A New Decision

I've been reading a book called Weight Loss Surgery For Dummies, that was suggested by someone on a board here at OH. In reading some of the suggestions for finding a surgeon, I'm rethinking my decision to go 2 hours away for the surgery. There is a perfectly good Bariatric Center in Knoxville about 45 minutes away. The reason I didn't start there was that they don't take my version of Tenncare. I found out today that they do take PHP Tenncare and that it is possible for me to switch plans. I discussed it with my husband and then called Tenncare to switch to PHP. It will take 30 days to know if they will approve the change. What scares me about going 2 hours away to have the surgery is what would happen if I had complications after I was home. I don't drive anymore and so my husband would have to take a day off to take me there. I've been thinking, the closer my surgeon, the better. I would appreciate anyone who prays sending up a few that my Tenncare switch will be approved. This could make a big difference for me. Blessings, Karen

I can't speak for the other surgeon (2 hours away) but Premier in Knoxville is absolutely wonderful.  Dr. Boyce or Dr. Williams are great and the staff is just as outstanding.  I pray that what happens with your switch will be what is best for you and your situation. Hugs, jenspen

Karen, You have a very good point.  If there are complications, it would be good to be close to home.  I would not choose a surgeon just because he is close to home, but if you find one that checks out great, and has wonderful credentials and you feel it is a good match/choice, I would say yes thats a great idea.  I dont know of anyone in that area so I cant be of help in that regard.  Good luck.  Sounds like you are learning  a lot from the book...  You may want to pass it on my way when you are done.  I could stand to learn something about wls too.

Melinda!  You are too funny!  You "could stand to learn something about wls too"!    I am pretty sure that you could write your own book! 

Thanks, Melinda. I am planning to use Dr. Boyce and he is listed here on OH and has many great reviews. I have already talked to some of his staff and they have been very helpful. I have a good feeling about staying close to home but I just hope changing my Tenncare is approved. Blessings, Karen

Thanks. Dr. Boyce is the one I have chosen. I have talked to some of the staff already and they were very helpful. Blessings, Karen

Karen, I think you will be very pleased with Dr Boyce.  I did not use him because my surgery was a revision and I had to go to a surgeon who had done a lot of them.  But, he will be following me after my year is up.  As far as traveling for surgery, I ,personally, don't recommend it.  I traveled 4 hours for mine.  It was miserable coming home and now the follow up is a pain.  But, I really didn't have much choice.  None of the surgeons close by had enough experience.  The one thing that I did do though, was see Dr Boyce before surgery.  He agreed to be an emergency back up if I needed him after I got back home.  Luckily, I never needed him. Good luck! Marilyn

Thanks, Marilyn. I've heard a lot of good things about Dr. Boyce. I feel good about my decision. I just hope the change will be approved. If it isn't I will try not to be discouraged and will go wherever I have to. I met another friend from Sevierville who is going to Nashville on Monday to prepare for his surgery next week. He said good things about Dr. Boyce too and wanted to have his surgery with him but his insurance wouldn't work there. I'll keep you posted on how it goes. Glad to see you doing so well. Blessings, Karen