Is my surgeon misrepresenting how many bands he's done?

[Sunta 4]

Hi!

I met with my surgeon yesterday for my last pre-surgery visit. I had met with him for the first time in September of 05, so about five months ago. Ok, so when I met with him in September, I asked him how many bands he'd done, and he replied "About 40, and I just did three yesterday. We do about five a week." So I said "so by the time I have my surgery it will be alot more, right?" and he said "Oh, definitely." So I meet with him yesterday, FIVE MONTHS after I met him for the first time, and I say "So how many bands are you up to now?" and guess what he says?...... "Oh, about 40" (!?!?!!?!?!?!) I was like "whaaat?" I said "When I met with you five months ago you said you'd done about 40" and he goes "Well, at that point maybe it was more like 38". And I was like "But you said you've been doing about five a week" and he goes "well, I did one yesterday. It's been a slow couple of months because it seems like everyone's premium comes due at the same time and then there's a slowdown." (I don't have any idea what that even means). I left his office very perplexed. I went to the front desk and asked the woman there to clarify and she said that maybe he meant he'd "attended" 40 and then done 40 on his own. But wouldn't he have said that then? I am very confused and freaked out. I don't want to be the first patient he's actually banded himself! What if he's only attended 40? How can I check this out without asking him again? I feel very awkward to call back and question him about it again. Is there some way I could check with the hospital? My surgery is supposed to be in 12 days and I'm freaking out!

[babsintx3 0]

Sunta,

I wouldnt have my surgery with this guy. I would find someone you feel more comfortable with. He is obvioiusly not being truthful here....

Babs in TX

334/180 ish

-150 ish

[Guest ASPHALT ANGEL]

I agree with Babs. I would find someone who answers all your questions honestly and who you are comfortable with. Where do you live? I would see if anyone on here as any other surgeons that they have used and recommend. Good luck and trust your instincts.

[ajack 0]

OMG find someone who has performed hundreds..... and maybe find a few peple that could give a reference or two ...there must be someone else in your area. did you ask about fills and stuff?

[asbrown 0]

I would run. Even if he's conducted 40, it isn't enough to show how well or how bad he is as a lap-band surgeon on top of the fact that you're getting shady information from him.

I wouldn't bother with him or his office and seek out someone else.

Don't settle for mediocrity.

[bushbaby 8]

I agree with the rest...your gut tells you a lot about situations...Its instinct and you have to feel compy with someone who is doing somthing so important. Do you know how many things could go wrong with an inexperienced lying surgeon...please be careful.

[CCBSTX 0]

Do more research on the surgeon! Find someone who has used him. Get to know his reputation, etc. Go with your GUT!!

[Monica S 1]

My doctor said it takes over 100 surgeries before someone is an expert at the lap band. Keep searching.

[Magic 0]

OOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMGGGGGGGGGGG:angry :angry

I'm debating between a surgeon who'd done 4000 and another who had done 3000.....

Plus NEVER get a lier doctor :angry :angry :angry Whether he'd done 5 or 5000 band. Never trust a lier. PERIOD

[Kim_8 2]

RUN!

Sunta -

I,too, would keep searching. This is too big of a deal to not get the right guy. Thy lying bothers me immensly. I couldn't tell where you are from, but surely there are others on the board in your area that could give you advice. I know you're scheduled for surgery and that's an exciting step, but I'd sure step back and take another look. Better safe than sorry. You take care!

Kim

[jqpublic 1]

Don't let him cut into you thats what they have Cadaber for! Good luck check it out.

[sleepyjean 0]

I agree with everyone. Either he's lying, or he has a horrible memory. Neither one of those possibilities inspires confidence.

[gadgetlady 4]

I couldn't get a straight answer out of my surgeon either, but it was definitely more than 30. It was either 200 or 300 depending on who in the office you talked to, but I was fine w/ either one. They need about 100 to be proficient.

Even though you're so close, I would recommend finding another surgeon. It's kind of like when ppl are about to get married and they realize they may be doing the wrong thing, but canceling the wedding a week out is too much of a hassle, embarassment, etc. Well bottom line is they're a lot better off canceling before than dealing w/ the problems after.

I know you must be discouraged, but if everything's in order w/ insurance, etc., you might be able to find a qualified surgeon who can take up the reins and get you done quickly. You never know -- maybe even the same date! Get on the horn on Monday and find someone new :-)

[Guest Kira M]

Sunta, there is NO way I would feel comfortable having that doctor do my surgery. He doesn't have enough experience and he doesn't sound like he is trustworthy. You deserve better than that. I hope you find the very best doctor available to help you start this journey.

[bubblesstina 0]

i'm with everyone else..trust your gut, after all it is your gut your dealing with and if it doesn't want this guy working on it, don't you think you owe it to your gut to listen???? lol

Call the surg center you are scheduled at and ask to speak with the nurse who deals with lap abnd surg and then ash their opinion of the dr. Nurses knw as much about what happens as the Dr. Sometimes they are the ones who keep bad things from happening...

Good luck and honestly, listen to your gut and start that new exercise program....RUNNING!!!