ObesityHelp

I went through PNC 5 years ago, and it was smooth sailing from day one.  Did you go to their info meeting and mail in the packet they give you?  Did they give you a reason why they think you won't qualify?  If it's a valid reason (health issue, psych eval, etc.), you should give it some serious consideration. 

I know the staff in the bariatric department has gone through a number of changes in the past 5 years, and the nurse that helped me navigate it all has been gone for a few years already (although she has become one of my dearest friends).  But none of them should never treat a patient with anything less than the utmost respect.  It's a humbling thing to have to go through right from the start.

I guess all I can say is - if you can get through this preliminary stuff, continue to advocate for yourself and end up getting approved, the surgeons are absolutely top notch.  And the support group they offer every 2nd and 4th Wednesday evening was absolutely key in the success I've had with my RNY.  I haven't been able to get to one since last summer because of a second job I took on, but I may go tomorrow night. 

I guess, at the risk of upsetting you, you should ask yourself - is this really a BAD experience, or am I just so anxious to get to the loser's bench that I'm feeling annoyed by all the steps it takes to get there?

Good luck to you.  And feel free to attend their support group even before surgery, lots of WLS patients do.  It'll give you encouragement to keep fighting for this.

 I went to Abbott for convenience, but I have attended many PNC support meetings and info meetings. I have nothing but the highest regard for their operation.

I can't give an opinion about PNC, but I am currently in the pre-op process with the Unity Bariatric group (Allina) & it has been fantastic! Everyone i've encountered has been nothing but nice & supportive. My nurse coordinator even called me last week just to see how I was doing. Best of luck to you on your journey!

SB -  One thing you need to get a handle on right away - BEFORE you have any WLS is that YOU have to advocate for yourself in all aspects.  Bottom line - it is up to YOU to educate yourself.  It is up to YOU to sit down with your WLS and outline your strategy/plan of action. 

If you have questions - write them down and bring them in at your next appointment.

The last thing you want is after your surgery, to be scared/concerned/frustrated and not feel that you have the support of your weight loss surgery clinic/surgeon.

So grab the bull by the horns, find your inner gumption and demand to have the answers you need and a strategy for going forward.

I would be quite frank and say "Why do you feel I will not qualify?  Should I be going back to Fairview at this point and saving my money if you are not willing to be part of my success?"

Best of luck to you -

I went through PNC starting a few years ago. I first went to an info session and wanted the Lapband 2 years ago, but then I chickened out and put it off for a bit.  I went to another info session (as stuff can become outdated if you do not act fast enough) and met with Dorothy the Coordinator.  I took my husband this time and she was amazingly helpful and I settled on the sleeve.  Thanking my lucky stars I actually chickened out the first time!

I have had nothing but WONDERFUL experiences at Meadowbrook with Dr. DeMattia and her staff, and the nutritionists and then my surgery with Dr. Jones on January 13th of this year.  The only weird snafu was that they originally told me 6 months of NUT visits and such then I found out that MY PARTICULAR insurance did not require it or even cover more than 3 LIFETIME NUT visits. So I had my surgery 3 months early.  Yippee! 

But yah, I really like how they take care of me.  Shareen is my favorite NUT too.