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MSW will not settle
on 6/3/09 6:03 am, edited 6/3/09 6:06 am
Topic: RE: Dr Robert Bell -- experiences? Really struggling to make a decision (long)
I did not use Dr Bell however I researched him thoroughly for the VSG.  Cir****tances led me to have my surgery in FL instead of home in CT, otherwise I would have used Dr Bell. 

While I have not met him, the information I received from his office and the professionalism of the staff was impressive.  I've spoken with half a dozen different practices before I made a decision.  Unlike so many others, they did not blow me off with 'attend a seminar...'.  If his staff reflects on him, I would have been glad to work with him.   His was the only office that stated they were certain they could build a case well enough to get the VSG approved, although my insurance does not normally cover this procedure.   

Given there is no turning back once this is done, in your position I would persue this with Dr Bell.  It is expensive and $$ is hard to come by for most of us.  In the end, its worth it to be absolutely certain you've explored all possibilities. 

Good luck, whatever your decision. 

                   MSW   Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass: Eat sensibly & enjoy moderation  

 Links:  Are you a compulsive eater?  for help OA meets on-line Keep Coming Back, One Day At a Time  Overeaters Anonymous 

               LV'N MY RNY.  WORKING FOR ME BECAUSE I WORK FOR IT. 

MSW will not settle
on 6/3/09 5:42 am
Topic: RE: HAS ANYONE GOt APPROVED IN 3 MONTHS??
Same time frame as Karen C.  

The Empire Plan (United Health Care for doc, Empire BCBS for hosp). 

Slight delay because office held paperwork about ten days after it was already complete but both insurers approved me within 24 hrs of receipt. 

                   MSW   Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass: Eat sensibly & enjoy moderation  

 Links:  Are you a compulsive eater?  for help OA meets on-line Keep Coming Back, One Day At a Time  Overeaters Anonymous 

               LV'N MY RNY.  WORKING FOR ME BECAUSE I WORK FOR IT. 

Kathy W.
on 6/3/09 4:11 am - Enfield, CT
RNY on 01/15/08 with
Topic: RE: Fill Provider?
I'm in Enfield. I live about 10 minutes or so from Springfield.

I shall now be know as Hagatha: Queen of the queens.

Baby 7-09

Xavier Elliott born 10-5-10

BetterL8ThanNever
on 6/3/09 3:46 am
Topic: RE: Fill Provider?
I'll try those groups- I know nobody wants to take over somebody elses patient/potential problems due to possible malpractice issues- but wow you'd think they'd love somebody paying cash $ out of their own pocket rather than having to fight with insurance companies for reimbursement! Where are you located?
Mickey
on 6/3/09 2:54 am - Rockville, CT
Topic: RE: Dr Raftopoulos and the DS?
Hi Lois,
 
I have been under Dr. R's care for a little over a year now since switching physicians.
(I have RNY)
He is very thorough... great attention to details.. & is VERY focused on making sure his patients are successful with their WLS. 
I will be honest... he can be a little "hard core" in his approach.. however it's only because he cares on the health & well being of his patients.  I personally like & need that.
He has done an amazing job with my health over the past  1 year & I'm grateful to have him as my Dr.  
My suggestion.. go to his seminar.... get feedback from his team... & other patients... make comparisons with the other surgeons who perform the DS or RNY (if you choose to go that way)  

Best wishes,
Mickey  
Mickey
Kathy W.
on 6/3/09 2:01 am - Enfield, CT
RNY on 01/15/08 with
Topic: RE: Dr Raftopoulos and the DS?
I have heard nothing butt good things about him. I have no personal experience with him so I can only tell you what others have said. Good luck on this part of the journey. I think it was one of the hardest.

I shall now be know as Hagatha: Queen of the queens.

Baby 7-09

Xavier Elliott born 10-5-10

Kathy W.
on 6/3/09 1:55 am - Enfield, CT
RNY on 01/15/08 with
Topic: RE: Is it a bug, parasite or ????
Unless of course your name is Micky and had her surgeon. But since it's not and you didn't I am sure he took it out. Esp since I trusted him to do mine too.

I shall now be know as Hagatha: Queen of the queens.

Baby 7-09

Xavier Elliott born 10-5-10

Kathy W.
on 6/3/09 1:50 am - Enfield, CT
RNY on 01/15/08 with
Topic: RE: Fill Provider?
What a crime.  LOL I know there is a group at Yale (Have no clue why I asked where you live since I have no clue where most places are. I have only been here 5 years), I think someone is in Waterford, Middletown (He doesn't take other's patients unless you move or the doctor moves but you might try him),  Good luck. And if that's the only crime you commit (remember it's a crime to speed ) you are doing good in life!

I shall now be know as Hagatha: Queen of the queens.

Baby 7-09

Xavier Elliott born 10-5-10

Gooodjuju
on 6/3/09 1:02 am
Topic: RE: Dr Robert Bell -- experiences? Really struggling to make a decision (long)
I had Dr. Bell do my surgery and he is GREAT!  I think you should totally have a consultation with him, I just think you might have to wait a bit...since he so good he's in high demand!

Good Luck!
~juju
~juju


      
BetterL8ThanNever
on 6/2/09 11:59 pm
Topic: RE: Fill Provider?
I'm in torrington, Have tried the groups in Hartford, St Francis and New Britain Hospital, as well as the group in Norwalk .... got VERY RUDE responses, as if I had committed a crime by going out of country, when I really had no choice unless I didn't plan to send my daughter to college next year!
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