Misscommunication and on to Step One

May 28, 2009

Ok....so there was some major miscommunication in the surgeons office. I had to have my gall bladder removed. (Just done yesterday)

So...time schedule of events.....

3/13/09 in the ER with what they thought was a heart attack to find it was a gall bladder attack...

Early April can't remember the date:  Preop appointment for WLS & was informed surgeon would NOT perform gallbladder & WLS at the same time.

04/20/09 Performed multiple tests with cardiologist, HIDA Scan for gall bladder....

04/23/09 Angiogram to rule out any heart issues - All were fine to approve for surgery. 

04/26/09 Received Gall Bladder results - per the surgeon needs to be removed.  Also, informed that contrary to what I was told during my pre-op appointment the surgeon WOULD do the gall bladder and WLS at the same time so if I completed all my requirements it would only be one recovery time.

05/12/09 Gall bladder has become a more severe issue. Contacted the nurse...no different information on surgeries.

5/18/09 All appontments complete - Letter submitted to insurance company for approval - Called the nurse again....she didn't seem too concerned all was moving ahead possible surgery date of 05/28/09

05/21/09 - I found insurance approval was received - Called the nurse she said she would call me back to schedule pre-op appointment....no call back..

05/22/09 Called the nurse again to find that she is out until 05/27/09 the nurse she works with informed me that the surgeon would NOT do gall bladder and WLS at the same time due to the risk of infection to the liver, and stomach.

Informed her that due to the symptoms the gall bladder had to come out I could put the WLS on hold.

Received a call 05/27/09 was able to get into surgery for gall bladder removal on 05/28/09

After talking with the nurse on 05/27/09 I am now scheduled for WLS on 06/11/09. They tell me the recovery is just like the recovery for gall bladder surgery and if that is the case I will be up and around the same day. Although I don't sleep well on my back :)

My journey this time around will be less than 2 months.

I have been very angry with the nurses and the lack of communication between the two and what seemed to be the lack of concern for the patient....However, the surgeon was great. Very apologetic about the miscommunication, he also explained that he did not have many patients that had to have gall bladder and WLS and right now to his knowledge I was the only one and that is probably why I "slipped through the cracks"  I explained that his nurse and I talked and we straightened everything out, she got all her information correct and I got questions answered.

I have my post op for gall bladder and my pre op appointments for WLS on Tuesday 06/02/09 and a surgery date of 06/11/09.  I will be more excited after I recover from the gall bladder "stuff". I need another day or two :)




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Update 05-08-09

May 08, 2009

As of today....this is where things are at....

I had already completed the nutritionist appointment and psychological evaluation. I have to do them again. The first nutritionist I found only works with one surgeon and won't release my records to the surgeon I have requested nor will she give me a copy....I will deal with that issue later.  The psychologist I saw...who was fantastic, did not do a write up of our meetings since I was denied for surgery. He told me when I was ready to let him know and he would send it to the surgeon.

From then until now he had a stroke and is on disability. He can't do anything so I am out of luck. I have to go through the appointments again. These are only minor set backs in regards to the big picture.

My appointments are scheduled for Wednesday May 13, 2009 and the sooner they get the information to the surgeon the sooner we can schedule surgery. The insurance company already asked for the tentative surgery date. Being that I need to have my gall bladder out and soon....That might expedite paperwork to the surgeon and make things happen a bit faster.

If all works out right I could be having surgery as soon as the first or second week of June 2009.  I am keeping my fingers, toes, legs and eyes crossed.  One day my time will come...hopefully sooner than later.  Its a challenge being a 38 year old mom who can't keep up with my 9 and 14 year old boys. I want that time with them being active....

It's a wait and see game....right now I am waiting to see what happens.

Miss Kasey

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Not quite 2 years Later...I am Back!

May 08, 2009

It's a long story but if you have time keep on reading. I am mainly posting as I feel after hitting all the road blocks I have come across, and I know I am not the only one and they aren't any different from anyone elses.

I started on my journey by attending 3 different WLS seminars to be able to meet different surgeons and see what the requirements were. Before doing that I contacted my insurance company to see if they cover it. They said no but put me through to another department that indicated if I completed all of these things, it could be appealed and they  would probably cover it if certain criteria were met.

I went through the process of getting all my medical records together to show my weight history. Then the health reasons as to why WLS would be beneficial, sleep apnea testing, psychological evaluation, nutritionist appointments, eventually the cardiologist based on something the doctor saw. Then they required a 6 month under doctor supervision diet. After 9 months of waiting and testing they came back and said no. They were not going to cover the WLS it was not part of the insurance plan and they didn't know why I was being sent over to this other department. So I went up the ladder. The insurance company ended up reimbursing me for the expenses I paid for all of these appointments that I didn't need based on what their people kept telling me.

Needless to say I was devastated.

I had to back away from everything having to do with weightloss but took the information I needed and took the next 2 years and kept researching and practicing good eating habits.

I went through being depressed and frustrated and angry.....

Now, I work for a company that does cover the WLS. I am in the process of only having to go through 2 more appointments to be able to schedule a surgery date as long as the insurance approves everything, which according to the people I am working with should not be an issue.

I am not sure how I am feeling. Scared possibly some due to, could it happen again that I am in the process of changing my life that it could be thwarted all over again. It was bad enough the first time.  I know I am much closer than I was the last time.

I am trying to make these feelings go away as this is something I have wanted for my family, and my health for a very long time.  I thought it was fear of the surgery...but I am finding that, that is not the case.

I have been staying on course and trying not to deviate from the goal. There is no guarantee of anything and I think at this point I need a guarantee of sorts.

Anyway....onto something a bit more positive!  Even given all the challenges this time around included, My first appointment this time was on April 20th.  I could be headed for surgery before the end of June if all works out right..

In a way (Since I have a hard time asking for help)  I am reaching out...for some positive thoughts and kind words. I know I am doing what's right for me...I need some reassurance it's right. :)
Miss Kasey
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Postings on my Personal Blog

Jul 13, 2007

www.misskaseysworld.blogspot.com

I am going to start keeping my journals there. I have many friends that will look and add comments of support as I make my journey through this process and change in my life. 

**Change of Plan** I won't be posting this on my personal blog...I will post here though...too many negative comments from friends and family and I don't need that type of response!

Look for new postings soon!

About Me
Bothell, WA
Location
Surgery
06/11/2009
Surgery Date
Jul 13, 2007
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