Question:
Medicaid sending me to small-town Dr who did residency RNY work, should I be concerne

My Medicaid approved surgery without even a letter! I'm so happy. They sent me to an in-network Dr. in a small town 80 miles away. This Dr. did his residency with Dr. LePort in Loma Linda CA from 1980-85. He did tons of RNYs & has since done a few. He operates open. Should I be concerned about his relative lack of frequency performing the operation? He's a terrific surgeon, & has glowing reviews about his practice. Another concern: I toured the hospital (Milan TN General Hospital) & there was NO ONE IN ICU! Their last patient had left there 3 days prior. Should this be a concern? I'm fighting to get it done lap with an out-of-network in Nashville, but tough to succeed. If I want to wait until 11/9, I can do it via Medicare with the Lap Dr. in Nashville. Anybody have advice?    — Jay P. (posted on October 3, 2001)

October 3, 2001
Jon, if all that stands in the way from having the surgery you want, with a doctor you have faith in and at a facility you are comfortable with is a one month wait, then I say go for it. One month will fly by. Whatever you do, be sure you are completely secure in your decision. This is your life you are talking about. Best of Luck!!
   — Donna L.

October 3, 2001
One thought... Nov is'nt really that far away. I don't say that lightly. I also have Medicaid and it's sister program, Blue Choice Option and it was nine months before I could get approval! One month is'nt bad if you want to go the LAP. I doubt you should be concerned if you go with the other doctor ether. But if you wait for the LAP, then use that month for good. Cut down on sugar (use Splenda or some other sweetener), practice eating slower, and chewing things thougrly. This will be great to learn as you will use it after surgery. Of course do walking or whatever exercise you like. That one month can be a time of preparation that you can use. Good luck with whatever you decide. I'm almost 5 months out (Open RNY) and have lost 90 pounds! (14 of it was the month or so before surgery- the rest afterward). I used my time before surgery to learn the things I told you about. And I'm glad I did. :)
   — Danmark

October 3, 2001
I vote with waiting for the lap- and a better feeling about the Drs frequency with rny and a big time icu. I hear always go for a lap these days - much easier on you and less chance of hernia. I just got my date! And I waited several months for a lap rny and am exercising and losing while I wait until 15Nov surgery date - so that the Dr. will have a better chance of doing a LAP!!!
   — charlene M.