Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

I HATE my surgeons office.



Recommended Posts

Sorry guys, I just need to vent and feel like you guys are always so easy to talk to....So thanks in advance for listening! So, I have basically not much restriction at all, after 3 fills. I was scheduled to see my surgeon about it on Monday. I get all the way there, it takes 30 minutes, and they messed up my appt and did not have me in the books. This is the 2nd time they have done this to me. The first time being they screwed up my surgery date! They couldn't get me in next until OCTOBER 22nd! I was so mad. Now I get a call today saying that he will be out of town the 22nd and they have to push my appt back to the 26th now. He's only in office 2 days a week as it is, and when you go, you always end up waiting an hour in the waiting room.

Aside from that, his office staff is not good at all, they are not caring or comforting, they are harsh and quick. The surgeon himself is good, his office is so tiny, there are only 6 chairs in the waiting room, I always end up standing waiting.

Anyway, I'm just super frustrated. I am even considering changing surgeons for follow up care, but I hear that that is like pulling teeth. I just don't know what to do! :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I don't have any advice to offer you as to how to go about changing band doctors, but I feel your pain. I don't blame you for being frustrated. I wonder if the doctor knows what how inept his office staff is. I bet you're not the only patient at their wit's end.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks kiz. I can't imagine I'm the only one either! I will definitely say something to him though at my next appt about how I feel. It just really stinks that I have to wait so long.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Carrie, I think that is totally unacceptable! I would definitely look for another doctor. Check on here first. I believe there is a section where you can search for doctors by area.

If you are having troubles and you can't get in for basically another month, you need to move on and find someone who will treat you right!

You could even call your insurance company and ask them for other doctors in your area who would be covered under your plan.

Good luck! You deserve better than that!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks Ann! You are right. I'm going to look into it. I will start on here, like you suggested. It's so frustrating, and I hate to make the change to someone who didn't do my surgery, but honestly, I can't keep going on like this. It's just unfair!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

OMG I feel for you! I had the same experience with my surgery facility in Beverly Hills!! I hated them SOOO MUCH I had to switch doctors.

The transition to my new doctor was pretty easy. I say you find a new Dr. ASAP; it makes all the difference in the world!

Good luck! :))

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you so much for your reply! It helps to know that someone else went through this and had an easy transition! I am going to try to find another one asap!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

carrie, I was going to have my surgery here in phoenix by one of the best surgeon. Then I heard from everyone that he is a great surgeon but the (lack of) aftercare made it a horrible experience and people couldn't use the tool the way it shoould be used. So I was banded in mexico. Then I had to find a dr here in town for my aftere care. I found a great dr and it has been smooth sailing. In all this Im just saying switching after care doctors does not have to be a bad thing. Especially if in the long run it is what is best for you and your journey. Good luck and I will pray for your situation!:)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks so much! I'm so happy to hear that it was easy for you! I guess maybe I was expecting the worse and I shouldn't. Thanks so much for the kind words! Best of luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

That just makes me count my blessings. My doctor has 2 offices and surgeries so he's not there a ton of time in any week BUT he has a partner who is not a surgeon and a physician's assistant that are always there. I don't even really care if I see the surgeon because I don't have any problems AND I can see the PA or the "office doc" whenever I need to. Lucky me.

I'm really sorry you're having these problems. When you do go in, I suggest that you express your dissatisfaction with your surgeon....after all, it's a problem with the way he's running his practice. See what his reaction is. Then, if you aren't satisfied, start seriously shopping for another doctor.

Good luck.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes, Change surgeons. I did and it was the best thing I have ever done. For anyone that is interested, Do you know Scottsdale Bariatric, Arizona, Dr. Blackstone, does not even have a full time office staff? If you are considering going there, be warned. (Center of Excellence means nothing when you can't reach anyone)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I know it is a pain but I had problems too and I have changed too BEFORE surgery. Most Surgeons don't want to deal with anothers handy work. I am very happy with the offices I chose the second time around.... yes it has delayed me a bit but this is a life long relationship.

Think hard about it and your future needs. It is not just a few month commitment.

Edited by HappyHomeCC

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

OMG I feel for you! I had the same experience with my surgery facility in Beverly Hills!! I hated them SOOO MUCH I had to switch doctors.

The transition to my new doctor was pretty easy. I say you find a new Dr. ASAP; it makes all the difference in the world!

Good luck! :))

I guess you went where I went LOL Good you ran too!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I would change Doctors asap. Don't wait till your next appt on 10/26/09 to voice your concerns. The office screwed up. Have them fit you in asap. There's always a cancellation. There are plenty of Docs out there that can work with you.

Good luck and don't get discouraged.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks John, you are right. I called them this morning to tell them I needed to get in asap and they said they have to call me back. I'm just really stressed about it all! Thanks for letting me vent.

HappyHomeCC, I realize this is something I have to deal with for the rest of my life, that's why I am considering changing surgeons.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×