Kelly Zimmerman

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My persistence and nagging has paid off (so far at least...).  I called and spoke with the office manager again Monday July 9th.  She said she would speak with Dr. McCloskey's secretary and then she would get back to me.  The secretary called me on Tuesday July 10th.  She scheduled my pre-op appointment for August 7th and....my surgery date is August 24th!!
                                                              

I'm excited and nervous but mostly I'm just frustrated right now because I thought I was going to be having my surgery a lot sooner.  I guess I should be lucky that it’s not five more months or anything like that. 

 

 

 So, now I’m just waiting and finishing some things up around the house.  Other than that, I’m just trying to find ways to make the time go faster.  Wish me luck! 

With each day that passes, I start to lose hope that this is really going to happen.  The big hurdle was getting everything to the insurance company for approval.  After that, I thought everything else would be a piece of cake.  I have lost all patience and I'm starting to think that I should just give up and continue to be the way I am now.  It's hard not to get discouraged when I've looked forward to this for so long.  I called the new surgeon's office today, my message wasn't returned.  I left another message for the office manager, she wasn't in today.  We'll see what happens tomorrow, maybe we'll have some kind of progress. 

Sorry this is short, I have to get going.  I'm still going to the gym. 

Well, things were going good.  I had all but two of my tests done.  Wednesday May 30^th, I went for my psych consult.  That was pretty easy.  The woman I talked to had weight loss surgery 5 years ago.  She looks healthy.  She asked me some questions, I answered them and that was it.  She said that I’m well prepared and I should do fine.  That was good news because I was starting to think I might not be ready. 

 Then I went for my nutrition consult/last weight loss meeting.  I met with the nutritionist that helps run the program I was in, Ms. Parker.  We talked about my eating habits throughout my life and my progress over the six months of the program.  Then we talked about what eating will be like after surgery.  More good news, she said I wouldn’t have problems getting in the right amounts of nutrients because I’m not a picky eater.  Yea!  She gave me a booklet for me to read and keep with me, explaining the stages of healing and what I should be eating at that time. 

 I was all done with my tests by June 1^st.  WooHoo!!  The nutritionist told me that she would give my surgeon’s office the paperwork on Wednesday June 6th.  No big deal, I thought, they’re pretty busy I’m sure, so a few more days was no big deal.  I talked to the surgeon’s secretary, Dianne, to see if she had all my test results.  She said she was missing some that I knew were faxed to her, so I called and had all my results faxed to her again.  On Wednesday June 13^th I tried to call Dianne and she was out of the office.  I talked to a woman named Kelly, although I don’t know what her position is.  She said the nurse had my file for review.  Since I was never explained the process, I had to assume that someone was looking over my file before they were submitting it to the insurance company for approval.  I think that’s great, one of the steps that I like a lot.  Since they deal with some insurance companies on a regular basis (including mine), they know what they’re looking for so they have someone review the file to make sure everything is there that the insurance company is looking for.  Dianne returned my call later on that afternoon and told me the nurse was reviewing my file.  I guess the communication in that office isn’t so great.  Anyhow, I called the office several times over the next two weeks.  Each time I actually spoke to someone, I was told the nurse was still reviewing my file.  I started to get upset. 

  
I know each situation is different but everyone I’ve talked to that has gone through this surgeon says their paperwork was submitted to the insurance company within a week and they heard back in 3 to 5 days.  I couldn’t understand what the problem was.  I didn’t know what I was going to do but I was going to do something because I felt like I was being jerked around.  I consulted with a few people whose opinion I trust.  I had three options I was either going to call and talk to the office manager, have the surgeon paged and talk to him or I was going to have all my test results and paperwork faxed over to another surgeon, in a different office/practice. 

  
I decided to give this office a shot, so I called the office manager and got her voicemail.  I left a message but I wasn’t expecting a response for a few days, given my experience with the secretary.  She called me back 3 minutes later.  I explained to her my frustration.  She said she would see what was going on and get back to me.  She called me back about an hour later, stating that the nurse would call me before the week was over.  She explained that the secretary is a temp, so her dedication to her job may not be as strong as someone who is permanent.  She also informed me that the surgeon was going out of town, so the nurse was busy trying to reschedule appointments and whatnot.  I took it all in stride and tried to calm down a little. 

