Question:
Backing out of chosen surgeon?

I am getting 'cold feet' because I am not comfortable with the surgeon I have chosen. I am at the point of setting up pre-ops with the other required specialists from the surgeon list, and am at a loss as to what to do. He is the only certified bariatric surgeon in my state, and while insurance will pay for him, I don't know that they will pay out of state, plus the hassle it would be for me. My consultation was rushed and I felt quite patronized. I have since found out the doctor lost a WLS patient the day before my consult...perhaps I just landed a day that wasn't good to consult with him? Any ideas? He is highly recommended by patients listing on this site, so I wonder if it is just me? Experiences of others would be quite helpful in my determining how to handle this.    — [Anonymous] (posted on November 27, 2001)

November 27, 2001
I started out with a BTC surgeon and went through my pre-ops. After viewing the hospital and meeting the people, we decided it was not the right place for me. I got cold feet to because it definitely did not feel right. I went to another surgeon in a different state, started the whole process all over again and I am very satisfied with my decision. Insurance approved both of them, but the second one was approved faster since they already knew I was recommended for surgery. BTW, I am 3 1/2 months post and doing great. Trust your instincts, take the time you need to find the right place for your life change. Even if you have to start over, it is one of the biggest decisions of your life, and you are worth the wait.
   — angelwomyn

November 27, 2001
I've never felt comfortable with my WLS surgeon ether. However I feel like he was a great surgeon. Now I've had other surgeries (not WLS) in the past and found one surgeon I really liked as a person... and I got some really bad surgeries with this guy! I guess what I would do if I was you is to email others who have had this surgeon you are talking about. If they are happy with their surgeries then I would'nt let a personality problem stand in the way. It's the skill of the surgeon, not his bedside manner that is really important. I know it's nice to feel at ease, but the skill is the most important thing.
   — [Anonymous]

November 27, 2001
Good surgeons are not always "nice" people. In fact, some of the best surgeons are real a$$holes. The key is, do you want some really nice guy operating on you, or the most skilled surgeon you can find. If your doctor is a skilled surgeon and very rarely loses patients or has complications, then I say go for it. If he has less than a perfect reputation and has a history of problems, then you can appeal the insurance company to get them to pay for a decent doctor out of network. Hope the info. helps.
   — Terissa R.

November 27, 2001
I agree with everything everyone has said here. You already said that he is highly recommended by his patients. Doctors do get upset when they lose a patient no matter what the cause may have been. That's probably why he was the way he was at the consult. They have "bad" days just like every other human being on this earth. BUT, when it comes down to the nitty gritty, you have to do what you feel comfortable with. Was he THAT BAD that you really feel the need to find another doctor?? I wish you the best whatever you may decide.
   — Kim B.

November 27, 2001
Personally, I trust my intuition and if I felt uncomfortable with a surgeon I would absolutly not use that surgeon. Period! I did have a consult arranged and decided to go with another surgeon. I personally was glad I did. I do agree that all surgeons do not have a great bedside manner. I kept looking until I found what I think is the best. I traveled to Ft. Lauderdale from Orlando Florida to have my surgery. I trust myself! Take Care and best of everything!
   — Karen Renee

November 27, 2001
This must be a really difficult dilemma for you at this point. Some trepidation is normal, but I say trust your gut. Either he isn't the right doc for you, or you feel rushed because you are not quite ready for the surgery. No matter what, it sounds like it isn't supposed to happen this way for you just yet. I believe strongly that a good therapist or support group is mandatory for anyone charting this course. It's almost too much for one person to go alone! When the time is right , this will all come together for you. Best of luck, Michelle P
   — Michelle P.

November 27, 2001
who in the heck said ANYTHING about a hospital?????
   — [Anonymous]

November 27, 2001
Many WLS doctos are OVERWHELMED by new business right now, thanks primarily by Carnie Wilson and the internet and espically this site. These surgeons are trying to save lives and the demand is just too great. This can lead to rushed appointments and other stuff thats not ideal. Now add in a lost patient thats tough on the surgeon and the patient. Plus your surgeon is the only one in a wide area, so this is worse. A good review here shows how he usually is over many patients. I would consider sticking with your surgeon. Do ask just what his death rate is. That way you know how he is doing. The typical rate is well under 1% of patients. I KNOW what a nervous time this is for you, all pre ops are scared silly including myself, read my profile. Take a deep breath, step back for a day, then decide what you will do. The sooner you have surgery the better off you are. Post op is the place to be.
   — bob-haller