Sea of doctors

I feel like I am lost, swimming in a sea of doctors and don't know where to turn. Is this all part of the nerves??? I have only called one doctor and her office said they have my name and number, now forget I ever called and they will call me when they have an opening... like after april. I think my top priority is as close to home as possible but I surely want a good, skilled doctor. Has anyone had a problem choosing a doctor? Can you please offer me some advice.

Barb, What you are feeling is normal. The process can be overwhelming! I suggest you keep a folder and notebook and list all the Drs by specialty and make notes. Attend support group meetings regualrly and stay active with this board. It sure helps save the sanity! What Drs are you having a problem getting into? HUgs, Tonya

Tonya, I have to ask you... were you shopping at Target in Warner Robins on friday night by any chance? I only know you by seeing your picture and reading your journey on OH but if this wasn't you, you have a twin wandering around shopping... I almost introduced myself! with love, barb

Barb, No, It wasn't me. I have been told on several occasions that I have a twin thoughLOL Friday night I was at Wal-mart with Phyllis from this board DId you happen to attend Mini-mees last week? I was there. Finding a Surgeon is avery personal decision and you ahve to be comfortable with that decision. Don't be afraid to make appts or go to the seminars that many surgeons have open to the public. Shop around! I saw two Surgeons before I make my decision. There are lots of different Surgeons represented at the Minimees Support group. You can get lots of info there. I chose Dr Duncan as my Surgeon adn have never regretted that decision. HUgs, Tonya

Tonya, Thanks so much for the reply. Dr. Khaitan is the doctor recomended to me by Dr. Williams office. Dr. Williams is in Macon but no longer does the surgery. The other doctor I've read about is Duncan but then I read something negative about him. I have prayed and asked God to guide me (I hope posting this doesn't offend anyone reading, but it is me) and I'm wondering if this is his way of telling me it's not the time or the right thing for me. Heck, I don't know. I know I need this surgery and I know I want it. I think I will definately start a notebook like you suggested and call all the docs and see what each office has to say. I want to be healthy, and I want a skilled surgeon. I am also going to start the support group, no matter what! I definately need it!

Barb, if you could find a way to come to Athens to have your surgery, there is an excellent surgeon here -- Sergio T. Mejias, MD. He did my surgery, and I swear by him! He did a wonderful job, and he is very caring and meticulous. I wish you the best on your journey. God bless you! Pat

Thank you, Pat, for the info and for your reply. People seem so nice and caring from this group. I'd never be even this far in my journey if it weren't for OH. Athens, of course, isn't close to home for me but I am certainly going to check out your doc and add him to my notebook. Thanks again, for answering and for your blessing. with love, Barb

Barb, Like you I was trying to stay close to home, but that was not a possibility since the Macon drs werent doing the surgery anymore. I called Dr. Christopher Hart and had an appointment within 2 wks. The main thing you have to be concerned with in choosing a Dr is their success. Dr Hart has a great track record and is a very caring physician. He is located in Atlanta or well Suwanee which is a suburb of Atlanta. You also need to make sure your insurance is going to cover the surgery before you even go to the appointment. ALthough the offices worry about your health, they also don't waste time on individuals who have no means of paying for the surgery or who do not have a inclusion in their medical policy for the bypass surgery. After you find this out, I would suggest you start calling the Drs offices to schedule an evaluation. If you would like more on Dr. Hart, his website is www.atlantabariatrics.com D'Lynn

Choosing the right surgeon for me was my primary goal. I researched all of them I could find online, all of the ones I had heard about on this board, etc. I first checked to see if they were listed as preferred providers on my insurance (BCBSGA), then I read their websites, called their offices and asked them to send me an information packet, etc. You can tell a lot about someone's approach by their written information, by what they choose to represent themselves to people. I settled on two of them, and decided on some criteria to use in evaluating them personally. I wanted someone who would be meticulous, cautious, and not give me the feeling that he/she was running an assembly line kind of practice. I wanted some personal attention from the doctor as well as the staff. Next I found that one of the surgeons I chose was having an informational seminar in a few days, and went to that. I liked him, liked his answers to some tough questions, and called him the next morning for an appointment. John Scarborough is his name, and he's in Smyrna (NW Atlanta area). He may or may not be the one for you, but I have been thrilled with the attention I've received from him and his staff, and the speed with which they return calls and answer questions. They've also been fabulous with being sure all the "ducks were in a row" before submitting things to the insurance, and I was approved after the first letter. Just take your time going through your own process, one step at a time. You'll get there! And if you take your time making your decision, you'll feel so much better about it down the road! Blessings to you, Cheryl

Hi Barb, Being from Macon also, I wanted to find the most skilled Dr, as close to home as I could find. Being a single mom, and having to have my mom come up from Jax, FL, I didn't want to put her out anymore than necessary. My best friend lives up in Stockbridge, and had used Dr. Duncan, and has done remarkably well. He was listed on my insurance, but didn't use any of the hospitals that I could use, so that knocked him out of the running. After many long weeks of researching Drs in the Atlanta area (those who were listed on my insurance) I chose Dr. John Daly. I called his office and was given an appt within 2 weeks of my call. Tammy in the front office there goes above and beyond to make things happen. Dr. Daly isn't as strict as some of the other Drs post operatively, but he does an excellent job, and I have had no problems due to the surgery. He has been doing this surgery for over 15 years, and his skill is superb. To me, alot of the post op process is your willingness to do what needs to be done, as this surgery is not something to walk lightly into. I give Dr. Daly an A+ rating and would reccomend him to anyone interested in having this surgery. If you have any other questions, please feel free to e-mail me and I will help all that I can. Susan Lap RNY 12-1-04 285-244-155 (-41)