Question:
The wait for UCSF is so long! Feeling Frustrated

I suppose that I just need to vent a bit. I'm very frustrated as I try an move along this journey. There is a local Weight Loss Surgery Program at one of the two hospitals that are covered by my medical group. UNFORTUNATELY the medical group does not refer there - instead they refer to the UCSF program. As far as I've seen the program is overcrowded, understaffed, and located in a congested urban area. Finally two months after getting my referral (and almost having it expire) I got to MAKE an appointment to see the doctor that does the screening and the appointment is IN MAY!!!!!!!!!! The wait is very frustrating. Here I've made up my mind to pursue this and it is going so slowly. What upsets me is that I don't even know if I will be accepted as a surgical candidate or that the insurance will pay, etc. Until I go through several steps all MONTHS apart. This constant feeling of uncertainty and being in limbo is very frustrating. If anyone has any advise, or words of hope, I would appreciate it.    — w8free (posted on January 8, 2003)

January 8, 2003
Hi Elizabeth...I went through the same sort of deal with Kaiser (I live in San Francisco). I jumped through hoops for 14 months before I had surgery. Here is my timeline:<BR> 2/2001 asked PCP to refer me for surgery<br> 2/01 through 6/01 Had testing and attended 10 weeks of Weight Management classes in preparation to even be referred.<BR> 6/01 Finally referred to the Committee by PCP<BR> 9/01 Got answer from Committee that I was approved<BR> 2/<b>02</b> Finally saw my surgeon for the consult<BR> 5/02 Had my open RNY surgery<BR> So you can see it is not that unusual to have long waits between steps. I basically waited 7 months before I even knew I could get this surgery. Not trying to minimize your frustration (read my profile), because I know exactly what you're talking about. But at this point, the waiting lists are so long because folks are becoming aware of this type of surgery, that long waits are becoming the norm rather than the unusual. Hang in there! There are more people than you know on this site alone that have waited up to 2 years or even more for the surgery. Praying you won't have to wait that long. Hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 8, 2003
I had to deal with the same thing. I called in May to get a Seminar date in July. Then a consultation at the end of August. 9 weeks later approval. Now my surgery is scheduled for January 21st. I could have had a baby in that amount of time. I look at it like this. I will appreciate it & cherish the results even more for the hard work & longer wait. Don't help your frustration (I know it wouldn't have helped mine).
   — Paula G.

January 8, 2003
hi Elizabeth - I too have a long wait for my consult . I saw my pcp a month ago and have a referral for a surgeon , even though I don't need a referral before hand , I have humana ppo . I called the surgeons office when I got home that day for an appointment and was given one in May 2003 . That is a six month wait just to consult with the surgeon and then do all that has to be done after that . Plus my insurance has an exclusion on the wls . I have made sooo many calls to check about that and gotten a different answer every time . I have been advised to have my pcp call their pre-cert. dept. and find out what she needs to write and ask , so if I can be pre-approved , because it is medically needed . I had a stroke 2 1/2 yrs ago , have high blood pressure , low thyroid , depression and anxiety , and i take medicine for all of it everyday . It would save them money in the long run to approve me , when I had the stroke it cost them over 21,000.00 and my meds ( at my cost ) last year cost me almost 800.00 . That might not be alot to some , but the dr.'s visits and meds add up . If you or someone else has any ideas for this getting approved w/exclusion , please pass it on . thanks ......
   — patti G.

January 8, 2003
hi elizabeth i am also a CA resident, but i live in salinas, monterey county....i am going to the TEMPUS program in Fresno, CA it has been a dream....so easy if you have a PPO maybe you should reconsider if you worry about the competency of the dr's and staff who will be responsible for bringing you through this surgery...Fresno is a three hour drive for me, and compared to the program available in monterey, much closer, it is well worth it.
   — mistyclapp