IS IT TOO LATE TO CHANGE MY SURGEON?

To make a long story short.. I have done everything my surgeons staff has asked. 5yr weight history, 6month supv diet, nut visit, psych visit, bloodwork, sonogram, edoscopy. Everything. But when I call the staff they seem too busy to return calls, look up chart info, tell me whats been done, just too busy for me. When I first met with the surgeon he had a session with 5 of us and he was willing to answer all our necessary questions however the session was pretty brief and I haven't heard anything from his office except when I call. I started in January this year and I don't have a great feeling about this bariatric program. I wonder what s going to happen after surgery? If they don't have time for me know. I know they have many many other patients but something should be in place for giving us the individual time we need. Can I look else where for  a different program so late in the game when everything has been completed or will I have to start over? Does anyone know?

It's not too late to look into having your surgery with a different program.  I was originally looking into another program.  I was having problems getting them straight on which surgery I was having and it didn't leave me feeling very comfortable.  I went to Cornell and they took all the tests I had done, I didn't need to have them done again.  You should feel comfortable before going into this surgery, especially about the after care as it is so important.  Best of luck to you. Mary

Thank you so much for your response. You are absolutely right when you say I need to feel comfortable. I will continue to look for a different more experience surgeon. Thx again.

If you do not feel comfortable with a doctor, you have every right to see another. When it comes to doctors, I am paying (or at my insurance is) for a service. If I do not like the service I am getting, I go see someone else. I live in The Bronx as well (Riverdale to be specific) and I just decided to have a lap band with Dr. Fielding or Dr. Ren at NYU. I also had an info session with Dr. Mitchell Roslin at Lenox Hill and a consultation with Dr. Pomp at Cornell. All the doctors I thought were outstanding, but I decided to go with Dr. Ren or Dr. Fielding since they are experts with the lap band. Megan

It is not too late to change your surgeon until you are actually in the process of having the actual surgery.  If you feel like you should change to another surgeon, it does not hurt to go speak with someone else and find out if they would take all your current testing, what to expect if you decided to change to their program.  

I feel that you must be completely comfortable that you have chosen the best possible surgeon for you, before you let them perform surgery on you.  Getting into the program that is right for you will have a positive effect on the rest of your life.]

Good luck.

Jim 

It is your health... your life, literally... you have every right to look into another surgeon & change programs if your gut tells you to do so!! You need to be 100% comfortable with the surgeon & their staff & if that isn't happening now by all means get your records & move on to someone who is more attentive & that you feel will give you the quality care you deserve!! Can you imagine how bad things would be post-op if they're this bad now? Please follow your instincts & find another program before you regret any of this!!! Good luck!!  Keep us informed!! Cece

You are expressing reservations and they sound totally justified concerns! Regardless of if another program will make you jump more hoops, it may be what you desire to do to feel totally prepared, educated and to get your needs met, this is imperative. This is a lifelong process you will need LOTS of aftercare to be healthy and successful, do what is best for you even if it means more hoops and time, YOU ARE WORTH IT!!!!!!!!!!!

I want to thank everyone for their responses. I feel reassured that I was planning on doing the right thing.  I thought at first I might be wrong but I see that I am 100 % right for exploring more options. Thank you all!

Good day Megan  You should always go by your gut feeling, and if you are not feeling comfortable with that office or location keep looking,  If I may suggest you should consider looking into NYU Bariatric Center, I had my surgery done there On June 9, 2008 By Dr Christen Ren Fielding, I have to tell you I HIGHLY recommend her and her office is just warming,caring and alway answers all questions, concerns and there seminars are very helpful, Long story short I was a New Yorker all my life just moved to florida 7 months ago, and I had my surgery at nyu because my inusrance is not accepted here very well, I travel to NY once a month since my surgery I look for sales on airline tickets and go to my follow ups once a month, so I hope this may help you in your decison....Good Luck....

If you are not feeling comfortable with your surgeon, without a doubt you should switch. You will be having a long relationship with your surgeon, way past your surgery date. You need to be able to feel comfortable and confident with the surgeon you are dealing with. He should be available to answer all of your questions before, during, and after surgery. If you go to another surgeon soon, you will most likely not have to repeat any of your pre-op consultations. Definitely listen to your instinct and change. There are a lot of very skilled surgeons in your area. If you have any questions about any surgeons, I am sure there is someone on this forum that has used them. Please keep us up to date as you proceed through this journey. We are here for you for support and encouragement. Hugs, Lisa