What to do, what to do?

Over the past year I have been a psuedo lurker on these web pages- Now in my quest to have this sugery I have hit a real stumbling block- After waiting Since Mid April for my appointment with Dr Alexander Abkin, & calling religiously every few weeks to confrim my appointment for this Thursday, I call today and the Dr. has an emergency at the hospital (an emergency 2 days from now???, possibly on the 18th hole, me thinks?) on Thursday and is cancelling myl appointment- Never mind the logistics that I have had to go through to get off of work- and reschedule other appointments I had, and to have my Sister take off from Work- they did not even have the decency to call me. I had to call them- And I was not given an appointment in a week or two, but put at the bottom of the barrel and given an appointment 2 1/2 months from now- Now, lets add more fuel to my fire- When I went to the mandatory seminar at Morristown Hospital (90 miles from my home in Ocean County) and was given the package by the surgeon- I was informed of all these madatory test I had to take, and they had to be no older then 3 months when I saw surgeon- NOW- not only I have they screwed me on the appointment, but every blood test, every Stress Test/EGK/Dietician/Psych eval/All the blood work/All the docuemtation by my PCP- that ABKIN REQUIRED by the time I get to see him in September- will be void over his 3 months time limit. They told me that the dr. would most likley accept these tests, and I asked what guarantee I have they will not cancel my Sept Appointment, and they told me "NONE"-So infact if they cancel me in September- these tests are N/G! It has upset me so much. For months and months I eat, sleep, drink and dream about this surgery- that I wonder if it really is an omen to walk away- Nobody that has not jumped throgh hoops for these surgeons can understand how devistated I feel by this- Do i just away from Abkin or from the whole surgery- Do I bite the bullet and my tonge and wait for September- Do I start the process all over with a new surgeon- Thanks so much for letting me vent- Chris

I had somewhat the same expirence!!! I went to another doctors office that is much more considerate and their office stays actually does their job. Believe me I feel your anger!!! Sorry about it though

Oh Chris, I am so sorry this has happened to you! However, I would have INSISTED that I have an apt. at a closer date, that is just unacceptable for a professional office to do! Wasn't there an office manager that you could have spoken with and gotten a little further with maybe. I don't know that I'd take it as an omen to walk away from the surgery, but from that surgeon perhaps. Any office that handles themself that way cannot have it all together, in my honest opinion. They are going to get themselves a bad reputation down the line. Why don't you call a few other surgeons and get on their waiting lists too, just in case. Hugs to you!

I would change surgeons, because that kind of treatment is unreasonable. I would suggest that you contact Dr. Mehta, (732) 745-0999, www.mehtabariatriccenter.com, usually they will get you scheduled in short order. I had surgery just four weeks after my consultation. I have also sent you a private email with more details. Good luck.

i go to Dr. Bertha in the same office. You have to remember that they are doctors and stuff happens. I know how it feels, all the anticipation and then the dissappointment. Talk to them, they are really nice people, all just trying to do a job, and all human. I also had an appointment rescheduled, then played phone tag with the staff, but they made it up to me in the end. I don't blame you for how you feel, i would be dissappointed too, they are great doctors, don't give up, hang in there.

Thanks to everyone *****plied- I am moving on, and have already shceduled another appointment with another Doctor- lets pray he accepts all the tests and documents that Abkin would not. Again, thanks to everyone- It made this a little easier for me. Chris

I am sorry to get "off topic". What does Bertha & Abkin require prior to their appt? I am going to see my PCP next week for my annual check up. What should I ask my PCP to test me for? You can email me the info at [email protected] Thanks.

I know you posted this a while ago, but I must respond. Dr. Abkin was my surgeon. Don't walk away!!!! He is the best. This is a very busy office. I think it sucks that they put you off so long, but a assure you he is worth the wait. Hang in there, the end result is worth waiting for.