Wanting but waiting

HI All,

My real mind tells me that all this is normal, but the wanting mind, the one that is tired of being overweight just wants to scream at someone.  After 3 seminars I found a surgeon that I thought might work for me.  Seminar on the 11/3, consult on 11/17.  Due to some of the issues I have been complaining of for about 2 years I had some of the pre-op tests during this time.ordered by my PCP.  I was also lucky enough to get my psych eval done very quickly.  Loved the doc. but at the end of the appointment  I was told that there would be no surgeries until after the first of the year.  I was also told that I would get an email by the end of the week telling me what my next step should be.  Well I haven't heard a word, and it makes me nuts that I have been left hanging out in the wind.  I called on Fri. and left a message, maybe they will feel like calling me back this week.  I know and understand about being busy and the holidays but.....  Given that they work in this field they must come upon the emotions that we all must go through once we make the decision to pursue WLS.  I find this to be very stressful and expect it to get even more so.  The big reason to go to this office was that I was told they were very helpful, maybe I just rub people the wrong way.  I just needed to get this out and hopefully I will go to sleep without spending an hour or so thinking about it while trying to get to sleep. 

Good am,

It IS an incredibly tedious process we go through for approval. No matter who you are these days its even longer. Your thoughts, feelings and emotions are what many of us experience. Things seem to be progressing and I know it seems like they are not getting back to you fast enough but that is also where you have a voice. Make a phone call and inquire. Let them know you haven't received any further instructions and you are concerned and would like to know when you may. Of course the holidays are busy but in the medical world as well but they will get to you. Be the squeaky wheel that gets the grease! You are your own best advocate. Patience is a hard thing to come during this process as well. But, at the same time, you've got to be proactive. Keep us posted. All best!

Kat took the words right out of my mouth!  Let me know if I can help in any way.  What surgeon have you chosen?  A lot of us know people at the offices and can get you in direct contact with someone that may be able to assist you better!  Like Jackie said...enjoy the "one last Christmas dinner"...and eat what you want!

It is very difficult to be patient in this process and we were all anxious to get this over and done  with once we had made up our minds etc - what Doctor are you using because some of us might know who it is and can give you some advice or someone to call who might be more helpful....

Try to relax and know that you only have a few weeks to wait and you can enjoy one last Christmas eating whatever you like!!

Jackie

I agree with Kat. Call them and talk to them. Let them know your concerns. If you don't hear back from them by the end of today call them again. Good luck and let us know what happens.

Now I am mad. The office called this morning, I still don't feel that very much was accomplished!  Joyce asked me if I would be using insurance or be self pay.  I said insurance, Tri Care Standard, she said oh I don't see it in your chart.   Well she finally found it but,  as far as what is needed next I had to pry everything thing out of her.  Even information that was listed in the packet at the seminar she wasn't aware of such as pulmonary & cardiac evals and the blood work, yet she told me the chart let her know what to tell me I needed to do.  This is the Richmond Surgical Group and they were highly recommended to me, but man this is a bad start.  Of course none of my info has been forwarded to them from my PCP.  It also looks like the best I can hope for with a date will be March as they are already scheduling in late Feb.

Given what you now know, PLEASE keep on top of things. Again, you are your own best advocate. Its frustrating even depressing when it seems like others have dropped the ball. Take/make notes of all this, get on the horn and make sure everyone is taking the steps to get you processed into all the correct systems. I will continue to pray that you get everything up to date/expedited. Turn your anger into determination and use your voice. All best!

You may also want to look around at other groups as well. I recommend Commonwealth Surgeons also at St. Mary's.  I personally would not let anyone at RSG touch me.  PM me for reasons if you are interested.  Be your own advocate!

I know how frustrating things can be when you are waiting on others.  Even when things are on a fast track it feels like things take forever.  Have patience and I'm sure all your records will be recieved and you can continue on the process.  You might want to check in with one of our VA Board residents sarahruth23 who is a part of that surgical group.  She may be able to give you a few insider tips.  :)