"I haven't met personally with Dr. Elariny yet, but his office staff is great. Shauntae has SO much patience! She has answered all of my questions and never acts like it is too much of a bother. She is also helping me get the surgery scheduled quickly due to a job loss situation (layoff). Shauntae sent me the full list of normal preop tests, and I have been able to arrange all of them through my PCP. When I go to the consult, everything is ready!
Dr. Elariny also answered two detailed emails from me, even though he has not seen me yet as a patient in his office.
I will be going to a group information session on January 22nd with a personal appointment on the 23rd. I'll add more details then....
UPDATED JAN 27, 2002:
Just wanted to share my thoughts now that I am back home after the consultation with Dr. Elariny in Virginia. Everything looks like a go! :)
I finished all of my preop testing with the exception of my final bloodwork panel, which must be done within 30 days of surgery. Prior to my consultation, I obtained a physical and referral from my PCP, got an EKG, chest x-ray, EGD, colonoscopy, gallbladder ultrasound and psychiatric clearance. It was important that I get these done ASAP due to a job layoff, but it also really helped to have all of that medical documentation right there with the surgeon during my consult. The only new medical information revealed by my preop testing was the presence of rather large gallstones and a small hiatal hernia.
After examining me and going over my test results, Dr. Elariny agreed to perform a DS surgery with the removal of my gallbladder and possibly my appendix (unless the operation runs too long or complications occur). Due to previous hernia surgery above my navel with mesh, he may have to do my surgery as 1/2 lap, 1/2 open, but Dr. Elariny will try to do the entire procedure lap if possible.
So now my next big hurdle is insurance approval. I am finding myself VERY eager to hear an answer quickly, partly of course for the same reasons as everyone else. We all want to know as soon as possible whether the insurance company is going to be a problem and if difficult, time-consuming appeals will be in our future. I am crossing my fingers that all will go well with UHC.
I have to say, I really liked Dr. Elariny a lot. I found him to be extremely personable and sincere. He comes across as a doctor you can trust and I felt very comfortable with him. Dr. Elariny's ability to clearly and simply explain all of the different bariatric surgeries was great. Even though I did very thorough research and knew most of what he covered in the group session, his presentation reinforced my decision to have a DS by explaining all of the different options very logically. My SO was also impressed with his approach, and I think it helped him understand better why I have chosen the DS.
Dr. Elariny was running a couple of hours late on the following day for the one-on-one consultation, but that didn't bother me at all. Apparently his surgical schedule ran long that day, and rather than do what so many other doctors would do -- cancel virtually all of the afternoon appointments and make them reschedule -- Dr. Elariny and some of his staff stayed long after normal office hours until he had seen everyone. In my experience, that's a rare level of dedication in any doctor, let alone in an intensely busy and highly skilled surgeon. I would recommend Dr. Elariny very highly based on my experience with him and his office so far. I felt pretty good about my decision before I went to Virginia, but now I feel very confident in my choice of surgeon.... Next time I will just remember to bring a good book to read while I am waiting....<grin>
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