"I first contacted the Bariatric Surgery Center in Missoula. Although they were nice, they wouldn't go out of their way to let me know what I would need for insurance approval. BC/BS Federal didn't pre-approve at that time, and they were afraid to touch me. They wouldn't even get me in to see the doc.
I then tried another surgeon. Dr. Rohrer flat out told me that my particular insurance requires someone to have been diagnosed with one of the 7 major risk factors, and he gave me a prescription to have a sleep study done. The sleep study didn't show anything, so I was dropped by them as well. Being right on the bubble, this has been a little tough.
I am changing surgeons to Dr. Allen after hearing the results of the sleep study. I'll update after my consult next week.
Some good words about Dr. Allen. He is not judgemental. He relayed an experience he had with some surgical nurses who were very thin. They were looking at his patient and he could tell that they were thinking, "how could she let herself get that way?" And he said to them, "Do you think that all they need to do is diet and exercise?" And they said yes. He then said, "What would you say if someone told you that you needed to gain 100 pounds and keep it on for over a year?" They said that they couldn't do it. And Dr. Allen said, "Now you know how they feel about NOT being able to lose the weight." He has also never lost a patient during WLS and has better statistics than the average regarding weight loss maintained, infection, and other major complications. Overall, I was very happy I finally went to him. I should have done it sooner.
I didn't see his bedside manner as bad. He seems to be very confident in his ability as a surgeon, and makes sure you know he feels very comfortable performing the RNY laproscopically. He does talk fast so you have to listen carefully, but he will let you talk and listen to your input as well. He wants to know that you are really a good candidate for WLS. He gives you plenty of time to ask questions, but I think he already knows that most of do quite a bit of homework before we even call a surgeon. I thought he was very kind and he spent a lot of time with me in his office.
I did NOT feel talked down to as I did with Dr. Rohrer. That's important. He was a little concerned about the short amount of time I've been married because husbands tend to feel more secure with their heavy wives. He also wants to make sure you know that you WILL feel head hungry sometimes and encouraged me to get a picture taken of me now so that when I start feeling sorry for myself because of the things I can no longer eat (and he assures me I will at some point) I can easily remind myself part of why I am doing this. What a good doctor. Although he doesn't have a support group, he says that most of his patients prefer to do things at their own pace and call and ask if they have any questions. He reminds us to listen to our bodies and do what they say is the right thing.
Once again, very impressed with Dr. Allen.
02/24/04 - I like this man more and more with each contact. He is a very warm person and I believe he is a skilled surgeon. I'm doing very well post-op.
"
"They did run out of oversized gowns on my last day there, but it wasn't a big deal to me, but I was at a lower BMI to start with, but all the nursing and housekeeping staff were friendly and made sure that I knew that every decision was mine - including when to clean the room. I felt very much in control of my care, which is a big plus in my book."
