URGENT... NEED SOME IMMEDIATE ADVICE

Hello BAF! 

It's been a long time since I've been to this site let alone posted anything.  I am STILL having a difficult time with my weight loss/gain.    I am currently  thinking about a revision - going from the lapband to the sleeve.  The problem I have is that I am not comfortable with anyone but my original doctor.  He has this calming spirit, great bedside manners, and was very spiritual when we spoke.     He is a lapband patient and knew everything I was experiencing and everything to come.  I dont think he will be as supportive of the revision because of his own success.   I've seen several doctors and decided upon one who is very well known.  However, every time I go to his office I feel like its an assembly line.  He just herds the patients thru like cattle.  I have only seen him ONE time!  He is the one who advised that my band has slipped (twice). The time I was supposed to go back, it had repositioned itself,  however, I was not mentally ready to start this process and have it fail me AGAIN!   My original doctor had me thinking I was not doing something right. 

I am looking for a caring, compassionate doctor with no outrageous fees and is really into doctor/patient communication. 

Now - I am in the process of getting approved for the Sleeve, but this NEW doctor has all kinds of fees!!  There is no payment plan and I wont be financiall ready for the upfront funds.  Now, my 6th sense told me to get the approval and call and switch my doctor to someone who has no fees other that what the insurance doesnt pay.  (Been there, done that before)   That leaves me @ $350 co-pay.   I have 6 months after approval to get the surgery done.  The problem is I then will have a new deductible and God knows what else!  I am feeling so low - I have no clothes - and cant buy any! I am freaking out the closer to year end it gets.  I dont want to rush but I hate the process of starting over again!

Flags are red for a reason.

This is not the type of surgery you want done in a 'mill' fashion.  If you arent' feeling warm and fuzzy about the doc - hold out until you find one you DO feel good about.  I did the quick thing when it came time for follow up surgery - I wish to GOD I had slowed down and waiting till everything FELT exactly right.

Don't think of the money - think of your LIFE - cause that is what's really at stake!

I'm going to have to ditto what #1 MM said. If I were in your shoes I'd continue searching until I find a Dr and most importantly an office staff that I felt comfortable with to provide me with not only a successful surgery but the follow up care needed to be successful.

Thx!  I appreciate the feedback from both of you.  I think I am going to just put the process on hold.  I have 6 months from approval to get it done before I have to start over!  It's SO hard.  To go from a 20 to an 8 then back at a 20 again.  I am so disgusted and just feel failed tremendously! 

Go with the 1st mind.  I had a similar experience with the 1st doctors I went to!  I know all doctor are in it for the money but doctors also have to care.  If you feel like cattle then that is how you will be treated after surgery.  Have you thought about what you are going to do differently this time around. 

I recommend you attend monthly support group meetings.  If your doctor does not have this in place I would move on to one that does.  Support group meeting are so important to WLS.  They are usually free of charge or no more than $10 a visit.  They are worth the money and if the center you choose is not a center of Excellence, find one that is.  All accredited centers of Excellence have established support group meetings in place. 

I also recommend you get into logging your food if you are not doing so now.  Myfitnesspal.com is a great place to log your food and exercise.  I use them and I hear sparkpeople is good also.  You can do this!  Lifestyle changes are great and choosing the right doctor will help you be more successful on your journey to a new life.  Positive thinking, Perseverance and patience is key to this who process.  Put away the negative thoughts and stop beating yourself up and blaming yourself.  Yesterday is past.  Today and tomorrow is our future so focus on that and do not dwell in the past failures.  It is not helping you move forward with confidence. 
Much success to you!

Take your time and don't rush into anything.  Follow your fitst instincts; if something feels wrong that it usually is!  In addition to being carring and compassionate, you want a dr. that has a lot of experience doing Sleeves.  Just check everything out carefully.

Good luck!

Karen