Question:
Can the WLS clinics yank you around like this?

Sorry for the colorful language, but I am so ticked off and that is the only way to put how I am feeling. Contrary to my previous post, according to the insurance lady at VUMC, my file has NOT been submitted to my ins as I was told by the nurse. I even forwarded an email to the ins lady to prove what I was saying and all she can say is "I'm sorry, but the nurse should not have said that and I can see how you were confused" GIVE ME A BREAK! Do not even dare put this off on me as something I misconstrued! Had a rough morning at work, been having chest pains for about 4hrs and now THIS. Ok, so I have not gotten to the best part of this whole thing... the ins lady said that on my chart it says they are requiring me to do SIX MORE MONTHS of psychological counseling. I see a therapist WEEKLY and have been for the past few years. I do not understand this and there is no way I'm waiting six more months... I was told to plan my surgery in July... I've been doing that. Getting ready, buying stuff, and just saw the nut a couple weeks ago who flat out told me to get ready b/c it would be here soon, now they are saying that she is the one requiring the SIX MONTH waiting period. This doesn't make sense at all, and they are not even sure if I will get a phone call today to tell me what the hell is going on or not! Sorry, don't mean to be a "Debbie Downer" just HAD to get that out. Please help, I am so ready to give up.    — Clumsybarbie (posted on June 17, 2009)

June 17, 2009
Hey Teri, my dr hasn't done that to me ,it's taking me awhile to get my surgery because i have a thyriod problem, i have had to have a thyriod radation treatment done to me so i have to wait 4-6 week then get my labs check again. Then i should be good to go! Theresa
   — tmparker

June 17, 2009
Sounds like somebody just wants to make more money off of you. Have your spoken to your insurance company? They should have a patient advocate that might be able to be a liaison for you with the surgeon's office. Or, I would make an appointment with the surgeon and ask him/her just what the heck is going on? Make sure you have your talking points written out.... you've done thus and such on this date, thus and such on that date, and so on, pointing out all of the requirements you've fulfilled, and then ask him what is causing the psychologist to require 6 more months of counseling? Is it that the psychologist wants you to see HIM/HER instead of your own therapist? Money in his/her pocket, maybe? I don't know, but it doesn't sound right to me. However, I will say that I know several people here in Denver who had their surgery after only seeing the psychologist once, and they were not successful after their surgery, because they truly thought that the surgery itself was going to be a magic bullet. They thought that once that RNY or VGS or Lap Band was done, they didn't have to worry about anything else. They didn't recognize that a whole life change needed to happen... and they truly should have been made to see the psychologist more than once. I hope you are able to get this straightened out soon.... good luck!
   — Erica Alikchihoo

June 17, 2009
You need to make two appointments. One should be with you surgeob to explain all you have been through face to face with him and to say why you are picking up you records and leaving his practice and the other appointment should be with a totally new office and doctor. Yes it may extend your wait a little but if you already have all your preliminary stuff done in your record it should transfer fine. Your surgeon and office will be major players in your life for a long tmie if you have this surgery and you do not need to start off distrustful of them and their care for you. Good luck and stay strong in your desire for this path toward feeling better.
   — ceecee127

June 18, 2009
Don't get upset just yet with your doctor's office. Insurance companies are notorious for saying they haven't rec'd the paperwork when they have. I have UNC and they kept telling me they had no record. Turns out they did. I am now 4.5 years post op. Hang in there, it will happen before you know it.
   — smparker2

June 18, 2009
Erica made a good point. Just make a list of what is concerning you and approach the surgeon's office. Don't get angry at just anybody until you find out what is going on. It might be a good idea to talk with the psychologist to get his/her perspective on why you should wait another 6 months. Good luck.
   — Muggs

June 18, 2009
I think the last few responses are on target. You may find that you get the call for surgery even though the person at your insurance says it is not a go. Talk to your therapist and see if they have an idea of what could be raising a flag with your claim. See if they think you need more work ot be ready for surgery.
   — trible

June 18, 2009
Debbie Hi, I just wanted to tell u to hang in their, it took me 2 years to have my surgery, every minute was frustrating and untell I enter the surgery room I was waiting.I am now almost a year out and have lost 160 pounds all well worth the wait things happen for a reason all I can say is the medicial field (insurance) really do not think of our feelings at times or if we even have feelings, be strong and wait for some reason if your doctor is telling u that u need 6 more months then you will need to wait chances are something is wrong and a psychologist is in need, this surgery is not something that is going to make all your problems go away its a whole new learning tool and if u have some issues prior they will follow u, you can do it, its been this long a little more time then a year down the road you will be thinking wow it was all worht it. I just had my Galbladdr out Satureday finding out I had Galstones Thursday of last week I was to leave on a Mission trip Monday and was not able to go, I have been raising money for this and was down to a few days of leaving and was told I couldnt go all for a reason, my health and not in the plan, just be strong I know its frustrating read my blog and see why it took so long for my surgery I wish you the best and sorry they treated u this way Tammi
   — Tammi Sandoval

June 18, 2009
What a pain in the butt! I'm so sorry that you're having to go through this. Let me tell you what I did when my weight loss center started jerking me around and letting my case fall through the cracks. I contacted the hospital administrator via email and explained what was going on. I found his email address simply by going to the hospital website and looking at the staff section. Secondly, I contacted the weight loss center's director and told her my situation AND that I had advised the hospital administrator of the situation. This got attention...and quick! I had done everything that I was required to do and they were dragging their feet. So I gave them an ultimatim...they either get my surgery scheduled and completed within the month...or I was taking my business elsewhere. And I meant it, too. Don't forget....these people work for YOU. YOU are their boss...they are paid money by YOU or on your behalf by the insurance company that YOU have to pay. Don't put up with their crap. Anyway, as I said...I am just sorry you are having to deal with this. Life is difficult enough without having to put up with the careless incompetence of others. Hang in there and good luck!
   — PaulaJ