  
When I got to work the next day, there was a message from the nurse!  Holy Crap!  She said she was submitting my paperwork that morning to the insurance company and there were some things we needed to discuss.  I returned her call.  The things we discussed were minor, the surgeon just wanted some clarification from two of the tests I had.  So, my mind was at ease.  The hard part was over.  I was almost 100% sure that I wouldn’t have any problems from the insurance company.  I’m about 200lbs over weight; I don’t see why an insurance company would deny something that is going to save them money in the long run.

  
The nurse submitted my paperwork on Wednesday June 27^th.  From what I have heard, I should be approved in 3-5 days.  Monday July 2, I didn’t hear anything.  Tuesday the 3^rd, I decided to call the insurance company, I was tired of dealing with the surgeon’s office.  The rep I spoke to said my surgery was approved July 2!   I still was not jumping for joy.  I can’t be totally happy until the surgery date is scheduled.  I wanted to give the surgeon’s office a day to get things together, so I called the nurse on Thursday 7/5.  The nurse called me back and said that the surgeon is leaving the practice.  WHAT?!?!     She said my file was sent to another surgeon, Carol McCloskey.  She gave me the new surgeon’s nurse’s name and phone number.  And that was it…see why I didn’t get excited when I found out the insurance company approved me?  Now what?    I gave myself a day to cool down and I called the new surgeon’s office today.  Guess what happened?  I got voicemail again.  AAAAAHHHHHH!  Some one please help me before I lose my sanity! 

 

went to see my surgeon for the first time on March 13th.  He gave me the orders for 13 tests.  Sheesh!!  I couldn't believe there was that much that needed testing.  I didn't schedule my first test until April 13, one month to the day, from when I saw the surgeon.  I don't know why but I waited a whole month to start scheduling the tests.  It may have been fear but I think I mainly thought there was plenty of time, almost 3 months.  Well, I was lucky, a few of the tests were walk in and most of them could get me in, in a week or two.  Looking back, I should have done them sooner, then I could have gotten them out of the way faster.  If you're reading this and you haven't started your tests, get to it!  I made 9 appointments for 13 tests, I thought it would be a piece of cake. 

4/13-pelvic ultrasound, chest x-ray and EKG.  I have PCOS (poly cystic ovarian syndrome) so Dr. R (my surgeon) wanted to make sure there was no problems, no new cysts.  That's what the pelvic ultrasound was for.  
4/18-abdominal sonogram and Upper GI.  If you've never had an Upper GI just an FYI...barium tastes horrible.  I had surgery when I was 17 to have a cyst removed.  At that time, they didn't know what the mass was in my abdominal area.  So they were testing me for everything and anything.  Needless to say, I had an Upper GI back then and it's funny, I don't remember the barium tasting sooooo bad.  But, I'm going to do what I have to do.  I'm not going to let some funky tasting stuff keep me from my goal.  
4/19-PCP referral and medical clearance-I did this whole process a little backwards.  Most people start with their family doctor and go from there.  Well, I did and he referred me to another program that I didn't care for.  So, I went looking on my own (**see my story**).  Anyhow, the surgeon said I have to have medical clearance from my family physician.  I made the appointment and showed up to the office.  I normally see a PA (physician's assistant).  The nurse noticed the medical clearance paperwork in my file.  She said I would have to see the regular doctor.  Thank goodness he could see my right then.  He ordered some blood work and asked me to schedule a follow up before he would clear me.  So, add one more "test" to the list (that makes 14 if you're counting, and 13 appointments). 
4/30-pap and pelvic.  All ladies know, this is one of the best appointments (not really).  If you keep up like you should, you have one every year.  Well, I'm a little behind, I've been in this area for almost 2 years and I haven't seen an OB/GYN.  I had to ask one of the ladies at work who she sees (a little embarrassing).  I was nervous but I calmed myself down and everything went fine.  I like the doctor a lot.  He's down to earth and he make the appointment less awkward then the ones I've been to in the past.  We talked about my history and the possibility of having kids after I lose weight.  I don't know if I want kids or not but he said it's much more plausible after I lose some weight.  I'll continue to see him after all this.  He's going to prescribe my birth control after surgery and we'll go from there. 
5/1-pulminologist (sleep study).  I saw the doctor first, to see if he thought I even needed the sleep study.  He recommended it, but said he didn't think I have sleep apnea.  
5/3 & 5/4-stress test.  The lady who scheduled my stress test said because of my weight, they would have to do the test in two parts.  My mom just recently had a stress test, she weighs the same as I do (almost to the pound, weird, since we haven't lived in the same house for almost 3 years) and they did hers all in one day.  That just goes to show you that every doctor and hospital does things differently.  My surgeon ordered the adenosine test.  If you're not familiar, that's the chemical one.  The alternative is getting on a treadmill.  Note to self, next time get on the treadmill.  It wasn't horrible but I didn't like the feeling.  I would have rather been sweaty and tired.  
5/11-sleep study.  When I made the appointment for the sleep study, they made me two appointments (that makes 12 appointments for 13 tests...silly me, I thought this was going to be easy).  The scheduler said I probably wouldn't need the second one, but it's best to get it in right away because they're at least a month out for appointments.  The study itself was ok.  I didn't have any problems sleeping, I tossed and turned a little but I did get some rest.  When the technician came in to wake me in the morning, I thought an hour or two had passed, not 7.  
5/15-medical clearance.  Appointment #2 with the primary care doctor.  This was a short one.  He looked at the labs and stress test.  He signed my paperwork.  I mentioned the swelling in my legs (my OB/GYN had mentioned it, of all the people to notice, that was a little strange to me).  He said I might be eating too much salt.  I also mentioned the fact that my aunt (on my dad's side) has a thyroid disorder and my grandmother (on my mom's side) had thyroid surgery when she was a teenager.  He asked me a few questions and ordered a thyroid antibody test.  He said it's probably nothing, but it should be checked nonetheless.  I might wait on that one.  There are bigger issues right now.  I know that thyroid problems might be the key to my weight problems, but I want to lose the weight first, then go from there.  

