Need Dr. advice...

Hello everyone! I am thinking of getting the lap band procedure done, but I’m having a hard time trusting a doctor. I was scheduled to have the surgery on December 18 with Dr. Michael Feiz but haven't gotten the best pre-op support from his staff to make me certain that these are the people to go with. At first I was being helped by one of his assistants Marissa who assured me that the process would be smooth. But after finding out that my surgery would have to be done at the hospital as required by my insurance my file was transferred to another person who gave me little to no help. I had to constantly call, in order to remain informed on what was going on with the process. I have read a lot of good things about Dr. Feiz and he appears to be a very qualified surgeon, but I have to say I’m disappointed with his staff. Can anyone give me some advice of where to go?

Is he a private WLS surgeon or is he part of a company like true results or something like that. I would contact the surgeon directly. If you were supposed to have surgery on Friday there's no reason for you not to of had it. My surgeon did surgeries in two locations on Friday, 3 at the out patient place where I was and then after me straight over to the hospital for those who's insurances require hospital stays. Chances are the surgeon isn't aware of what's going on, and there's a difference between the staff and the surgery scheduler, she works directly with the surgeon and may not be aware of the situation or that you were already scheduled.. call and speak with her directly or your surgeon.

I think you were wise to start questioning this. In many ways, the support staff matter more than the surgeon as prior to the surgery and after the surgery, you will really deal with them - them including the RNP's, RN's and office staff amongst others. The people that fall into that "them" category will do your fills and help you with this journey with only an occasional follow up with the surgeon. The surgeon is exactly what the name implies - the guy that does the surgery and overall, signs off on your case. Some surgeons are more involved than others - but what I'm getting at is at the end of the day, the support staff can make or break a surgeon's office.

I am curious, like ymjackson1, about whether this is through a private office or some conglomerate like True Results. (I am going through True Results because of insurance issues but am using the same surgeon where I first had my consult - in a private office.) If it's something like True Results - ask for a new case manager - or advocate. YOU are the priority here and if YOU don't like this - then speak up. My mom was an RNP and she always said "The squeaky wheel gets the grease" when it came to her patients and their families. If you are not happy with this - speak up. At the end of the day, this IS a business and they DO want to make you happy.

BUT. There's a big but with this. While you may find people in that office that you DO like and CAN work easily with, they will all talk amongst themselves and you may still end up passing people in the hallways on future visits. So be cautious. Or find a new surgeon.

At the end of the day - this process is about YOU. YOU have to do what YOU feel is right and what feels right to YOU. Don't leave this in anyone else's hands - make the situation what you want it to be - your success depends on that.

Sorry for rambling...

Hope these thoughts help...

couldn't agree more, I'm using true results too and there's days I would just want to go off on certain people. But in my TR office, there's a doctor who does your fills, she's not your surgeon, just the doctor and all she does is fills talk to you about your weightloss. The office here in Scottsdale is very small and you can easily call your surgeon at any time. - It could be the location though because I've heard so stories about other cities.

Believe it when I tell you that all it took for TR Austin was for me to tell them to look on their own website about what people where saying about their staff, and they have been a whole lot better in that friendly department here lately. SOmetimes people get into a norm, and if no one complains, then they think that how they are is fine. It has to be brought to some people's attention sometimes, so do so, and see what the results will be. I asked if I was just a head count or a head of cattle, and that got it moving.

Dear jdog75,

I am sorry for the staff having let you down. This is the first I've heard about it. Also, it seems like you got some good advice from the lapbandtalk.com forum.

Let me answer some of the questions raised.

Firstly, I am an independent physicians although I do work with conglomerates as mentioned.

I agree that the support staff is as important as the surgeon and I have strived to create a program that emphasizes this point. My program is comprehensive. I have an Registered Dietician and Licensed Psychologist in addition to an experienced Program Director to aid and assist patients.

I do pride myself on being very hands on with my patients which is why my email Dr.MichaelFeiz@gmail.com is read by me personally and not filtered by my staff.

Please contact me so I can better assist you.

Again I am sorry for your frustration.

Dr. Michael Feiz,

Dear jdog75' date='

I am sorry for the staff having let you down. This is the first I've heard about it. Also, it seems like you got some good advice from the lapbandtalk.com forum.

Let me answer some of the questions raised.

Firstly, I am an independent physicians although I do work with conglomerates as mentioned.

I agree that the support staff is as important as the surgeon and I have strived to create a program that emphasizes this point. My program is comprehensive. I have an Registered Dietician and Licensed Psychologist in addition to an experienced Program Director to aid and assist patients.

I do pride myself on being very hands on with my patients which is why my email Dr.MichaelFeiz@gmail.com is read by me personally and not filtered by my staff.

Please contact me so I can better assist you.

Again I am sorry for your frustration.

Dr. Michael Feiz,

I am utterly IMPRESSED!

Jdog looks like you found an AMAZING and CARING surgeon!

Thank you all for your great advise. It means alot as this is a big deal for me. After all I'm taking this journey to improve my overall health and having the right team behind me to be successful is very important. I'm pleasantly surprised that Dr. Feiz not only reads these blogs but would respond, I will contact you regarding my concerns. Again thanks to all who responded and I will keep everyone posted.

Happy Holidays

Best of Health to all...