Question:
I have been approved for Surgery, had all of my pre-op tests and procedures done.

I still haven't gotten a surgery date. It's been almost a month. Is that normal? My doctor is Dr. Sanderfer and I know that he is very good at what he does, but....Isn't it kind of ridiculous having to wait several weeks before even getting scheduled?    — Debra G. (posted on May 13, 2002)

May 13, 2002
Call and find out what is going on. The same thing happened to me so I stopped by the office and my surgery date was less than a week from that day. From that day on I have been trusting my *gut* instinct more.
   — Karen M.

May 13, 2002
Hi Debra: Dr. Sanderfer did my surgery 9 mos ago. He and his office are WONDERFUL!!! If you have a question or concern call his office mgr. Debi and she can help. Sometimes she is extremely busy and will have to call you back but she will....Just explain the problem to the receptionist and she will get you to the right person...You're gonna be so happy with the procedure that he does for you..I have lost #126 in 9 mos and couldn't be anymore greatful to Dr. Sanderfer and his entire office staff......Hope to see you at the next support group meeting...they are the last Tuesday of each month at Riverside Comm Hosp. Please introduce yourself to me...most everyone there knows me...I am the one that wants everyone's high protein recipes for my recipe book....Take Care and Call His Office.....
   — Joi G.

May 13, 2002
I know how you feel!!! If it makes you feel any better, I was approved on April 9th.....and was told not to expect surgery to be done until <b>NOVEMBER</b> of this year. Talk about ridiculous! I have decided to switch to another surgeon because of this. The wait is literally killing me. I hope you have better luck than I have had!!!!! Good luck and hang in there. Hugs, Kathie (in Hawaii)..........
   — KathieInHawaii

May 13, 2002
It's very strange to have your pre-admit testing (which is what I assume you had done) and not be scheduled for surgery. Typically pre-admit testing is done within 2 weeks of the surgery. I'd call the doctor and check it out.
   — Patty H.

July 7, 2002
I started my quest for surgery in January, '02. I first had to attend a mandatory informational seminar Feb 15, '02. I didn't get into see the surgeon until May 3, '02. It took the office almost 6 weeks to get the request to my insurance company. Once there, it was approved within a day and a half! That was in June and I am scheduled for October 3rd. The delays were upsetting but I guess the demand is high /w only a few bariatric surgeons here in Phoenix. Anonymous
   — Barbara M.