surgery in Fresno?

MY PCP had Vierra---so she refered me to Vierra.... I think he is wonderful---he did my pre-op and right away his office helped me with all of the testing that Higa requires---- I had called my insurance co. ahead of time---and knew that I'd get switched---- due to insurance requirements--- Vierra's office set up all of my testing---locally.  They had Higa's office call me---- had my first consult ( watched the DVD and met with the Dr.) ( I made sure I had all the tests already done--and that Higa's office had rec'd them---PRIOR to my consult...( VERY IMPORTANT!!) Higa's office then submitted to insurance...took less than a week for approval--------I could have had surgery the following month, but due to MY work --- I had to wait an extra month. Dr. Higa was great---- I really like him too----- and I only went back once post-op--and then he transfered all my ppwk back to Vierra--and so Vierra does my post-op. I had NO problem with HIga's office staff at all. ( Higa requires more tests than Vierra---- but that's okay I guess.... needed them and now know I am pretty healthy)
    Now Fresno Heart--while a lovely hospital (looks like a hotel) a little disorganized in some areas...... they told me a surgery time..... and then called me that morning and asked me to come in early ( like 2 hours earlier---rushing to get there now!) That part of the staff ( pre-op) was really really nice--------I had a hard time with recovery---and i think the recovery nurses were done with me!!  My room was nice--- I really don't have a huge memory of the first nurses---but the night nurse was terrible-I had to ask to walk...( I needed a little help as I had catheter/foot compression machine/morphine pump, etc)  and then I'd walk ( ALONE--- in the evening--no one else around really!!!) ANd then I'd ask for help to get back into bed---and he'd sort of half help me!!! Soooo luckily he wasn't my nurse the next night---- although she wasn't much better...I tend to be a night owl----and I think I bugged their "routine" by wanting to walk!!!!! THIS is the floor and wing where it is all bariatric patients!! And yet---I never saw anyone else walking!!!
   Sorry to go on and on....but that was my experience....
Higa is great----- be your own advocate at Fresno heart----- and then get your ppwk back to Vierra after the first post-op....and you will be fine!
Best wishes.........
~~~~~~~~~Lori

Thanks,Lori. I think I've had all the testing done that Higa wants, and Dr.Vierra's office is faxing all of the test results to Higa. Just in case, I am also carrying my medical records for the last two years with me to my consult with him.  I really appreciate all of your information as all I had to go on was Vierra's recommendation. He feels quite strongly that Higa is GREAT, doesn't he? Sounds like he is. I wish I could have seen you the other night but I could not get to Monterey on Thursday night.

I will remember to be wary of the the night nurse as you and one other person have commented on the night nurse being rude. Sounds like he might be in the wrong profession!

Thanks a lot!
Cindy

Several days before your appt. with Higa---- CALL his office...speak to the contact person that has your file....and make sure they got Vierra's info.   VIerra's office does fax right away----but sometimes Higa's office will say they can't find ppwk---and when I pushed it---turns out it was "on someone else's desk"!!!!  Then when I was physically AT Higa's---they still tried to tell me I needed tests----because (MY INFO was on the other gal's desk!!!) SO, before you drive 3 hours back and forth---make sure THEY have all the litle ducks in a row!!
Probably because we've told you about the night nurses at Fresno heart---you'll have the sweetest ones!!   
   Just really be aware that you have to advocate for yourself----- and you will be fine.
Keep us posted--------and best wishes!
 ~~~~~~~Lori

Oh---and when you read Dr. Higa's credentials...... that  will reassure you as well.  Vierra told me that if his sister were to have the surgery---Higa would be the ONLY one he'd refer to---- pretty good endorsement!

I had my surgery in Fresno with Higa.  I loved how easy it was to get approved but the office did lose my paperwork once and I had to refax it.  I only saw him once before surgery and right before the actually surgery in hospital.  I had my surgery and in 45 min was out and in recovery. They let my husband know right away I was doing well.  Spent one night and went home with very litte pain.   
Fresno Heart Hospital was great more like hotel than hosptial which made for good atmosphere.  The day nurses were awsome but I also had a very rude night nurse.  The CNA helped me in and out of bed along with my husband.  I am now 6 months out and down 72lbs and feeling great.  I mostly see his support staff and bariatric nurse for appts now.   His credentials are awsome.  He knows his stuff.  Good luck with your surgery. 

Thanks Paularenee30! I am so relieved to hear the good things about Higa and the hospital from you! Apparently I have to watch that night nurse!  I also love to hear about very little pain...that is appealing. Most of all, I am so glad that the consensus seems to be that Higa is GOOD. Thanks so much for sharing the info.
Cindy