Question:
has anyone changed doctors at the last leg of the journey

after months of going through lots of hoops (testing,doctors,and pulling it all togather. I've been waiting 6 weeks for the doctors to give their new schedule to the people who set up the surgeries. I'm just feeling very frustrated, I hope they're better organized when they do surgery    — Brenda L. (posted on June 6, 2002)

June 6, 2002
Hi Brenda. I went through the entire process with one surgeon and ended up going into surgery with another. The original doctor had a HUGE backlog of surgery and, for certain insurance reasons, I couldn't wait. So I did some hunting around and found another surgeon who agreed to get me in MUCH quicker. I had Accordia insurance and they told me that they approve the surgery itself, not the surgeon. So my approval and I found ourselves a new man and in less than 30 days, I had my surgery. Best of Luck.
   — Pam S.

June 6, 2002
I changed surgeons 2 weeks proir to my surgery -- and then my date was tossed around 3 different times!!! I was on edge to say the least but it all worked out for the better. Call another surgeon -- it can't hurt to try :)
   — lilmskitty

June 6, 2002
Yes, I also changed surgeons. I think almost everyone goes through the frustration of long surgery waits, tests, insurance hassles, etc. My only adivce to you would be to make sure you are making the change for the right reason and are very comfortable with the new surgeon. I had a friend who changed because she didn't want to wait, and now is having severe post-op complications. She is sorry she didn't wait the two months for the first surgeon. Myself, I wasn't 100% comfortable with the first surgeon. I must say after meeting my current surgeon, I now have peace of mind. Changing surgeons sometimes requires different tests and procedures but in my opinion it is well worth it if you do it for the right reasons. My surgery is July 8th and I can hardly wait. Good luck
   — Joanie J.

June 6, 2002
Yes - I changed doctors at the end as well. I had been doing research with a local surgeon who could have conveniently done my surgery in my home town but things kept not feeling right. I am a high believer in my intuition and opted to go with a surgeon who was on the Bariatric Surgery Board and was located 2 1/2 hours away. I have absolutely no regrets from the switch - I agree that the way things are handled prior to surgery should give us a sign how it will go throughout the events of surgery. - good luck to you though.
   — Lisa J.