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Billie J. P. Santa Rosa, CA, USA Hoping to have surgery - BMI: 37.8 Surgery Type: Duodenal Switch Member ID: P994643639 Surgeon: Ara Keshishian, M.D |
Click here for Billie J.'s surgery support page Click here for the 10/2001 Reunion Page Click here for the DS forum Click here to print Billie J.'s cards (You can print your own cards, and if you're good at it, you can help print cards for your friends as well!) |
I looked into wls last year but was discouraged by some responses I received so gave up the search, but it stayed in the back of my mind. I am now revisiting the idea. I have spoken with Dr. Keshishian's office and they have received preliminary approval from my insurance. I have an initial appointment with him in August.
My issue now is my pcp. Her practice has grown and she doesnt seem to have time to listen anymore. She says I really need to lose weight because I now have arthritis in my hip, and Asthma as well. Yet, She dismisses my questions regarding weight loss with the instruction to eat less, eat low fat, and excercise a bit and all will be fine. Well, that just hasn't worked for me. I want to change to a new pcp who has some knowledge of obesity and a deeper understanding of the difficulties of weight loss. I have emailed some people from the list of peers, who also live in Santa Rosa, to tell me about their pcp. I really hope to hear from someone. Any suggestions for a primary care physician would be appreciated. From reading all the stories here regarding the difficulty of getting all the referrals and pre-op tests, etc., I'm sure that having a pcp who genuinely supports you would really help the process. I welcome any suggestions.
7/19/2001...Kudos and thank you's to Bobbi Marvin, she emailed me about her pcp here in Santa Rosa. She says he is a wonderful doctor who understands obesity and is supportive of WLS. I called his office and have an appt. with him in August. This is a great relief to me because, even though my insurance doesn't require a referral, I wanted to find a pcp that I can trust and depend on for my post op care. One hurdle down.
The surgeon's office called and was able to move my consult appt. forward. My best friend and I are supporting each other in this life change. We are talking to the same surgeon who is 5hrs away. My friends appt. was in July and mine in August, but Dr. Keshishians office is so considerate that they made arrangements for me to come in July with my friend and save us the second 5hr drive. I feel that things are falling into place and pray they continue to go smoothly.
10/12/01...found new pcp and then went back to old one. She called to ask why I had left and when I told her I felt she wouldn't support me in WLS she was surprised. She said she would absolutely support me and she has. I got approval from insurance on 09/06/01. Surgery scheduled for 10/19/01.
My issue now is my pcp. Her practice has grown and she doesnt seem to have time to listen anymore. She says I really need to lose weight because I now have arthritis in my hip, and Asthma as well. Yet, She dismisses my questions regarding weight loss with the instruction to eat less, eat low fat, and excercise a bit and all will be fine. Well, that just hasn't worked for me. I want to change to a new pcp who has some knowledge of obesity and a deeper understanding of the difficulties of weight loss. I have emailed some people from the list of peers, who also live in Santa Rosa, to tell me about their pcp. I really hope to hear from someone. Any suggestions for a primary care physician would be appreciated. From reading all the stories here regarding the difficulty of getting all the referrals and pre-op tests, etc., I'm sure that having a pcp who genuinely supports you would really help the process. I welcome any suggestions.
7/19/2001...Kudos and thank you's to Bobbi Marvin, she emailed me about her pcp here in Santa Rosa. She says he is a wonderful doctor who understands obesity and is supportive of WLS. I called his office and have an appt. with him in August. This is a great relief to me because, even though my insurance doesn't require a referral, I wanted to find a pcp that I can trust and depend on for my post op care. One hurdle down.
The surgeon's office called and was able to move my consult appt. forward. My best friend and I are supporting each other in this life change. We are talking to the same surgeon who is 5hrs away. My friends appt. was in July and mine in August, but Dr. Keshishians office is so considerate that they made arrangements for me to come in July with my friend and save us the second 5hr drive. I feel that things are falling into place and pray they continue to go smoothly.
10/12/01...found new pcp and then went back to old one. She called to ask why I had left and when I told her I felt she wouldn't support me in WLS she was surprised. She said she would absolutely support me and she has. I got approval from insurance on 09/06/01. Surgery scheduled for 10/19/01.
Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Ara Keshishian, M.D
I have my consult appt. with Dr. Keshishian July 27 so I haven't met him yet, but if his staff is a reflection of him, then he must be an awesome doctor. They are the most wonderful, caring, and accomodating people. They have responded to every email or call promptly and have been most informative and helpful. I am looking forward to meeting them all.
Insurer Info:
sheet metal workers local 104
Our insurance is through my husbands union. They are excellent. I have never had any problem with them and they certainly came through on this. Surgeon's office faxed letter of medical necessity from my pcp to insurance one afternoon and I had approval the next morning.