Switching Surgeons- Anyone have Dr. Boss?

Call me crazy...  I have an appointment with my surgeon next week to submit to my insurance and schedule a date, but I'm having second thoughts.  I had scheduled an info session a long time with Dr. Boss at Strong in Rochester, and it takes so long to get in to see them, that I kinda forgot about them.  But today, I went and I really like him!  So, I think, last minute, I'm switching surgeons, switching hospitals, switching programs.  Dr. Boss says he'll take all the information/pre-op stuff that I have done for my first doctor, so I can have surgery in less that 2 months!  That sounds great to me.  But maybe a little crazy?  Has anyone had Dr. Boss- do you recommend him?  I've heard that he is an excellent surgeon from several sources, but I'd like to talk to one of his actual patients.  Before I make a HUGE switch over!  Is it too strange to switch this late in the game?  I just have a really good feeling about Dr. Boss, and I don't know too much about the first doctor in the first place.  Thoughts appreciated.  Thanks!!

Hi Scarletta.  I just had my LAP RNY on 12/07/07 with Dr Boss.  I really like him.  I did see him for my preop appointment, then for a few minutes the day after my surgery to answer any questions that I had.  He's a great guy with a great sense of humor.  He's also a very good surgeon.  I had LAP RNY, gallbladder removal and hiatal hernia repair done all at the same time.  He said the surgery took a little longer than he expected, but there were no issues. The staff at Highland Hospital is great.  They have this whole WLS routine down to a science.  Every step in my process went just as planned, with no delays or issues. So, based on my experience, I would highly recommend Dr Boss.  Good luck to you, whoever you choose.

I THINK YOU NEED TO GO WITH YOUR GUTT! Switching now isn't a biggy especially since the new doc will accept all of your pre-op  Congrats! hugs, Britt

I switched surgeons too but waited too long for 2nd,3rd and then 4th opinion so had to repeat all pre-op work over.  The best time to do this is now while your pre-op work is fresh and up-to-date.  Still, I'm glad I did the switch.  You know how the women's intuition is, trust it.  I'm glad I did.  Good luck to you.

I didn't have Dr. Boss, I had Dr. O'Malley who is in the same group.  My personal physician has known Dr. Boss for a number of years and he highly recommends both of them and the Bariatric Group at Highland.   I just got home from my RNY today.  The staff at Highland were super.  It was snowing quite hard this morning, and I was concerned about the drive home.  This is the first time that I have been hospitalized that I didn't have to wait for discharge papers.  When my husband arrived, my nurse was bringing my copies of my instructions and I was able to leave right away. I think that it's worth the wait. Ann A.

I also switched from The Rochester General Group to Dr Boss.  It took from March to August before I could have surgery.  I was all done with my nutrition appointments and had to do them all over again with the Highland group.  If you are ready to get a date I would think twice, don't get me wrong Dr Boss was outstanding and the hospital stay was great.  But do you really want to wait when you are ready to get a date. Just my two cents. Karen

Karen, Your post came at the perfect time for me.  I just received a call from Teresa @ Dr. Boss' office and she said that I would have to do some of my testing over again.  Though she did not push me back as far as you were pushed (from March to August is rough!), she estimated that I would not have surgery until sometime in March, while the other doctor thinks we'll have surgery in the next couple of weeks!  Also, I have huge commitment for work in the beginning of April, and surgery in March could really conflict with that event.  So, I'm thinking I might stay where I am- just for that reason.  Although, I do really like Dr. Boss and I got a great feeling from him.   Thanks for your two cents- they have really helped me!!  Scarletta

Scarletta, That is probably your best bet, with the time crunch you have.  I have heard good things about the doctor from General.  I would have gone with him but did not want to wait for him to get their.  Good luck and let me know how you make out. Karen