How Many Surgeons Did You Meet Before Deciding on One?

[Alex Brecher 10,516]

Common wisdom says to choose a surgeon you love, no matter how many you have to meet before you make your decision. You want one who makes you feel comfortable, who has a track record of good results with few complications, and who promises to support you as you need it after surgery.

But reality often overrules the ideal recommendations, and not everyone has the chance to interview an unlimited number of surgeons before settling on one. You may not have the time, or your health insurance coverage may be good only for a select few doctors.

So, if you already got WLS or you have already chosen a surgeon, how many consults or meetings did you have before you settled on a surgeon? What led you to pass over your first or first few potential surgeons? Do you (or did you) have any qualms or doubts about the surgeon you chose, and how did you settle your fears?

[QueenOfTheTamazons 634]

I didnt really have a choice in the begining. My original surgeon was the only one within 100 miles that took my insurance. He had a $2500 lifestyle management fee, which I couldnt afford, so I started looking around for another surgeon that accepted medical and was within a resonable distance. Dr. Richard Nguyen of Lifetime Surgical in San Jose, CA did an awesome job for me. He is also going to sleeve my husband.

HW 385 SW 359 CW 331 (54lbs down!) Sleeved 10/5/16

[sherri~ 77]

The center I went through has two surgeons, and I was able to choose the one I wanted. I had met them both years before at a seminar I attended with a friend, and knew which I preferred.

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[Vinasu 621]

I met with one. But I did tons of research beforehand, so my decision was essentially made.

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[Shell ???? 224]

I meet my surgeon through a blogger I follow who used him she rated him so I booked him and he was very good

Sent from my iPhone

Edited November 20, 2016 by Shell ????

[2ndSpring 350]

I live in a NYC suburb so had a lot of choices. Internet research helped me narrow it down to 3 practices with good records, experienced surgeons, and programs at excellent hospitals.

I checked out all 3 seminars and then final selection was based on comfort level. Was the support program robust or perfunctory? were the staff friendly and helpful? was the practice efficient and well run?

The office staff at the practice I chose recommended which surgeon I should see based on the surgery I wanted. I had my first interview with him and he was informative and willing to spend time answering questions....no need to look any further.

[teedsg 253]

I met with 3 different surgeons, they all were good, but my deciding factor was the quality of work so many patients had of him. Still waiting to get sleeved.

[OzRoo 1,492]

I met with one, and chose him.

He was recommended to me through a friend of a friend's wife.

After speaking with the wife on the phone, seeing her before and after photos, and hearing the praise she had for this surgeon and her surgery, I researched this surgeon and was quite impressed.

I made an appointment with this particular surgeon.

Common wisdom says to choose a surgeon you love, no matter how many you have to meet before you make your decision. You want one who makes you feel comfortable, who has a track record of good results with few complications, and who promises to support you as you need it after surgery.

He made me feel very comfortable, has an excellent track record, and an excellent support system.

He is also very choosy who he will operate on.

Before I was accepted for surgery, I had to meet with his whole team. For my case, I had to have few dietician meetings, few bariatric psychologist meetings, and endocrinologist meetings with a range of tests that had to be done.

I was then assessed few times by the whole team, any concerns addressed, and all my "boxes" had to be ticked off.

I had no qualms re this surgeon. He ticked all the "boxes" for me.

His whole staff and team were/are fantastic to deal with.

I am really glad that I was accepted and it was/is a pleasure to deal with this surgeon and his team and practice.

[theantichick 2,204]

I'm a nurse, so I generally get a sense of a doctor's competence pretty quickly in talking with them. I was referred to my surgeon by my rheumatologist, who I have a high level of trust and respect for. I researched her background before I met with her, and had several questions to ask her about her protocols and procedures. I was impressed with her, and though I had two others I was planning to meet with, I decided not to bother. Her office is across the street from my office, and her electronic medical records use the same portal as my rheumy and at the time my PCP as well. I already had a high confidence level with the hospital group she practices with, so there were no flags of concern. I had a great experience, and have not regretted my choice one bit.