Question:
Do you know of any surgeons that make their patients wait for surgery?

My doctor says that he insists on a long waiting period to make sure that the person is really ready for the surgery psychologically. I think he is just covering up for the backlog. At this point , his patients are typically waiting up to one year, even if private pay. What do you think?    — [Anonymous] (posted on January 17, 2002)

January 17, 2002
I think that sucks! I would find another surgeon that doesn't play head games. Like we don't have enough on that going on as it is! Good luck!
   — crishsapig

January 17, 2002
I would definitely find another doctor that just doesn't sound right.
   — [Anonymous]

January 17, 2002
My doctor was upfront he HAS a backlog so its taken about 8 months to get surgery but the way I look at it is hes worth the wait and I've been obese for years so whats a few more months.
   — [Anonymous]

January 17, 2002
I don't think I would have lived another year, personally. At least not without intubation. I think I might be shopping around elsewhere. This is not a game. For many of us, a few months delay is a few months too many.
   — vitalady

January 17, 2002
My surgeon had a two month wait for the consultation and almost a six month wait for surgery. (I hear it is now 5-6 months for consult and a year for surgery!) I was glad to have had such a long waiting period. It gave me plenty of time to do enough research, not only to be certain myself, but to convince my family that this was indeed the best thing for me. By the time I had surgery, everyone I knew was supportive of my decision. In fact, many couldn't wait for me to have the surgery. It IS a life altering decision, and sometimes slow is the way to go. However, I'll admit that if my surgeon had a much longer wait, or if he weren't such an expert, I don't know if I'd have waited. Don't know if this helps, just my two cents.
   — Maria H.

January 17, 2002
My Dr. in Columbia Missouri, is in charge of a burn unit and I have been waiting since last April, I understand that he has two jobs, and I did not want to change the referal I had because he was closer. But now I am at the point I am willing to go out of town. I just wanted to see the Dr. so he could tell me if I qualified, and there is no telling when the surgery will be, and I think after waiting this long I am more than qualified.
   — Tina B.