5/26/07...I have 2 tests to go.  I don't have to go to the second night of the sleep test.  The Nutrition evaluation and Psychological consult are all that are left.  Nutrition is 6/1 and Psych is 5/30.  The nutritionist that gave me the diet back in March is who I'm seeing for my consult.  She told me I wouldn’t have to go to the last meeting on June 4th.  So, two more tests, then the surgeon’s office sends everything to the insurance for approval.  The few people I've talked to from work (who have the same insurance I do) said it takes less than 7 days.  We'll see....

I started writing this and the post was getting pretty long, so I decided to break it up in to a few different posts.  Enjoy!  

I started a 6-month diet program, with the Weight Management Center at UPMC Shadyside, on January 8th.  Every month I go and weigh in, then we talk about eating, exercise and how we can stay connected after surgery.  Staying connected just means that we are aware of what's going on and we're not letting ourselves fall back in to the same habits.  I thought six months was going to be an eternity.  I've waited almost 8 years to have this surgery, I thought there's no way I can wait six more months without going insane :)  Now, I have one meeting left and I don’t' know where the time has gone.  Here's my weigh in results each month: 

1/8/07    372
2/5/07    374
3/5/07    377-this is not looking good
4/2/07    381-very not good 
5/7/07    364.5-now we're talking!!!

In April, when I went for my weigh in, the nutritionist pulled me to the side.  We had a little talk about what's going on.  I told her the best thing for me is a diet that's mapped out.  If you tell me what to eat, that's what I'll eat.  So, she wrote me out a mostly liquid diet.  Shake for breakfast (with a piece of fruit if I need to chew something); shake for lunch (another piece of fruit if I need it); all the veggies I want for snack; 300-calorie dinner with at least 25 grams of protein.  

When she wrote it out, I was surprised because there are 3 meals and 3 snacks, so I'm eating 6 times a day.  After I thought about it though, this is supposed to prepare me for post-op so, it makes a lot of sense.  I haven't followed the "diet" to the tee, I cheat once in a while, justifying that I may not be able to eat these things again for a few years, or ever.  But one thing I've learned from the 6-month program is that there are no bad foods, just bad portions.  So I eat two or three Tagalongs (Girl Scout cookies are a weakness) and I'm on my way.  The diet is pretty cool; I've definitely seen results.  Easy enough, as you can see, it helped.