Communication with your Surgeon

I am having trouble getting to talk to my surgeon. I don't feel like my question requires another appointment so I emailed him... twice... last week. No Reply. I called today, left a msg with the insurance coordinator and the surgical coordinator, no call backs. ... Am I being impatient? I know they're busy people but... I don't know I feel like they should at least call me back?

They are probably very busy, but I also believe you should at least get a response.  Who is your doctor?

Dr Stefanidis (he's with the same group as Dr. Kuwada). I called another doc's office today for a consult and had to leave a msg there - no call back, argh. Is it me? LOL

No, it's not you, and you are not being impatient.  This seems to be a very common problem for patients of WL surgeons.  I guess the popularity of the surgery has them all backed up.  But then if they are doing so well, they should hire adequate staff to handle the phone calls.  My solution is to hit them back where it hurts them, not me.  After spending a day calling my surgeon's office repeatedly (for a concern that wound up having me hospitalized a third time for a week) and not receiving a callback or being given the opportunity to talk with anything other than someone's voicemail, I waited until office hours were over and then I called their emergency service and within 10 mins I was speaking directly with a surgeon!  Even if you feel your concern is not an emergency, you have given them the opportunity to play by the rules and they have disrespected you.  Perhaps next time you will receive a return call. JMHO.

That's why I emailed - I didn't figure my question should take more than a few minutes of the doc's time and an appt wasn't necessary. I'm going to harrass them and Carolina Weight loss tomorrow until I get something, somewhere. ANother really maddening thing is that this particular surgeon requires a fitness evaluation, which is fine. But the lady that does them (yes one lady) is so backed up she's booked into November! And I had to leave her 6 messages too to get an appt. Unreal. Hire another one maybe? OMG. Things like this are yet another reason I decided against the lapband, I dont want to have to be leaving 309034930493 messages over 4 months to get a fill... lol

I went through the same thing with my first surgeon's office.  The bariatric coordinator would never return my call and when I did leave messages I was very specific so I would not use up a lot of her time.  I would call her back and she would finally return my call, but she always sounded like I was annoying her and would not even recall what I had called her about.  VERY IRRITATING! I switched surgeons.  I agree that I think the offices have overworked people but also agree that okay....hire more staff.  They have to be making money hand over fist so give up some of it for more staff.  If patients are happy, you will get referrals.  I, for one, am very vocal if I have not had a positive experience somewhere.

 Dr Kuwada is my surgeon and everytime I have emailed Connie Simms she returned my email by at least the next day depending on what time I emailed her.  I do not know who Dr Stefanis works with in the office.  when I got my approval Dr  Kuwada emailed me that night and when I emailed himback with a question he emailed me back right away. It took me awhile to get in touch with Cindy Lucas also. The only thing I can tell you is to keep trying.    

Would you mind pm'ing me Connie's email? I don't believe hers is one I picked up while I was there. Maybe that is a better route? I appreciate your help.

Dr Kuwada was also my surgeon.  He responded to emails fairly quickly.  Just remember that surgeons sometimes go out of town to national conferences, maybe that could be a reason.  Connie is very helpful and has emailed me back (even as late as 8:00 at night).  Also, try and call Lisa Green and tell her your problem - she is also very helpful. Keep trying.  This is a very good (but very busy) office.  They are having some growing pains from the drastic increase in patients.  I think that may also be the problem with Cynthia Lucas.  They recently had to add another Nutritionist because of the same problem.  If you ask, maybe they will accept an evaluation from another personal trainer. Good Luck!