Changing Surgeons

[hippieista 12]

Has anybody here changed doctors in the middle of the pre-surgery process? If yes, please share. I can't get my current surgeons office to get back with me on questions and I have lost all confidence and am looking to change.

[IronDruggist 136]

I had to switch surgeons half way through because my insurance changed. Wasn't as much of a hassle as it could have been. I agree that if you aren't receiving the proper communication with that office, you should switch. These are people that you are going to be dealing with for years of follow up, not to mention your life is in that surgeon's hands. That being said, everything you have done so far should be "transferable". I would hand carry a medical records release form to their office so your new surgeon will be able to get your records. If you've already done your psych eval with that office, you need to specify that they are to release those as well...they are NOT released unless you are specific in including those. My second surgeon required me to attend his free intro seminar, but that was the only thing I had to do over. If you are having insurance pay for your surgery, call them and ask what surgeons are covered...they may only have a handful that are in network. If you are self pay, you have more options, but I would definitely look for surgery centers that are considered "centers of excellence" by some insurance plans (usually a good sign).

[swimbikerun 1,039]

I know of several people that have before. After, here in this area, you are apparently prevented by terms of a legal agreement. Not sure it can be enforced. Slasherms has it right. I didn't have but a couple of piddly problems before, but now with dumped care, and the fact that there are a ton of questions that when I ask "ethically is this right" and they send me to lawyers, what does that tell you? Check them out before. You might get left in my state.

[hippieista 12]

Thank you so much for your responses, you have made me feel so much better. I should probably have looked for a new surgeon when he would not respect my decision to have a sleeve, he insisted that what I really wanted was a bypass even after I told him why I was so uncomfortable with that procedure. I already know who I want to switch to and he and is office are top rate. It is funny how communication becomes one of the most important aspects of this journey.

Peace,

Laura

[pdptwo1 5]

if it doesnt feel right ...change....I changed because of staff problems...not the doctor...i had a nurse cancel my surgery 5 days before surgery....they forgot to tell me to be off menopause medicine....always a silver lining out there....my new surgeon is better i feel...amy

[swimbikerun 1,039]

It is also possible because they don't know how to do it, not enough experience, or its not $$$$ as good as the RNY.

[beanx2 8]

I also switched surgeons pre-op. I went with the most advertised, hospital supported doctor at the hospital I work at, before asking around. Once I decided I am for sure doing this, I started asking- and I went to the wrong doctor. It means a lot to me how a doctor treats the nurses and staff, and how the staff perceive the doctor. I went to the doc that was recommended to me, and I love him. Unfortunately, I don't know how one does research without the "inside" knowledge that I was privy to. I am going with Dr. Metz as opposed to Dr. Long, feel free to ask questions of me if you happen to be doing research on those 2.

[swimbikerun 1,039]

I am so glad for you. I really want to see people doing their homework. I never want to see someone in my situation again.

[tbmichals 12]

Will you message me and let me know what was wrong with Dr. Long? I just scheduled a consult with him (in Dallas).

I also switched surgeons pre-op. I went with the most advertised, hospital supported doctor at the hospital I work at, before asking around. Once I decided I am for sure doing this, I started asking- and I went to the wrong doctor. It means a lot to me how a doctor treats the nurses and staff, and how the staff perceive the doctor. I went to the doc that was recommended to me, and I love him. Unfortunately, I don't know how one does research without the "inside" knowledge that I was privy to. I am going with Dr. Metz as opposed to Dr. Long, feel free to ask questions of me if you happen to be doing research on those 2.

[pdptwo1 5]

If u r not getting return calls or get an answer like this from the nurse. Im a one man team around here. Leave. I was 5 days away from surgery and nasty nurse tells me i should have been off menopause meds for amonth and tried to blame me for not knowing this. Also. I have uhc. I went to their center of excellance. Wht a joke. I figured out the real purpose was not to my benefit but the insrance company. The new dr ordered hepatitis test. Dual doppler for checking for dvt blood clots and additional tests center of wellness never ordered.