Question:
Should I change doctors?

2 Years ago I went to Dr. Vanguri for surgery consideration. I was denied by two different insurance companies. I had given up on the surgery, but I just started at a new job with GREAT insurance. I already called and they told me that inpatient surgery for gastric bypass was 100% covered. I turned in a new set of paperwork for Dr. Vanguri, but was told that since he saw me 2 years ago, I would have to go to the consultation and examination again. They are not scheduling those until november. Then it would be at least February or March before a surgery date. I called Dr. Roe in Baltimore (since I would have to start over anyway) and have an October 3rd appointment for a presentation and was told that I could have the initial consulation with the doctor approximately 1-2 weeks after the presentation. Once approved, the surgery would be scheduled about one month after that. Should I stick with Dr. Vanguri or change doctors? I have been waiting 2 years. I would like to have surgery sooner than the spring. Also, how long did you have to wait before driving and returning to work? I work for a school system. I have 2 weeks off in December and am hoping to have surgery close to that vacation time.    — Jackie L. (posted on September 9, 2002)

September 9, 2002
Hi! My best advice to you is go with the surgeon you feel the most comfortable with!!! A high level of trust and the surgeon with the most knowledge is what you need to look for! I know it's tempting to go with someone will perform the surgery quicker but go with whoever is best!
   — Allie A.

September 9, 2002
I agree with the previous post. I think you should go with the most comfortable and trusted choice. I would think that would probably be the doc you have to wait for. But look at it this way. Don't you think there is a reason that you have to wait. I mean good docs are always booked full. If you can get into the other doc right away I would think that is a BAD sign if you ask me. Hope that helps.
   — Laurel C.

September 9, 2002
I would go with the Dr. that you feel most comfortable with obviously; however, I am from the Baltimore area and I am familiar with both Docs you are referring too. I know it makes sense that the good docs are booked far in advance but also some docs don't do this type of surgery as often as others and Dr.'s from teaching hospitals are usually the first ones covered under most major insurers. I have heard nothing but good things about Dr. Roe and I think you should attend his power point presentation in October and if you feel comfortable with him than go for it; but, there is nothing you can really do now except wait until you meet him and know whether you feel confident in his ability to perform your surgery. If he's not the one for you keep your name on the waiting list for Dr. Vanguri. Good Luck. Feel free to e-mail me anytime if you would like to chat some more.
   — denisel

September 9, 2002
If you feel very confident about Dr. Vanguri, then go with your instincts. I am driving almost two hours away for my surgery and it is because I ador my soon-to-be surgeon. There were closer ones, but I <i>knew</i> he was who I wanted. If I would have had to wait for him, I would have.
   — karmiausnic

September 10, 2002
When I was looking for a surgeon in San Antonio, I called the group of doctors that most of my friends went to. I was told I'd have to wait for a year to get an appointment with any of the surgeons. I asked them to put me on a waiting list for any cancellations to attend their initial seminar. They moved my date from February 2003 to December 2002. However, since I was still unhappy about waiting, I called the only other doctor in town who does WLS and was able to see him within a month of my call. I was so excited and figured that weight loss surgery and surgeons must be all alike. WRONG. Make sure to check with the other surgeon you are considering as to what type of weight loss surgery he/she performs. The doctor that I ended up seeing ONLY did VBG. He and his office staff were wonderful, but I researched the procedure, talked with a lot of people who had RNY and a couple who had VBG. After several months and insurance approval, I decided that I didn't want VBG. (Not that VBG is bad, but it was not for me.) And, guess what...the surgeon's office that I originally wanted called me to say they had an opening the next week for the seminar AND ten day following for a consultation. I'm now waiting on the surgery date for RNY. I was not the only one at the seminar who switched from the same physician because of the type of procedure. My suggestion: Do your research, and don't jump at the first appointment because you don't want to wait if you truly want to see the first surgeon. I would have been making a mistake simply out of desperation. I know its hard, but a couple of months in the long run actually helped me make the right decision. Best of luck!
   — lezawomack

September 10, 2002
It is a personal issue. I agree with some of the previous, that just because a dr has a long waiting list doesn't make him or them the best. Some have specialized as mine has, but still only does 5 a week. There are many excellent doctors out there, investigate, investigate, decide which things are important to you, time, dr, hospital, what your insurance will cover, and then make the best decision you can.
   — Elizabeth K.