So...I spoke with my surgeon after I got my approval in December and we set a date of 30 Jan 2013. He scheduled my pre-op appointment for today, Monday, @ 0830.

So I get there and the first thing he starts telling me is that the band has so many complications and problems and they aren't really doing but about 30% bands but I should really get the bypass or the sleeve. WITH THE HECK!?!??! He then asks why am I so adamant about the band and I tell him that it's not permanent, and I have an option in my health and weight loss and I want the band. I did my research on this long and thoroughly. So he says ok.

Then I go to see the anesthesiologist and I understand all that...then I have to go back to my surgeon. I then meet the other surgeon who is on the team at the hospital. He starts in with the same yada yada the first surgeon did and I tell him that I still choose to do the band. He then asks about the other surgeries I've had (I've had my gall bladder & spleen removed). He then proceeds to say that when they go in, if there is too much scar tissue that may have attached to my stomach from the previous surgeries, that they might not be able to place the band....that I have to have a plan B...like the sleeve or bypass....or they could just close up and come out. I didn't have to give them an answer right then, but I could tell them the day of surgery what my plan B is. (BTW...let me say that I live & work in Europe--yes I'm American, and apparently they aren't fans of the lapband, but they do them if the patient asks...but they push the bypass & sleeve...I ain't down for that!)

If I'd wanted the sleeve or bypass...wouldn't I have said so in the beginning? Then, since the 2nd surgeon is unavailable on the Jan 30th, he said that they needed to find another date sometime in February...WHAT THE HECK???

I said look man, the ONLY reason my date is in January is because I had to wait on my insurance's approval and now you're pushing me to February? So I got pushed 1 week out to 7 February...I'm so mad I could SPITTTTTTTTT!!!! I'll have an endoscopy on Jan 24th.

OK...I just had to get that out. If the surgeon can't do the band then PLAN B is I'm telling him to close me up and send me home! That just means God had something better for me!

More severe WLS costs more so obviously they earn more. Or, maybe your surgeon has had poor luck with the band but then you have to question, why? Is he just not comfortable with the band or has he not done enough of them to become proficient?

I changed surgeons due to the staff of the first surgeon being worthless. Glad I did. My surgeon never questioned my decision and even encouraged me to go that route. You might want to re-evaluate your surgeon choice?

tmf

I wish it were that easy. I'm overseas, and I don't know of many doctors that do this surgery AND will work with an American insurance (BCBS). A friend used this surgeon and I agree...it's probably the money thing.

I'm too close to start over again. And he'll do what I want...I guess he just had to get the last sales pitch in. I'm just ready for my lifestyle change..

I'm normally one of the most postive people you'll meet...I'm just a little frustrated right now because my original band date was 11 Dec. I'll be ok...and this surgery WILL get done...just another mountain for my God to move!

Thanks for the encouraging words! Congrats on your success so far!

Many people fear doctors and seldom stand up for what they want, but it looks like that's not one of your problems I think you'll do well!

tmf

Many people fear doctors and seldom stand up for what they want, but it looks like that's not one of your problems I think you'll do well!

tmf

Thanks...being quiet has never been a strong suit of mine...lol

I was just frustrated today and needed to vent to those who would understand!

So...I spoke with my surgeon after I got my approval in December and we set a date of 30 Jan 2013. He scheduled my pre-op appointment for today, Monday, @ 0830.

So I get there and the first thing he starts telling me is that the band has so many complications and problems and they aren't really doing but about 30% bands but I should really get the bypass or the sleeve. WITH THE HECK!?!??! He then asks why am I so adamant about the band and I tell him that it's not permanent, and I have an option in my health and weight loss and I want the band. I did my research on this long and thoroughly. So he says ok.

Then I go to see the anesthesiologist and I understand all that...then I have to go back to my surgeon. I then meet the other surgeon who is on the team at the hospital. He starts in with the same yada yada the first surgeon did and I tell him that I still choose to do the band. He then asks about the other surgeries I've had (I've had my gall bladder & spleen removed). He then proceeds to say that when they go in, if there is too much scar tissue that may have attached to my stomach from the previous surgeries, that they might not be able to place the band....that I have to have a plan B...like the sleeve or bypass....or they could just close up and come out. I didn't have to give them an answer right then, but I could tell them the day of surgery what my plan B is. (BTW...let me say that I live & work in Europe--yes I'm American, and apparently they aren't fans of the lapband, but they do them if the patient asks...but they push the bypass & sleeve...I ain't down for that!)

If I'd wanted the sleeve or bypass...wouldn't I have said so in the beginning? Then, since the 2nd surgeon is unavailable on the Jan 30th, he said that they needed to find another date sometime in February...WHAT THE HECK???

I said look man, the ONLY reason my date is in January is because I had to wait on my insurance's approval and now you're pushing me to February? So I got pushed 1 week out to 7 February...I'm so mad I could SPITTTTTTTTT!!!! I'll have an endoscopy on Jan 24th.

OK...I just had to get that out. If the surgeon can't do the band then PLAN B is I'm telling him to close me up and send me home! That just means God had something better for me!

I'm sorry you are facing this delay...but all good things are worth waiting for! My band surgery had to be delayed for over a year due to unforeseen medical conditions which needed to be resolved first...so I can relate. After having a very negative experience with a worthless "hospitalist" assigned to me once after a serious car accident, I have no problem with letting the doctor know when I believe they are not looking out for my well being.

We do need to become our own best advocate for our health and well being, and sometimes that means letting your doctors know that you intend to follow your beliefs about which surgery you prefer. I'm with you; I never intended to have my insides rearranged and feel that I have the motivation to have the band work for me. Doctors need to honor your wishes, after all this is your body...

Best wishes for "jumping through the hoops"...it's worth the delay to begin your journey...

I'm sorry you are facing this delay...but all good things are worth waiting for! My band surgery had to be delayed for over a year due to unforeseen medical conditions which needed to be resolved first...so I can relate. After having a very negative experience with a worthless "hospitalist" assigned to me once after a serious car accident, I have no problem with letting the doctor know when I believe they are not looking out for my well being.

We do need to become our own best advocate for our health and well being, and sometimes that means letting your doctors know that you intend to follow your beliefs about which surgery you prefer. I'm with you; I never intended to have my insides rearranged and feel that I have the motivation to have the band work for me. Doctors need to honor your wishes, after all this is your body...

Best wishes for "jumping through the hoops"...it's worth the delay to begin your journey...

I was reminded of something a stranger told me when I was trying to find money for my daughter for college this past summer. Even though she had a 3.76GPA, her college choice didn't give her a dime..only loans. This lady told me--"A delay is NOT a denial!" And I received that then...and I receive that NOW!

Thanks!