"My only complaint was with dietician Patty Bernstein. She came in to see me in the afternoon after surgery. I was still quite groggy. She hurriedly gave me some instructions, then told me that she would be on vaction for the next three weeks. She said if I had any questions, to call Cindy Shipman, the dietcian at the other local hospital. I tried to take notes, and after looking at them later, I could barely understand my own writing, I was so out of it. She should have recognized that and at least made sure that I was writing down what I needed to. Although my mother was in the room, she is 75 and could not take notes due to macular degeneration. I had been give a pamphlet early in the process, but Bernstein said my surgeon had just made several changes regarding the foods for weeks one and two. I did become dehydrated several days post op, and had to call Cindy Shipman, who I already knew. Cindy was most helpful. "
"I first met Cindy several years ago when she taught a course on healthy eating. She is a fine nutrionist who always promptly answered my questions. Cindy is great. She knows how to impart knowledge with both humor and compassion."
"My initial appointment with Dr. Terracina was exactly two weeks ago, on May 1, 2002. Dr. Terracina seemed confident and caring. I have heard nothing but positive comments from other patients. Although I have talked with several employees, I have mainly talked with Terri and Charlene. Everyone at his office has been caring, professional and courteous. However, like most offices, they appear to be overworked. It sometimes takes a few days to get through to Terri. I don't want to be a pest, but I know from reading other posts that persistence is helpful. I can tell from their attitudes that Terri and Charlene truly care about each patient.
I do not have a surgery date yet. (Dr. Terracina won't give you a surgery date until your insurance approves you.) I am waiting on Terri to fax the information to BCBS for approval. I expect to be initially denied, as I have been told BCBS is doing all they can to avoid approval, and my BMI is "only" 40. I will appeal.
As far as aftercare, I don't recall much discussion, but it may have been that I was nervous. The only negative thing I can say is that it takes a long time to get an appointment or to have staff return calls. In February, one of our local televison stations did a story on an employee who had surgery with Dr. Terracina. That surgery got a lot of coverage, and I think that the staff has been overwhelmed with calls. requests for appointments."
