Question:
What should I be aware of when getting 2 different consults?

I'm trying to avoid problems down the line. Will each group submit paperwork to insurance. Will the insurance approve both and then I pick or will I screw things up by having both submit paperwork. I haven't met with either yet but I'm wondering what I should be aware of when going for 2 consults. Thanks.    — susanje (posted on November 21, 2002)

November 21, 2002
For as long as I've pursued WLS and been reading this board, I have never heard of anyone going for 2 consults at the same time.It could cause confusion. I think it would be a better protocol, to do 1 consult at a time. Be ready for your initial appt with a list of questions for the Dr.Have your diet history ready as well as your history of past surgeries and family history.Leslie
   — Leslie E.

November 21, 2002
Really? I read on here exactly the opposite. People have said that they talked to Dr. X but then went with Dr. Y. I would assume that the more informed you are, the better decision you could make.
   — susanje

November 21, 2002
Warning: this will be looong! <P> This is from my own experience, yours may be different, but when I made the calls to get my first consult, I made an appointment at a surgeons I could get in fairly quickly. They are very good, but 3 hours away. I also made an appointment for 2 months later (first available) at the surgeon I wanted to go to who is local.<P> I went to the appointment 3 hours away, got info asked a lot of questions, got a list of tests I had to complete, got approved by insurance, and went to one of their support group meetings. They are wonderful there and I learned so much. The only problem was that they were scheduling so far ahead for the actual surgery-feb or march 2003 <P> So while I am waiting for a date, it is time for my initial consult with the local surgeon--Nov 14,2002. I took all my paperwork, insurance approval, test results, PCP referral, family history, everything. <P> They were tickled that I was so well prepared and they scheduled me for surgery December 16, 2002. She said that there was no problem with insurance. It only took a 20 minute phone call to let them know that I would be having the same surgery they already approved, just with a different surgeon. I think I did the right thing by scheduling 2 appointments at the same time. If I hadnt, I would have to wait much longer. It worked out really well for me, but you should check with your insurance first. amanda
   — Amanda H.

November 21, 2002
Nothing against Leslie -- but I think she's wrong. (sorry!) I went for two consults -- and actually had a third scheduled. I wanted to choose the right surgeon...not just the first that said he/she would do it. I think that as obese people we learn to avoid/ignore our health -- and to let the medical profession (and insurance companies) run roughshod over us. You are going to have a MAJOR procedure. Make sure you have the right surgeon. And...speak up for yourself. Tell the first one not to submit paperwork yet. Easy.
   — Tamara K.

November 22, 2002
I had 2 consults, one with a surgeon that does it open the other with lap. My consult with the open dr. was first and then 2 weeks later I went to the lap dr. I told the 1st one that I needed to go home and think about it and I would call them in a couple weeks to submit the paperwork. They thought that was terrific (not jumping into something) and then I went to the lap consult. Again, I told them I would call. I went home and my husband and I talked about the risks of both and I chose to have it lap. I called them on Monday and they set up all the appts and submitted paperwork surgery. I called the open dr and told them I had decided not to go with them at this time. I think if you have two dr's to choose from it gives you a better understanding and makes you feel more comfortable with your decision. Best of luck to you. rk lap rny 4-9-02 -105
   — Robin B.

November 22, 2002
I requested an appointment with the surgeon my PCP recommended, but it took FOREVER to work my way through their system. In the meantime, I got an appointment with another surgeon. Their system worked faster and I was given a surgery date and insurance approval. In the meantime, I finally saw the second surgeon. I told them I was considering another surgeon and would let them know. However, I couldn't decide: both had lots of experience, happy patients, similar procedures, etc. While I dawdled the second surgeon's office assigned me a date, very close to the first surgeon's date. That finally got me to move and make my decision. It was almost arbitrary, and the fact that insurance was already in place for the first guy was one of my reasons for finally deciding on that one. It was a tough decision. The second program that I *didn't* choose had a more comprehensive after-care program, and in retrospect maybe I should have done that. But it would have cost me a lot more money out of pocket. And now I'm five months out, doing well, with virtually no complications. So I can't complain!
   — Celia A.