Pacific Bariatric Surgical Consult (3 appointments)

Hi, Everyone

I go for my surgical consult with Pacific BAriatirc in San Diego on Monday, November 1st.  I am meeting with Dr. Janos Taller (surgeon), Dr. Margolis (psych.), and Dr. Kingsbury (internist).  Has anyone had any of these doctors?  Are they nice?  What was the psych. like?  Did you have to take a written test?  Did you get your surgery date the same day you met with the surgeon?  My appointments are spread out like with two hour breaks so I was wondering how long does each appointment take?  Also are Dr. Margolis and Dr. Kingsbury males or females?  I recieved my surgical appointment sheet and it does not list their first names.  I would appreciate any help any of you can give me.  I am really excited and just want to know what to expect.  My husband is coming with me and he is meeting with all three doctors as well for a sleeve.  Thank you for the help.  :)

Monique

Congrats i know just how you are feeling. I just got my appointment today it is for Nov 17. I do not know my doctors names she said all of that would be emailed to me. Go to Pacific Bariatrics web site I know there you can get some info how much am not to sure. At least some on Dr Taller. I have been reading allot of post and some girl highly recommended him a while ago. I asked the lady who set up my appointment how long it was till surgery after my 3 in 1 and she said about 5 to 6 weeks depending on your doctor and if more labs are needed. Good luck and please keep me informed because I will be following right after you.

Hi Monique! A few months ago I had my 3 consults as well and I have to tell you it isn't as nerve racking as you would think. 

 

Dr. Kingsbury is a male probably in his late 40s, and really nice.  He made me feel at ease and was pretty amusing.  Make sure to take slip-on shoes since he will look at your feet and calves.  He pretty much will just go over your medical history with you to make sure there isn't anything that could affect you during surgery. His nurse will also do an EKG . Dr. Kingsbury told me on the spot that he was recommending me for surgery.  So if he doesn't tell you, make sure to ask. :)

 

Dr. Margolis is an female maybe in her 60's, who is also very nice.  You don't take a test or anything, she just talks to you. She asks you questions about your upbringing, your relationships, why you wanna have surgery, what makes you feel your ready now to have the surgery etc.  The appointment is about 30 minutes however, we were having such a good time chatting that it was about 45 minutes. lol  Dr. Magolis is I guess trying to see if you have a good head on your shoulders to have this surgery since it is a very big lifestyle change.  She didn't tell me if she would recommend me for surgery, and I forgot to ask when I left.  However, I felt confident she would recommend me.   Another thing, the dr.'s office is in a residental area.  Its in a two story victorian style house that is used as a dr. office, so don't let that throw you off.

 

My surgeon was Dr. Rumsey so I can't say what your appointment will be like with Dr. Janos.  However, after you meet with all three doctors, they will submit their evaluation report to pacific bariatrics either recommending you for surgery or not.  It takes about 2-4 weeks (more like 4 weeks) for the surgery coordinator (Orlando) to call you with an actual surgery date.   I am not totally sure maybe someone could correct me here if I am wrong however, I have heard that right now pacific bariatrics wait for surgery is 3-4 months. 

 

Good luck and keep us posted how it goes. :)

I had my consult with Pacific Bariatirc on August 2nd and they gave me my surgery date on October 12th for December 8th. It seemed like they just forgot about me, I called them a couple of times and they said there were waiting for the surgeon to give them the paper work.  

My surgeon is Dr Zorn

Good luck with youe surgery

 Hi, everyone

Thanks for all of your help.  I was asked when I booked the consult appointment and specifically requested Dr.Taller.  She told me I could have had a consult appointment the very next week but i wanted Dr.Taller so I had to wait two weeks.  She also said that I can expect surgery around mid-december.  i really hope that this is true.  I have heard so many conflicting things about this.  I have heard some people say they are booking surgeries in February right now and that I would not get a consult appointment until December but i finished my Options classes on September 29th.  I called pac bar the second week in October and they were willing to give me appointment right away.  Some people were saying the surgeons were taking time off during december for two weeks but then someone told me that they told her only one surgeon was taking the time off and they wanted to finish as many surgeries as they can in light of the new health care reform and some peoples insurance companies will not cover certain procedures any more.  Its just weird how everyone has had a different experience at the office and hears different things.

Thanks,
Monique

Hi Monique,
     First on want to say congrats o getting your 3 in 1, I understand what you are saying about conflicting information. I heard that Pb are not scheduling until Feb too. I have my 3in 1 on Nov 17 and was told I could expect surgery at the end of Dec. I am going to believe what I heard from pb directly. I do not think we would have a consult for surgery to have to wait another 3 months till it is done. Please keep me informed and best of luck, 

I am just waiting to hear from Pacific batriac for the 3 in 1 appt. I wonder if it has to do with your kaiser plan? I am pretty excited because just to get to point was a rollercoaster ride so far. Best Wishes monique!!