Ayaunna
I am a 24 year old mother of 1. I have been struggling with my weight my ENTIRE life. My mother had this surgery a couple of years ago and I have decided to have the surgery has well. It took my mom 43 years to get her weight under control and I want to get a head start on it. I also want to set a better example for my daughter then I had. I DO NOT want her to struggle with her weight the way I had to. I am still young and I want to live the rest of my life healthy and happily.
6/7/06- Today I had my 1st consultation at Barix Clinics with Dr. Eric Schlesinger. It was my 2nd seminar, first one was with Scottsdale Bariatric. But, it was my 1st time meeting with a surgeon and being physically examined. Things went pretty well. His seminar was pretty thorough. Dr. Schlesinger went over the pros and cons of each surgery and laparoscopic vs open (which was one of my biggest concerns). During my one on one, I asked a question about something he had already covered and he asked me if I had been listening to what he said before. I thought that was a little rude because I did hear him previously I was just checking again (like I always do). But besides that he was heartfelt and I look forward to having my surgery with them. Now, I just wait. I was told they take care of the insurance approval packet and give them 4 to 6 weeks. Which I am praying is SOONER with a positive outcome. Till next time.
6/14/06- I called Barix today and they let me know that my information was sent to insurance on Friday and received by them on Monday. So now we wait for a response. I am hoping for an approval!!
6/20- I called my insurance company today and they let me know I am officially APPROVED!! I received a phone call from Barix Clinics shortly after and they also let me know the good news. It turns out however that it may cost me up to $11K to go with Barix. I am working with the insurance coordinator there to see if we can have this lowered. In the meanwhile I am going to work with Scottsdale Bariatric (I've officially ruled out Bridges). Barix Clinics seems like a great place so I hope things work out. 3 people spoke with me from Barix now that I've been approved. The patient liason, insurance coordinator, AND insurance rep. They have great customer service! I did find out today that going with Scottsdale would cost me MAYBE $2200 but I'd have to wait a while to get on the surgery schedule. So we shall see......
6/24- I went to my consultation at Scottsdale Bariatric yesterday and it went FANTASTIC!!! I am SOOO happy that THEY are in my network and will be cheaper for me to go through. I love the staff there. They were heartfelt, HONEST and thorough. I found out that laporscopic is better than open which I had previously questioned Dr Schlesinger about and was (rudely) mis-lead. So, now I have to see an OB-GYN, and have 2 other test completed while they run my insurance. I was previously approved with Barix so HOPEFULLY it will be easy to get an approval with Scottsdale Bariatric since they are IN my network. My next appt is on July 5th. I really feel blessed right now to have to start over with Scottsdale Bariatric. I believe that they will take good care of me. Until next time.....
8/17- I HAVE A DATE!!!!! My surgery is scheduled to be on Friday October 13th!! Ooohhh spooky, I know - Friday the 13th. Who cares, I'm going to lose weight!! Its official that Robin Blackstone will be my surgeon through Scottsdale Bariatric. I have many appointments coming in the month of September and I'm so excited to REALLY get the ball moving.
9/13- Went to my pre-op class yesterday. It was amazing!!! I learned everything I need to know and more. WE got a folder full of information and different contacts in case we have anymore questions. It was great to be in a room with people who are going through the same process. I will be attending my 1st support group next week. I'm am soooooooooo happy that I am going to have my surgery with Scottsdale Bariatric. I think it was a blessing that I wasn't approved with the other place. My surgery date was moved to Oct. 11th at 10am.... a little less than one month. YAY!!!!
