What type of doctor to see?

[Angieboggs 0]

I'm 5 weeks post-op VGS. I love my surgeon and the PA, but I'm simply fed up with the office staff. I been lied too so many times and they think I'm stupid. I all about basic questions to. Today, I finally snapped and I don't plan on going back. I have my 6wk post op on 5/15, but I'm canceling it. I deserve better treatment. What type of doctor should I continue my post surgery care with? Both bariatric clinics are 1.5 hours away and since I've had my surgery, I don't believe I need to see a surgeon. Thanks in advance for any advice!

[CanyonBaby 1,852]

Is it the surgeon your unhappy with? If not, why abandon him/her? I know office staff can drive you nuts, had that problem myself this week. Why not have a chat with whomever it is you are supposed to see at your appointment about the situations you have encountered? If people are not held accountable for their actions, things will never improve.

If this is a no-go, I would highly suggest another bariatric professional, as they know what they are dealing with. I have found not all PCPs know about this particular subject. For example, a professor of biology may not know so much about elementary education, like a professor of early education would - see what I mean? Just because they are both professors, doesn't mean they know everything, or even a little about another subject!

Be prepared, though, you may have quite a waiting period, depending on their current patient list. Good luck to you!

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

If I might ask, where did you have your surgery done?

You could ask your PCP to follow you, but as mention you run the risk of him not being as familiar with the needs of a VSG pt. You could try switching surgeons for follow up, but you likely will have to get insurance clearance. I believe the first couple of f/u are included in the surgical fee ( 2 wk - 3mth visits) so they may not want to pay another doctor.

Another choice is to speak to the surgeon himself about how rude you feel the staff is. Be honest and let him know exactly how you are feeling, even if you need to write it in a letter.

Or, you can ignore the rudeness and continue to see a surgeon you like. Perhaps seek out someone who can follow you from the 6 mth f/u onwards.

[Edavidson 84]

My PCP is an internal specialist who I have been with for 25 years. I first went to her when she

was interning with the PCP I was seeing at the time. I am very fortunate as she has a lot of

weight loss surgery patients. If your PCP is not familiar with the procedure I really do agree

with the others. Tell your surgeon, taking care of you is their job they should treat you with

respect.

[Angieboggs 0]

It's not the surgeon at all! It's the clinic staff and the person who has sent me over the edge also happens to be the surgeons RN. I've been in contact with her boss. I was told she isn't employed by the surgeon or the hospital, so whatever I have to say to the surgeon wouldn't matter. I believe the surgeon deserves to know the staff who represents his clinic is running me off, but in the end I really think it doesn't matter. I already have enough health concerns and high blood pressure being caused by this clinic isn't worth it for me. My PCP most likely won't take over my care, but I wasn't sure if a gastrointestinal doctor would.

[Angieboggs 0]

Btw, I'm choosing not too mention names but I had my surgery at Saratori hospital in Cedar Falls, IA

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

That's odd. It seems she would have to be employed by either the surgeon or the hospital. Even if she is an independent contractor the surgeon could ask to have her removed from your case.

If you really feel you have no alternative but to no longer use that practice then it's a matter of will insurance cover or are you able to self pay for f/u visits. Since regular bloodwork is an important pat of out follow up you also need to take that into consideration. Contact your insurance company and find out your options.

Also make the surgeon aware that his staff and most importantly this RN is driving patients away. I would send it to the surgeon and the hospital CEO in writing.

[Zane's Mom 184]

I really only saw the surgeon for the one week follow up.

On the 3/6/9 and what will be the 12 month I have labs and a follow up with nurse practitioner s with the practice.

So my labs are fine and I have no specifics issues. I have shared my labs with my pcp and she prescribes my Migraine medicine and also share with my psychiatrist and she prescribes my crazy pills. They are all in unison to keep me functional.

But really I think I'm done with the surgeon per se because I'm not having issues.