I just received an email from my surgeons office that my surgeon, Dr. James Wallace, had passed unexpectedly yesterday. I feel awful/guilty for thinking this way but I feel somewhat lost as I am only a little over a month out from VSG. I know his office staff is great and there are 3 other surgeons who can take over my care, but he was MY surgeon. He knew my history, my struggles, we bonded and I trusted him completely. Feeling very heavy-hearted right now.

That is awful for his family and staff. Very tough on you too. It is hard when you feel like you have a good relationship with a doctor to have to find a new one. At least you are a month out and should have the opportunity to meet a few of the surgeons in the practice.

Ask the staff which one they recommend for you. Really pay attention to what they say and how they say it. The staff knows which doctors are the good ones. Even if all of the surgeons are good they likely have a feel for now of which of the surgeons would be a good fit for your personality.

Sometimes the staff is the most important part of the team. Sometimes you work with and see the support staff more than the surgeon and they control the access to your surgeon. A good front desk and NUT are really important so hopefully you like them too.

So very sorry for your loss! It's hard when you've bonded with your surgeon, someone you feel comfortable with and he's taken suddenly from you. May he RIP

73 huh. well i guess it looks like he had a good life. they say he passed peacefully.

73 huh. well i guess it looks like he had a good life. they say he passed peacefully.

Perhaps its some comfort.

I am so sorry for your loss. Very sad.

I know your pain. I lost my orthopedic doc of 18 years. It is awful.

I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you find another that you like as well.

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and well-wishes! It came as a shock and I had a sudden realization of how much he meant to me. I never thought I would create such a bond with a medical professional in such a short period of time(well, just over a year).

I am so sorry for your loss. I lost one of my doctors unexpectedly, and when my primary care dr told me he had passed, I started to cry. It is painful.

Edited January 29, 201610 yr by Pea523

I'm sorry to hear that, he was great I meant him at the orientation. I had Dr Kindel do my surgery this passed December , I have had no issues and she is great. I just wanted to share that with you for when you decide who to move on to. Once again I'm sorry to hear about his passing