Question:
Lap-Banders: Help! I need feedback.

I thought I chose my facility and doctor carefully. I did research but now I am having some concerns. I felt like my doctor didn't have the best bed side manner but I put that aside because I heard alot of good things about him and the hospital he works for. This past week I went for my first fill and the nurse came in and laid all the materials on the counter. The doctor came in but he did not wash his hands or use gloves when he gave me my first fill. I am a self pay client and very concerned about complications since I will have to pay out of my pocket. Wouldn't not washing hands or wearing gloves increase the possible risk of infection? Also he didn't even check to see if I could drink water after the fill. I had to ask the secretary about it and she said to wait 10 minutes and see if I could drink water. Am I overreacting? I want to say something but I feel like I am stuck with this doctor for the next year (since I had to pay upfront for everything) and I sure don't want to piss him off. Yet, I sure don't want thousands of dollars in medical bills because of his actions. I feel trapped. On a positive note I am losing weight and am hopeful about the lap band working for me. — Catherine-Mo (posted on March 7, 2007)

Post your answer to this question Post your own question

March 7, 2007
Glad to hear you are losing weight. Now to your issue. No, you're not over-reacting -- you're being ACTIVE in your health care and you have every right to call his butt on the carpet and if he doesn't like it report his behind to the medical board as well as to the hospital. He/she should be practicing all of the precautions that medical specialists are suppose to practice. You're paying hard earned money to lose the weight not lose the weight and get some type of infection. He may be used to treating patients that don't speak up -- you have every right to do so and like I said -- if he doesn't like it too bad. You've paid good money to have excellent medical care and his office should not be short cutting.
— the7thdean

March 7, 2007
It's great that you are losing weight. Keep it up! I am self pay also and if he isn't washing his hands then you need to say something. I would be worried about infection as well, he is putting your heath in his hands. If you advise him and his staff about it and no action is taken then report him to the medical board. It could be the only way to get his attention. Also when your in the waiting room ask the other patients there if they have experienced the same thing.
— hugger1021

March 7, 2007
I have heard many stories about self paying patients and how they are treated post op - it's almost like their doctors became different people. The next time you go to see him and he doesn't wear gloves, speak up! Ask about the water and say you won't leave until you can. You don't want to piss him off but you also want him to act professionally.
— Sheri A.

March 7, 2007
Congratulations on your surgery and weight loss...you are doing great. I am also a self-pay patient, but I am the wife of a surgeon, too. I am appalled that your surgeon failed to wash his hands or glove. What a violation of the standard of care. He should have also sterilized the skin around your port, and painted the area with betadine. I am shocked beyond belief. You should call the office and protest about it immediately. Don't let it go unmentioned. You should insist that it be placed in your chart, and that you initial the incident report. You are so correct that any possible complications will be your financial responsibility. What a poor excuse for a surgeon. There is no excuse for trampling on your rights and risking your health and financial future. Stand up for yourself, and please protect yourself from any futher violations of the standard of care. Best wishes to you. Joan
— midaem

March 7, 2007
Catherine, you pose a good question. You have to understand that you are paying THOUSANDS of dollars for his service. Since you did this, you can EXPECT that service to be what it should be. If he does not wash his hands, he needs to be called on it, but what how you say what you say. Tell him this is a concern for you, and if he blows you off I would report him for lack of sanitation. Perhaps he washed his hands before he came in. Good doctors, especially surgeons, many times have lousy bedside manors, but if he is violating sanitation rules, he needs to be reported. The first step though would be a frank and honest talk. If he gives you the "I'm the doctor and you should just be quiet" speech, report him, and if necessary visit with an attorney. You don't have to put up with bad care just because you paid for it in advance. It is not worth your life or infection. There is no amount of money worth that. Be gentle and ask around,maybe a nurse that works for him that you trust can be spoken with and ask her if he usually washes before he sees a patient. Let her know that you feel that he assumes you know what to do when you don't. They don't read minds (on their behalf), so you have to talk to them. If you don't make your point gentle but clear, they will not know. You are your own best advocate. You paid for it in full, and have a right to expect it. I would just remind you that you keep in mind that you catch more bees with honey than lemon, so start with honey, but if they bite back, use lemon. Take care. Patricia P
— Patricia P

March 8, 2007
In many of life's situations, a honeyed, indirect approach may be in order; in others, no. An unhygienic doctor does not need to be approached with honey. He needs a swift kick you-know-where.
— Virginia N.

March 8, 2007
Aloha Catherine! Congratulations on your decision to make a healthy change in your health! Keep up the good work! I had a lapband too and have no regrets! As for your physician, it is very well documented in the research that good handwashing is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection. As a nurse, I have witnessed physicians and nurses who fail to wash their hands between patients. The physician should wash his hands AND glove, then wash his hands again once the gloves come off. He is not only putting you at risk, but himself as well. Shame on him! I agree with the others that you need to speak up, with respect, but firmly. You could say something like, "I'm glad that you wash your hands and glove up when caring for your patients." Not too sarcastic, but you might get better results if you're not so direct and rude. Physicians have a hard time, in general, with people exposing their inadequacies. As for the water, you might just hang out in the waiting room with your water bottle until you are satisfied that you can safely drink water. If the office staff or physician doesn't like it, too bad. You have every right to safe, competent care. God bless and good luck!
— gtali1954

March 9, 2007
I am shocked. Yes, you should say something to the doctor. I think it might be worth a separate appointment that would allow you to say something like, "I have got to be honest with you. I have a problem with the fact that you did not wash your hands in the exam room or glove-up. Further, you did not sanitize my port site. I am worried about infection, and would like you to check my port site for any chance of infection. Is this something that is usual practice?" The surgeon should not be offended. I have been a visitor to two different hospitals lately, and have noticed posted papers reading text to the effect of "It is not impolite to ask medical personnel to wash their hands in your presence." Also, Purrell dispensers are around every corner these days. Gracious! Regarding the failure to check for tolerance of liquids after the fill, this is alarming, as well. Does this surgeon not use flouroscopy for fills? If I may inquire, just what was promised in your surgery package? Are there a specified number of fills you may receive in a time period? What about fill adjustments? Sometimes fills take a week or two to really "kick in". Does this doctor have his own support group or email group? If so, this is something I would bring up with the other patients. I'd love to hear back about the doctor's respose to you concerns. Take care and take charge, KarenTherese Banded 8/24/06
— karentherese

March 13, 2007
Being proactive is a good thing! Discuss the concerns with your doctor next time you see him! He is being employed by you! You don't have to be mean about it. Also, discuss your concerns with the nurse. Let them know you are a self pay.
— Novashannon

Click Here to Return

Our Mission

Follow us

Links

Select Photos