I feel like I am left out to dry

Help. I have been having pain under my left rib cage for about 2 weeks now. My PCP told me it was gas. I called my surgeon and he said he needed to see me. So I went and guess what???...... He can no longer practice due to the malpractice insurance. So he is going to be doing fills in April, August, and December only. Any other problems and I need to find another surgeon. I feel left out in the cold. I was just getting a relationship with the staff of the office and Dr. Aslam himself. I so like him and it is hard for me to trust a doctor. Help!! Does anyone have a surgeon that they can recommend?

Hi Jennifer, I am 18 months post op with a lap band. Mine was done by Dr. Morand at Augusta Surgical Associates. They are the most experienced lab band Drs. in the state, Drs, Morand and McKee are excellent surgeons and their office offers a support group, including a fitness trainer that works with the group once a month. Julie Moulton

Didn't you pay a fee for 90 days worth of service? If so, he will need to follow through until the 3 months is up or refund that portion of the fee to you. I am only 2 weeks out and learned last week about Dr Aslam. I paid for service retainer until August 25th. My fill isn't due until July. Wonder what they will do! If he doesn't have any malpractice insurance, how is he doing fills every 4 months? I heard he was referring his bypass patients to Portland but they don't do lapbands. Are we supposed to find our own? Judy 243/236/218

Thank you Judy and Julie. He told me that if I had to come back, I would have to sign a sheet of paper agreeing never to sue him. But he could not practice at the hospital because he would not have insurance to protect him. But he will still be able to do some work in his office (like fills). My problem is this: I am a teacher and we had some contract issues. Not wanting to have my three kids have no coverage, I took Maine Care. Not many places will accept Maine Care as an insurance. I live 10 minutes from Bangor, but could not find a surgeon in Bangor to accept me. I just feel like I finally have a new lease on life with this surgery and now it is going to be slowed down. Thank you both.... It is truly appreciated!!!!

Why do you want to go back to a Dr. who can't get insurance because of lawsuits? Obviously there is a problem with him. Please find a new Doctor. Good luck- Patti

Jennifer, I'm sorry this has to cause you distress, you should be concentrating 100% on you. I was a patient of Dr A and called on Friday to request my insurance approval, I was shocked when I was told. I am pre-op so I have gone with Dr D'Augustine. One thing concerns me, signing off liability kinda freaks me out. I'm an insurance agent, probably why. But to have no recourse if something does go wrong is scary. But then again, I'm a bit over the top with it, I don't like to have any passengers in my car, less of a liability risk. Whatever decision you make, I wish you the best of luck and please keep posting your progress, this board is so quiet you can hear the crickets chirping..LOL

Thank you. Julie gave me the number of the Augsta Surgical which Dr. D'Augustine practices there. My problem is insurance. I am a teacher and due to contract issues that we had, I was forced to take Maine Care for my family so my 3 children and husband and I would have medical insurance. It was a scary time last year. I do not know if Augusta Surgical accepts Maine Care. I get frustrated when I think about the stigma attached to Maine Care. I am an educated person who did this to help her family. I had this operation to better myself and now I feel like I have no where to turn. And you are right about it being quiet........ Jen Cyr

Hi, I just want to clarify, Drs. McKee and Morand are at Augusta Surgical Associates, and Dr. DAugusine is in Lewiston. Julie

Hi there Dr. Moran & Dr. McKee's office does take Maine care. They are having a required info meeting on June 22nd. in Augusta. You have to call to schedule a seat. Sorry I can't find the #. Good Luck hope to see you there. Kari

Ha Jennifer I am pre-op and I go to Dr.Donald Clough in Bangor, and you said you were near that area. 417 State Street Bangor, Miane. 04401 (207) 947-5241 I don't know if he takes post-op from other surgeons but it's worth a try. Also, I am in the EMMC weight lose program waiting for a surgery date. You can also try calling the Clinical Coordinator of that porgram in Bangor and see if she can give you a few numbers to call. Lynn Bolduc Toll Free- 1-877-366-3662 ext. 6383 I hope the above information is helpful to you, and good luck in finding a new doctor. Hope you feel better soon Janet