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Paul Cirangle
"I just talked to Dr. Cirangle this morning by phone. We missed 2 phone appointments, the second one at 9 p.m. my time (10 p.m. his time.) I appreciated that he called me the next day since we had missed being able to talk. I have had excellent contact with his .staff, Michelle the patient coordinator, and Marilyn the insurance guru.rnrnDr. Cirangle's phone manner was polite, casual and very reassuring. I asked him my questions, mostly relating to my circumstances of not living near SF and the aftercare I would receive. He said that 50% of his patients come from other places and that he has not had any problems with follow-up. Partly because the VSG is a very straight forward procedure.rnrnI am very excited, we discussed a surgery date of mid August, my prefered time period. He said that we will work with my insurance company, which has said that it covers the VSG, under the CPT code 43843. (Update 7/23: my insurance will NOT cover the VSG, although I could be covered for a RNY, band or VBG . . . I really want the VSG so I'm going self pay.)rnrnSince phone call with Dr. Cirangle, have had several frustrating experiences contacting the office, but with close email supervision I am making progress. I have the feeling that they are so busy that they can't cover everyone! But as a very serious potential patient I am rather disappointed. (Update: I have had excellent email contact lately, so my advice is to be understanding about delays, but assertive about getting what you need.) If you are lucky enough to talk to the staff personally, they are very helpful and friendly.rnrnPost Op 5 months. My followup with Dr. C. has been less than helpful to me. At 2 months he told me (via phone consult) I hadn't lost enough and expected me to lose 20 pounds in 6 weeks - 3 months later and I have lost 18 of those pounds by following the program and exercising. I am fearful of his disapproval, so I hope to avoid any further follow-ups by phone. I do not find him to be a positive aspect of my WLS journey. I feel he was an excellent surgeon, I do not think his followup is helpful."
About Me
AK
Location
30.1
BMI
VSG
Surgery
08/14/2007
Surgery Date
Apr 30, 2007
Member Since
Friends 36
Latest Blog 44
Overweight at last!!!! THE SCALE MOVED!
Redefining Success
Phone consult with nutritionist at LapSF
Still Stuck
Extreme dieting
Feeling frustrated
From the Trenches
War on Carbs!
The Diet Mentality
How old are your fat cells?
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