Back to the old surgeon

Mar 23, 2010

History:

Approved for surgery at the beginning of December at a hospital an hour away.  I live in the Austin area, but none of the hospitals in Austin had the BCBS Blue Distinction certification.  Totally excited about the surgery.  Found out a couple of days later that the hospital had just been notified that they no longer had the certification.  Really wanted to get moving on the surgery, so I looked for the closest hospital, which would be Houston.  Thought about that for a couple of days and realized that there was no way I could drive 2-2 1/2 hours for appointments and fills on a regular basis.  Spoke to a hospital in Austin who informed me that they had applied for the needed certification.  Decided to make an appointment with a local surgical group who uses that hospital.  Met the surgeon and nutritionist over the Christmas break.  Loved the surgeon, not  so enthused about the nut.  Had to speak to the original hospital about some paperwork and they told me they had reapplied for certification and were hoping to have it by the beginning of March.  Started hoping for spring break surgery.  Kept up with both facilities all of January and February.  Local hospital okay, original hospital apologetic and anxious to help.  Got very discouraged as spring break came around.  Spoke with a friend who had RNY right before spring break and decided to call insurance company on Wed. to see if they could share any info on when certifications would be coming to central Texas.  Was told by rep that he thought they only certified once a year - in December.  Now, really bummed out.  Called Austin hospital to see if they had heard anything.  Certified 2 days earlier!  Yippee!  A little down though, I really felt more comfortable at the original hospital.  Decided to check in with them.  They had also just received notification of certification.   They were able to get me the following day (Thur.)  to visit with the nurse.  Clerk called me early on Thursday about a time change; I was able to tell her that the certification had posted on the BCBS website the evening before.  She shared it with her office and I could hear the celebration!  Great to visit with the nurse and discuss RNY/band.  Decided to stick with my original decision of band.  Was called on Saturday afternoon by the hospital to tell me they had received my approval from the insurance company late on Friday.  Wow!  Now I am just waiting to get a call from the scheduler to get this thing set up.  I only have 2 1/2 sick days left, so I am hoping for a Thursday morning surgery time and plan on getting back to work on the following Monday. 

Now, I really need to start exercising.  Old catch-22, I'm so tire, but if I exercised I would not feel so tire.  I am ready to move forward!

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