PMRI/Christiana Care/Dr. Wynn - New Policy

I'm so frustrated that I need to vent! To start with, it took 6 months to get an appointment with Dr. Wynn. Ok, I managed that. Once I saw her I was feeling pretty encouraged that I could get through the rest of the process fairly smoothly, and without too much time passing. I called PMRI the day after my appointment with Dr Wynn, only to be told that they wouldn't make appointments for me until I'd completed their nutrition class and gotten clearances from the cardiologist and pulminologist. I went to the nutrition class on 9/21, went to 2 cardiology appointments, through the cardiology tests and got cardio clearance 2 weeks ago. I went to the pulminologist and 2 sleep studies, and finally got pulminary clearance today. I called PMRI to set up the rest of my appointments only to be told that the nutrition class is not longer accepted and that I have to go through a 6 week, 275 dollar life skills class. At the nutrition class we were told that we were the last class, and from that point on all patients would have to go through the life skills class. When I argued it PMRI told me that it was a requirement of the surgeon that all patients must now go through the class, when I called Dr. Wynn's office they said it was Christiana Care that required it...this is SO FRUSTRATING. I travel extensively for work, and have made arrangements with my boss to stop traveling while I'm recuperating from surgery, so a 6 week class is going to take me several months to get through, because I'm out of the country for weeks at a time. I've been researching and following gastric bypass surgery for 5 years, it's not like I don't know what to expect. I feel like all of these entities work together to make as much money as possible from people in need. I'm at the point that if PMRI won't budge and forces me to go through the life skills class I'm going to give up. I'm tired of waiting, I'm tired of the roller coaster, I'm tired of making progress only to find the rules are being changed in the middle of the process. I feel that those of us in the last class should be allowed to be grandfathered in, and not be forced through the 6 week class. Anyway, just me venting...frustrated...angry...on the verge of tears...

Hi Joni - Just a thought?! Call Ellen Clevenger at PMRI - she handles a lot of this program. Tell her your concerns, she might be able to work something out for you...? Hope this helps! Best of luck! Valerie

So sorry Joni. It took me a year to go through the process. Some it takes longer and some people breeze through it. The Life Skills 6 wk classes started after I had surgery on Jan 26th, 2004. It is frustrating, but many of us can assure you that the more prepared you are the easier it is for you to become healthy and be successful on this journey. Try to remain positive and focused on your main objective. Health. Will keep you in my prayers. Elissa

So sorry Joni. It took me a year to go through the process. Some it takes longer and some people breeze through it. The Life Skills 6 wk classes started after I had surgery on Jan 26th, 2004. It is frustrating, but many of us can assure you that the more prepared you are the easier it is for you to become healthy and be successful on this journey. Try to remain positive and focused on your main objective. Health. Will keep you in my prayers. Elissa

Hi Joni, I understand your frustration. But believe me all this work to get to surgery is well worth it! I did not have to take the Life Skills class, I got in before they started all of that. But I hear it is a wealth of information. Keep your chin up!! Like I said it is all well worth the struggle! I was 269lb, had surgery on September 29, 2003 and am now down to 133lbs wearing a size 8! Quality of life is so much better then it ever was before! Keep pushing and working on it and it will all be worth it in the end. Good Luck! Hope

Sorry this is happening, Joni. I was one of the first ones to attend lifeskills and it was introduced while I was about to complete the process. It caused my date of surgery to be changed. I was pretty mad about it. One more thing, the six classes take twelve weeks as they are held every other week. Hope it all works out. Dianne

Hi Joni, I am sorry you are having a hard time. I didn't have to take the class, however I got held up through my insurance company, they threw a new rule in mid-stream and said I needed 6 months of doctor supervised visits, I fought, I cried, I almost gave up. Then I realized giving up is not hurting anyone but me. so I decided to do it their way and go through the doctor supervised visits. I had surgery on Oct 6, and I breezed through it with no problems. I think now it was because I was sooo0oooo ready to have surgery nothing was going to hold it up. I hope that if this is what you want, you will not give up. Take care and please feel free to vent any time you want. Dana

I can see how frustrated you are, Joni. It definitely sucks to have this happening. My experience was a bit different from those *****plied to your post. The Life Skills class was mandatory when I had my consult in Sept. and I just accepted it because I didn't know any different. But let me tell you ...it was worth every dime. I was very motivated and therefore found the classes to be useful, thought-provoking, and even fascinating at times. I already knew most of what they presented but the info had a special twist for me ... I gobbled it up! I also found the comraderie established with my classmates to be rather uplifting, as well. I also researched WLS; not as long as you but for a good year prior and initially felt annoyed that I would have to do this class, but I am glad for it now. (I got my money's worth ... I was one of the more outspoken participants but hey ...that's group dynamics for ya!) My classes were over a 6 week span, not 12, meeting 1 x per week for approx. 2 hrs. I'd say that the majority of participants looked forward to our Wednesdays. My stint was completed in November. Dianne had said that they meet every 2 weeks ... that might be so if they're trying to accomodate the Xmas crunch right now or maybe they've permanently changed the schedule to every 2 weeks, but it was only 6 for me. I don't know what you're going to do regarding your work/travel schedule. That does put a spin on it. Do as suggested and check with PMRI again to explain your dilemna. They may be able to work something out (like a piece by piece attendance but that will definitely extend your pre-op time.) Just remember: Irgau and his team are hands down among the very finest WL surgeons in their field in the country. His standards are high and he takes no chances with his patients well-being. Unfortunately to have the Life Skills professionals on board to facilitate the classes is at a cost. It sucks that insurance doesn't cover all these pre-op requirements ...they're the real !#%&?&$! Anyway, Joni, I wish you the very very best. Take care, Maxi

2 years ago when I had my surgery... it only took 4 months from my initial consult. All I can say to you... it is well worth the wait. If I was told I had to wait 2 years, I'd be glad to stand in line. Please don't be discouraged or give up! Vent to us when you need too!!! We are hear for you anytime! Keep us posted on your journey. It will be here before you know it!! Best Wishes. Ginger -124 lbs Post-op 9/11/02

Joni, I would be mad too that is quite a bit of money. I would definitely like to get a straght answer from them as well as to who is requiring the class PMRI or the surgeon. I understand your frustration. I would be completely annoyed as well. Dr. Wynn and her associates are the best in my book. I also think you will benefit from the class even if you do know most of what to expect. Plus like someone mentioned meeting new people and conneting with them always helps because we need that extra support from our wls friends. Unfortunately its best to just let go and accept it. You definitely will benefit from it. It will be good to get that extra help because, believe me at 9 months out I am really really struggling with food issues and maybe it would have benefited me having those classes and I wouldn't be struggling as much now. I think to myself...I dont eat because I am angry or upset or anything like that I am eating because the food just tastes good! I dont have any hidden issue excuse other than self control and maybe if I had those classes I would'nt be struggling as much. Hang in there sweetie!!! It will all be very well worth it! They are definitely looking out for your best interests. Maybe Dr. Wynn has seen people having issues like I am and made a call on it and decided that it was in fact definitely needed. Sometimes we dont know what we need until later on down the line. (wish I knew then what I know now) type of deal. Hang in there it will be over soon enough and you will be on your way to a new you! (((hugs))) Elizabeth M