Question:
Is Applying With Multiple Bariatric Surgeons A Good Idea?

Each doctor seems to have an absurd waiting list. And I dont want ot wait until October to see somebody so ive been going to diffrent doctors and seeing who can get me in faster. Is this gonna turn out to be counter productive? I'm worried the insurance company may deny just for applying at too many places. Please respond, and let me know. Thanks = )    — Pixytrixter (posted on May 31, 2003)

May 31, 2003
To answer the first part of your question... YES YES YES... make appointments with several surgeons before you make your decision... for two reasons.. one, you will be certain you are having the right doctor for you, if you meet more than one and choose the best one to suit you.. two, you never know what may happen-I only saw one surgeon, who then had problems with insurance companies and hospitals fighting, and refusing to allow him to operate.. I had to start again, and wait...If you have a "back-up" you'll be all set....As for whether the insurance company will mind-- I don't know, but mine approved THREE referrals to surgeons for consults....without seeming to mind...I will only apply with one surgeon for approval however! Good luck, and hope you find the right surgeon for YOU.
   — Kelly B.

May 31, 2003
There are two reasons for the absurd waiting lists. One is the increase in the amount of people having this surgery. The other is people going making appointments at multiple bariatric surgeons to get in quicker. Nobody here got morbidly obese overnight. You shouldn't expect to get this surgery overnight either. A long waiting period is good in one way because by the time you have the surgery, you will know that this *is* what you want to do. I called in October 2001 to make an appt for an initial consult. The date I was given was April 2002. My surgery date was July 2002. Patients calling the bariatric program at HUP now are being given spring 2004 dates for initial consults...JR
   — John Rushton

May 31, 2003
just PLEASE cancel any appt you decide not to keep so other poor folk can get in sooner!
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 31, 2003
In my opinion......there is nothing wrong with applying to more than one surgeon if you are doing it for the right reason.If you are doing it to help you decide who is the best surgeon for you, then that is great.If you are doing it to just see who can get your surgery done faster than I don't feel that is right.Not only are you tying up the surgeons time but also all of the office staff who do the paperwork and the insurance companies.....Instead of actually applying to more than one surgeon....Why not just call around before you apply and check out what the timeframes are for the surgeons in your area....They can usually tell you how long it will take to get a consult and approximately how long to get a surgery date
   — jennifer A.

June 1, 2003
Thanks for your answers, I do intend to cancel each appointment I set and dont keep. Plus most of the doctors Im talking to I cant even sit face to face with them to TALK about anything. How am I suppose to know how they treat others, if Im comfortable with them enough to let him slice me open. The waiting list Ive encountered isnt for surgery, it's for meeting the doctor and even sit down for a discussion. I just dont want to wait 3-05 months for one dopctor to meet him and find out Im getting bad vibes from him and wouldnt trust him enough to have surgery done.
   — Pixytrixter

June 1, 2003
ATTEND SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS! My sutrgeon appears personally, trheres LOTS of great info there including normal wait times, and you will see others and how they l;ike their doc.
   — bob-haller

June 1, 2003
Most surgeons have a free informational seminar that they offer so you can ask questions and get to know them.I attended four of these with four different surgeons...it was useful in helping me choose my surgeon.
   — jennifer A.

June 2, 2003
One the best resources of Obesityhelp.com is commentary from the post op members concerning there experiences with various WLS programs in your state. Also, even though a surgeon a with a warm fuzzy, oppose to a cold pickly bed side manner is preferred. The surgeon is just the part of equation. A good WLS program consists of a multi-disciplinary team which provides pre op education and support. As well as post op follow up after care.
   — Aynikaye