Need to change Dr Pre -OP I think; anyone else do this?

[GottaBeME* 22]

My Dr is good I think - saw him ONCE for the consultation. His Bariatric Coordinator is NOT however. She literally rolls her eyes when talking so fast I have to ask her to repeat things 3 times! I was told "call anytime" but can never reach her and if I can, she gets off the phone before I'm done asking questions - hangs up on me literally!

So I am looking elsewhere. I know this will delay my surgery date but oh well. I have all the referrals/recommendations,; don't know if Dr has approved it and if it was sent in to Insurance for their approval or not. Don't know ANYTHING> One person at office changed my 2nd Dr appt for the 3rd time, to 2 weeks away and said "have you done your weigh-ins yet?" WHATweigh-ins? No one said anything about THAT! She said, you'd better talk to Gina, the B. Coordinator, and I said yeah right, like she ever calls me back...

So it's time to get another surgeon /practice I think. Any comments? Is this typical? Should I follow my "gut" - pun intended - and move on? Hate to postpone surgery but really this is not good!

I am 5' tall with BMI of 40 at 206 lb and 3 co-morbidities. Need to get this resolved!

[mrs kaje 347]

There was a post on here a couple of days ago from someone who's thinking of doing the same thing.

I think @LipstickLady replied that she'd changed part way through, and she was happy she did.

[Formyboys2015 40]

I changed practices because the first one seemed really disorganized. I've changed and am really happy with the new center's support staff.

[GottaBeME* 22]

Thank you all for your support. Today, after waiting a 3rd day w/o a reply from my original Dr's B. Coordinator, I called back (left a message) to let them know I want my files, including my referrals, made ready for me to pick up within 1 week as I will be changing doctors and staff to another practice!!! I called around and while one didn't have my insurance, the other one, who does Robotic (DaVinci) Surgery even, called back WITHIN 1 HOUR!!! she discussed the situation with me and gave me more info in 5 minutes than I've ever received from my original Dr's staff. I have an appt. with that Dr on May 4th. Wish me luck! I think this will be the best move I've made after deciding to go for the Gastric surgery to begin with! THX everyone for being there for me.

[shadoegrounds 3]

I did it too. It was due to the fact that I only met the surgeon indirectly during the seminar. Also it was 3 hours away and going back and forth was killing me. I found out the office I originally wanted was now covered and simply switched. I had completed my insurance requirements but hadn't been submitted to insurance yet and they weren't going to until after I finally met with the surgeon 11 days from now. Meanwhile I alerted my insurance about changing, the new Dr has done all kinds of tests and labs and I just got insurance approval. I may have surgery before they would have even submitted my papers at the other dr. Not to mention they are so much nicer and more helpful.

[GottaBeME* 22]

UPDATE @ 6/12/15

I HAVE changed doctors and I am SOOOO Happy I did. I love my new dr, Diane Kwan M.D General SUrgeon in COncord and Walnut Creek (SAF Bay Area) CA> SHe is the first surgeon to actively practice ROBOTIC (DSaVinci) Surgery in the county and is looking for a candidate for Gastric Sleeve RObotic Surgery. I am too "complicated" in my GERD issues etc and will be doing the SLeeve instead. Dr Kwan is informative,pragmatic and has a great "bedside manner." Her staff, esp Rosalee or Rosie are all wonderful. I couldnt recommend anyone more highly. AM I GLAD I SWITCHED!!! BTW my prior Dr called me pewrsonally after I wrote him a letter exsplaining WHY I was leaving his practice (his B COordinator was rude, incompetent and ageist among other things.) He was on the phone discussing the issue with me for 20 minutes (to his credit!) and hopefully steps will be taken to address the situation. Must commend him for that. But still, Gina at Bay Area SUrgiocal Specialists in Walnut Creek is the pits! SO happy, with all your support, I moved on!

[2goldengirl 2,076]

Funny, my PCP changed my surgeon referral to Dr. Kwan for the same reason, ie, BASS office staff weren't user-friendly for the PCP's office to work with. My experience with Dr. Kwan's office so far has been terrific. My initial consult with her is 12/22.

[rking 484]

It is ridiculous to put up with that. I would change too. Thank goodness my docs office is wonderful!!!!

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Sounds like this Doctor needs to get rid of Gina. She is costing him business. I had my surgery done via robot and couldn't be happier.

[livvsmum 2,370]

Definitely follow your instincts. I changed surgeons about 1/2 way into my pre-op program....maybe 4 months in. I didn't like the way they did things. They didn't let you meet the surgeon until right at the end after you had met all of the requirements and I wasn't comfortable with that. As soon as I switched surgeons, everything was speedy and flawless. I was so glad I did it. It's too big of a deal to be uncomfortable with the program. Even if it is "just" the surgical coordinator, she/he is likely the one you will deal with more post-op with questions you call in with, etc. You don't want to get attitude every time you need some assistance.