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Consult With Surgeon - Not So Happy With Him - Help!?

Well today I had my consult with Dr. Von Rueden and his team. Everyone on his team is awesome! HOWEVER, I have very mix emotions about him. Everyone I've talked to say he is an excellent surgeon, and he is rated one of the top bariatric surgeons atleast around here. But when we met with him, he was not very personable, and just gave of negative vibes to me. It was something about the way he talked to me and looked at me, not sure how to explain it but I didnt feel comfortable with him like I felt meeting the rest of his team. I am not sure how to take this. Do I look for a different surgeon? Is it just a misconception on my part b/c of personality differences?? I am not sure how to really deal with my "feeling" about him ... any advice or similar experience and how you dealt with it would be greatly appreciated!!

My thoughts are I could change surgeons? ... Or stick with him .. I mean I am mostly going to deal with the dietician,nurse,and other people apart of his team MORE OFTEN than him. It sounds like unless theres really any issue I wont see him again until right before surgery, during and then post-op and for fills.

 

On another note, I am so PROUD of myself for going to the consult, REALLY getting this started and can't wait to see where this journey takes me!

5 Comments

Recommended Comments

manda05

LAP-BAND Patients

To be alittle more descriptive of Dr's "actions" I didnt care for .. he came in, introduced his self again, and first thing was do you have any questions? ..my thoughts were .. once we start discussing i could ask as we go, considering he may answer my questions in discussion .. when i did ask questions he looked at me and responded in ways as if i shouldve already known the answers and was inconviencing him. the whole time it felt like i was suppose to be leading the consult. he had a model of stomach and the lapband and realize band .. explained the procedure again, didnt really say much i had to ask the difference between the two, asked the pros and cons, he was very short with all his answers to any of my questions .. seemed negative about the lapband in results as if its not going to really help my health issues caused by my weight .. etc.

mzzjonz

LAP-BAND Patients

That's odd. I would think he would be encouraging the band, instead of telling you about bad results. Is he one of those that prefers Gastric Bypass?

manda05

LAP-BAND Patients

Thats what it kind of seems like. It was like he was beating around the bush about it but didnt wanna come right out and say he prefers it. Tough stuff for him because I dont feel that is the best choice for myself. Despite people I know who have had the gastric and had a great outcome, etc. I still don't feel it is for me. And I am pretty set in that decision ... its been something I have thought about and researched for the last 3 years.

NewStart95987

LAP-BAND Patients

Honestly, he may of had an "off" day but you should go with your gut. Liking his staff is certainly a plus! I saw my surgeon for the consult and about 5 minutes before surgery. Beyond that, my appointments were done with her assistant or staff which is not something they tell you. Go with your gut or know that someone with better bedside manner may handle your other appointments. If he's a good surgeon, you may want to stick around....

Good luck!

NewStart95987

LAP-BAND Patients

P.S. Don't let anyone pressure you into doing a procedure you are not comfrotable with! This is your decision, he may make a recommendation or prefer one of the other BUT this is what YOU will live with the rest of your life.

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