Waiting...and waiting....and waiting....

As you might expect there are not a lot of options for WLS up here.  And I really should not be complaining about this wait...at least I'm not like folks who have to drive or fly literally hundreds of miles to get to Anchorage from anywhere else in the state for meetings, tests, surgery, follow-up.  But I do have a mini-rant just cuz you folks are so great at bearing each other up :) 

I actually had a surgery date Jan 7th and at the time, through my own ignorance and inexperience, I thought I'd be healed up enough to have full care of my 1 year old granddaughter while Dad and Mom cruise for two weeks.  When I mentioned it at a support meeting I was told no way should I expect to be able to do that and to reschedule or have the kids change their Jan 20-Feb 5 cruise date (which of course was not possible). Disappointing but very glad to learn it now and not later!

So Christmas Eve I called my surgeon's office to let them know I need a new date and they said they'd let me know when they schedule in February. Called again New Year's Eve.  And again.  And at another support meeting.  And again today.  Thing is, I told them I need 30 days in advance to apply for leave at work, so the longer out they go the longer out I have to schedule :(

Not the end of the world I know, just getting to be very frustrating after, well almost 3 weeks now.  Guess after getting thru all the tests and the doctor-supervised 6-month diet and getting medically cleared and insurance approved I'm afraid something will prevent it from actually happening.

Thanks for listening, this place is a gold mine and I really appreciate y'all!!

Hang in there hun! I feel your pain. When I was pre-op, I was anticipating an April 2012 surgery based on only needing 3 months of dietician visits. But the WLS clinic in our area had closed the previous year when the surgeon moved and the local health system was developing their own WLS clinic. The nutritionist/program coordinator was in place but they had to search for a new surgeon. He ended up not getting hired til April so then I was looking at May...and then there was delays with insurance due to the WLS clinic being new and that pushed things further. I was so frustrated and so READY! I finally had surgery on June 21st. Looking back, that wait seems like nothing but at the time, it was endless. So you are not alone - we get you! Keep calling - be persistent - and make them get you on the schedule!! Good luck!

Amy

I completely understand.  Started this process in October, had my first nutrition appt and psych appt in DECEMBER, as there was nothing available in Charlotte, NC.  My primary MD is making me go to him to get cleared and provide is recommendation letter.  I am having to go to counseling before my Psych will clear me.  And because of my insurance I may get a March or April surgery scheduled.  It is a process, but I think it is worth it.  I am starting to make baby steps to change my lifestyle that will be required when I have my surgery.  I want to  be successful, so I will go and do what is needed.  The day will come and go before you know it.  Keep your chin up..We are here for you.

I second what RosyKate wrote!  I always emailed rather than called.  Always heard back by the next business day.