Question:
Is it fair for a Dr. to treat only
I went to a seminar the other day and the Dr. was new at this. He and his partner had only done 32 surguries between them. He state that he would only see healty patients with minimal risk for complications. Doesn't that seem like he is only wanting healthy patients so that his statistics for complications will be low? — Sheila W. (posted on June 28, 2003)
June 28, 2003
You can look at it that way, but if he and his partner are that new, maybe
they just need more practice before they take on more complicated
(health-wise) patients.
— Ali M
June 28, 2003
That is what my doctor is doing also. He started doing the WLS surgery last
August and until only recently you had to have a BMI of 50 or less, which,
of course, left me out until I could lose a few pounds. However, now they
are doing surgeries up to 55 BMI which includes me. He is an excellent
surgeon who is perfecting his skills for WLS. He would rather learn the
new specialty without having to worry about doing surgery on someone who
might not make it. I personally would rather have him be conservative and
learn to do the surgery well before he does mine in August. Just thought I
would add my 2 cents worth.
— Checker B.
June 28, 2003
Have you ever gone into a business and seen a sign that says: "We
reserve the right to refuse service to anyone" ? A doctor is in
business, for himself, his partner, his group.. and as such they do have
the right to set limits on what they will or will not do within their
specialty. Just as my surgeon had the right to stop doing the very
procedure I was hoping to have a mere two weeks before my initial consult.
Their reasons are likely for the safety of their patients and their own
peace of mind as they become more adept at the procedures. While this does
help their 'numbers' I know that I'd be MUCH more confident as a patient
knowing FULL WELL that they aren't very experienced. To me this speaks of
true concern for the patients they do feel comofortable operating on. Many
months of reading here and interacting with WLS patients (per and post op)
has taught me something though. You can be a lightweight and still have
horrendous complications, and you can weigh almost 400 pounds (like I did)
and have one of the most invasive procedures there is and sail through like
it's nothing. Sure, I was upset when I found out my surgeon wouldn't do
the procedure I initially studied (and lusted after..LOL).. BUT.. the
'roadblock' forced me to review the process and consider other options.
I COULD have gone to another surgeon in my area, or to one of several in
adjacent cities.. I could have gone to Spain, or Mexico.. but I knew I had
a top notch surgeon in my own backyard, and because of that I stayed with
the surgeon who finally did my WLS a year ago this month. Sorry, I got on
my soapbox and this is likely more than you were looking to hear.. but it's
my 2, um 4, um.. SIX BITS. Fair? Maybe not.. life isn't fair.. but SAFE..
For the surgeons and for their patients.
— Joscelin
June 28, 2003
I think it is important for a surgeon to be confident in what he/she is
doing. 32 surgeries is not very many. Too many untoward things can happen
during WLS. As for myself I want my surgeon to know everything possible
about my surgery and its risks. Yes, I am sure that there are surgeons who
place limits on the kind of people they will operate on simply because they
want their stats to look good. It is also a fact that malpractice
insurance is sky-high and I have heard of areas where surgeons could no
longer get covered for WLS. Many surgeons find themselves in court dealing
with "failed" surgeries. We all have to go for the best that is
available to us.
— Judy K.
June 28, 2003
Don't you think it is better for them to discriminate than to take on types
of patients they don't have the experience to handle. I can always
appreciate a Dr. who knows their limits...sign of someone who is smart.
— Sarah S.
June 28, 2003
I think the docs are wise. It may seem cruel, but if I had a serious risk
of complications, I'd want a doctor with a lot of experience.
— Patty_Butler
June 28, 2003
Hi i was in the same situation after being run around the mill by another
doc. i found a new one i was very excited and felt this was a sign and the
answer for me! I had all my test done and figured i meet the new doc and
would be on my way. Did not happen he was very compasionate and after
meeting him and talking and having a check up he informed me that i was the
biggest he had ever had and did not know if he could do the surgery. My
heart sank he wanted me to go to virginia to have the rny done but i told
him no more doc no more traveling. So he told me he would need to think
about it for 2 weeks. I did beg him to please help me and give me a chance
at a new life. My heart soared when he told me he would do the surgery. As
time went on i could see he was just as scared and nervous as i was, he
made sure i was the only one he did on that day went over and over the pros
and cons had me lose some weight before surgery etc. The surgery went well
and i am losing great not once did he ever seem like he was worried about
himself or his rate as a doctor he just wanted to make sure i had the best
care. I think u would like to have a doc who has your health wellness as a
major importance than just another persom to make money from. So dont judge
him to harshly he mostly likely is putting your needs first. You can try
what i did i told him well doc there will always be a first for everything
and just think once u do my surgery then the sky is the limit!!!!!Good luck
and hope your find a doctor that is as concern and compasionate as mine
was.
— chris L.
June 28, 2003
Or perhaps he wants to get a bit more expirienced before treating those who
may require more...? Perhaps he wants to be safe rather than sorry?
— Karen R.
June 28, 2003
Do I think it's fair? Yes... to those with the potential for greater
complications. He could be putting their health in jeopardy by operating
on those cases he knows he doesn't have the experience to handle yet.
— Yolanda J.
June 29, 2003
Fair? Maybe yes, maybe no. Just like other things in life, it ain't
always fair... Don't waste your energy trying to change his mind.
— Kimberly L.
June 29, 2003
I was one of the first few my surgeon did wls on precisely because I was a
model candidate (no co-morbs, relatively young, etc). He has now expanded
into doing higher bmi's and more complications. His track record as head
of the trauma surgical dept helped me feel confident in his abilities, and
I appreciated his candor. I know a woman who is smo with many comorbs who
he'll be operating on in the future. I am sure she is glad he limited his
first wls patients to maximize the learning.
— [Deactivated Member]
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