Questions On Choosing A Surgeon.

[alley-gator 96]

So I need help decideing between 2 surgeons.

Surgeon 1... Not on network so I pay 15% of cost. Ki out of pocket is 1500 so it won't be more than that. I could see him wed and get all of my preop stuff done at one including psychologist. Very experienced, was a sleeve pioneer, low complication and high success rates, single incision. No egd required with him. Very successful and well known. Also at a center of excellence.

Surgeon 2... Went to great schools did lots of sleeves on fellowship but have only done a few in his new practice. He is on network and operates at my hospital of choice. Easy access to all of my records from my pcp as they are in same hospital. Would have to do egd and psychology visit separate. Hospital stay covered 100%

So would you go with the more experienced surgeon who requires less preop stuff but works for a hospital I don't like, or a less experienced one that works for a hospital I love and go to for all my care?

I am afraid if I choose the more experienced one that I will have a complication and be admitted and it won't be to my hospital. At least if I fp.with Tue least experienced surgeon I will be admitted to my hospital and have 100% coverage.

What would you do?

[SpecialK1960 252]

_{Always always always choose the experienced doctor. He is the one that will be taking your life and future into his hands. Great schools do not mean as much in the medical field as in other areas. The ciriculum and testing is somewhat standardized across the nation.}

_{What difference does it make what hospital you are in? They all have bad food, wake you up constantly, make you wear a gown so your tucus hangs out....}

_{What amtters is the man with the knife. PERIOD. Hopefully with his experience all will go perfect. Also if something comes up, he is more likely to have seen it before and know what to do about it. There is no medical procedure that does not havea learning curve. If you have the option, do not be part of the curve, be the late comer that simply benfits from all the experience gained on procedures done before yours.}

_{I can not think of a better way to spend a few extra bucks. Life is too short not to get the best.}

_{I researched doctors and got one of the best in the country (luckily here in Dallas). His office waiting is long. But you know what? I am okay with that. I went to the best and others want that too.}

[chitowngirl 884]

I would go with the more experienced doctor. My doctor also did all the consults at one visit, it is a very smooth process.

[PdxMan 4,292]

Experience, for sure. That is what is going to determine your long term success, IMO. That surgeon is going to have experience sewing the stomach tight to the bougie (the guide put in your stomach during surgery) which will result in having good, long term restriction. If you get some green horn in there, I would be afraid they would not have the experience to get a nice, tight sleeve, and then where would you be ...

18 months down the line you will not have the restriction you need to stay on the program. Not good.

[ProudGrammy 8,322]

So I need help decideing between 2 surgeons.

alley-gator

new broom sweeps clean, old broom knows corners - Chinese proverb

I would go with surgeon #1 - very experienced, sleeve pioneer, low complications, high success rate -successful and well known , center of excellence

but, hows this for a noncommital answer - go with either one, both are good - its your choice

good luck on your decision

kathy

[mel2643 68]

I also faced that exact same problem , I chose the surgeon that was out of network .... My final visit is in august then we submit for approval ....( fingers crossed ) As everyone else has advised .......the experience was what sealed the deal for me ... My out of network is 70/30 ... However I am willing to pay the 30 % ... Like mentioned prior ... It's your future and your life at stake .....

[Izuri 428]

I would definitely choose the more experienced surgeon. 1500 dollars is not a lot compared to the costs that could rack up from having a complication or long hospital stay. I was in a similar situation when picking my doctor and I chose the one who is not associated with my insurance plan. It only hiked the cost up a few hundred dollars, but I think it's worth it to be with the surgeon I trust. I hope it goes well for you! =)

[SpecialK1960 252]

Here is another thought. What if it were not you that you were deciding for??? Let's say you had to make the decision for your child, or a parent or husband (and if sometimes he makes you want to shoot him, and he has lots of insurance, then that is a bad example). But anyway. You have to make this decision for someone you love very much who is depending on you to make the right decision.

Would the money even enter into the equation? Probably not. We would never think of cutting a cost when it comes to those we love. And yet when we make decisions about our selves.... for some reason, we look at factors such as money that really do not belong there.

So my advice is take the money out of the question. Then make the decision based on the various pros and cons of each surgeon without regard to the money. Just like you would do for someone you loved. And then love yourself - figuratively - not being dirty (just silly)

[alley-gator 96]

Thanks so much every one for your input it really gives me some more insights and is helping me make my decision.