runs out the 7th of Sept. and I really wanted to get in before that. If I didn't I would have had to wait another year before I had the time built up. I know this was probably more than you wanted to know, but my advice for you would be to keep notes of appointments, be proactive, and don't be afraid to call and don't settle for a voice on a machine.
Rhonda
I attended my seminar last October, turned in my application in December and completely forgot about it. In January Duke called and set up an appointment with Dr. Pryor and the rest of the crew. Unfortunately I had to cancel due to having knee surgery the same day. I couldn't reschedule until I was cleared by my orthopedic doc. which was in May. Finally rescheduled June 16 with Pryor and the nut. I completed blood work, xrays, etc...retrieved my stress test from triangle heart. My next appointment was to be with Dr Applegate on June 29. Had to cancel this due to my back going out and I couldn't walk. I was taken out of work on June 28 and have not returned due to restrictions. This allowed me to meet with Dr. Friedman on July 15. Thinking I had everything done, I sat and waited, then I called and waited. Two weeks ago the nurse called and said she couldn't find my labs or my upper GI. I was like no one schedule an upper GI. Was scheduled for it two days later. After calling everyday last week, I decided to visit yesterday. Sometimes talking to someone face to face gets your point across better than on the phone. In fact, the ladies at the front desk have become accustom to me showing up looking to get answers. Being proactive will get you everywhere, as I was told yesterday, I would have my date by tomorrow. I have been approved but have to be scheduled. As for my frustration, I'm working with limited time, as my FMLA runs out the 7th of Sept. and I really wanted to get in before that. If I didn't I would have had to wait another year before I had the time built up. I know this was probably more than you wanted to know, but my advice for you would be to keep notes of appointments, be proactive, and don't be afraid to call and don't settle for a voice on a machine.
Rhonda
I completely understand your frustration. So you say BCBSNC has already approved you for surgery and you are waiting to be scheduled? Or are you waiting for Duke to turn in your paperwork for approval? I had a hard time with them, getting things done in what I thought was a timely manner. Once I got a date everything went very smoothly. They should not be booked too far out and I can't imagine them needing to go past August. I called, A LOT!! And now that I've just had surgery, they've improved their phone system...sometimes someone actually picks up and if not I've actually gotten a same day return call.
This isn't just Duke that's like this. I was working with another clinic last year and they were much worse and RUDE!
This isn't just Duke that's like this. I was working with another clinic last year and they were much worse and RUDE!
Hi. I had my surgery at Duke in May, 2010 and my experience was wonderful. It is frustrating at first because it seems like everything takes a long time, but I think that was because I was so eager to have the surgery done. I also asked to be put on their cancellation list. Someone did cancel so I was called on a Thursday and told I could have my surgery the following Monday. That was a full month before I was originally scheduled for surgery.
Best wishes to you!
Cindy
Best wishes to you!
Cindy
Geez! SO glad I didn't choose the program at Duke.!!! I have been considering RNY for a few years and took the time to research, as much as I could on-line, the different programs in the area and ultimately decided on Carolina's Weight Management and Wellness Center in Charlotte, NC based on their status as a Center of Excellence with BCBS and the feedback I had read of the program and the practitioners there.
I can tell you that right from the moment I contacted them about getting information for their seminar the staff have been professional, comforting and informative. The information they have provided me in writing and have thoroughly discussed with me has addressed every expectation they have of me as a patient and has also addressed what I should expect of them.
I received a packet that included a pre-office visit checklist at the seminar. I received another checklist at the first office visit that prepared me for the next few steps in my WLS process. Each and every time I have ever called their office I ALWAYS speak to office staff and have ALWAYS received calls back the very same day whenever I've had to leave a message for someone.
I receive reminders by phone two days in advance of any appointment and I am in contact with some of the staff via email! ALL of the pre-op visits with the nutritionist, fitness trainer, psychologist, etc. are in the same office as my surgeon. The only appointment I have outside of the office is for the endoscopy and they set that up as well. I live in Lexington and getting to all of these appointments can be teadious as I work full-time. They have always been mindful of the distance I travel to receive their services and have done everything they can to make things easier for me to accomplish.
Sorry for the tough time you've had, but your experiences have given me confidence in the decision I made. WLS is an arduous and emotional process and I can not imagine going through it with a group of professionals who are not supportive and available. Good luck to you and I look forward to hearing more about your experiences!
I can tell you that right from the moment I contacted them about getting information for their seminar the staff have been professional, comforting and informative. The information they have provided me in writing and have thoroughly discussed with me has addressed every expectation they have of me as a patient and has also addressed what I should expect of them.
I received a packet that included a pre-office visit checklist at the seminar. I received another checklist at the first office visit that prepared me for the next few steps in my WLS process. Each and every time I have ever called their office I ALWAYS speak to office staff and have ALWAYS received calls back the very same day whenever I've had to leave a message for someone.
I receive reminders by phone two days in advance of any appointment and I am in contact with some of the staff via email! ALL of the pre-op visits with the nutritionist, fitness trainer, psychologist, etc. are in the same office as my surgeon. The only appointment I have outside of the office is for the endoscopy and they set that up as well. I live in Lexington and getting to all of these appointments can be teadious as I work full-time. They have always been mindful of the distance I travel to receive their services and have done everything they can to make things easier for me to accomplish.
Sorry for the tough time you've had, but your experiences have given me confidence in the decision I made. WLS is an arduous and emotional process and I can not imagine going through it with a group of professionals who are not supportive and available. Good luck to you and I look forward to hearing more about your experiences!
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