3 month wait just for a consultation?

[catincanada 0]

So I decided to get the ball rolling and got my family dr to contact a lap band dr to get some more information and possibly get this surgery going at some point in the future... I get a call back with my appointment date and time, and it's not until Oct 25th! Is that normal to have to wait that long just for a consultation? I know there are a few drs who perform this surgery around here... should I try and contact someone else who can get me in sooner, just for the evaluation?! On the other hand.. if this dr is so busy.. maybe she's really good? I dont know! I kind of wanted to talk to someone much sooner than that, to see if this surgery is the right thing for me and if it was something I could even afford! *sigh* Maybe I just need to chill out lol. Any advice would be wonderful!

[Becca29 0]

I do not believe its normal to have to wait 3 months. It all depends on where you live and how mandy Dr.s are in the area. I had to wait 1 week for my appt. and my Dr. is very well known surgeon. I would explore some other options and check out other surgeons in the area. It definitely would not hurt anything.

[catincanada 0]

Yeah I thought that was a little strange.. I live close to Vancouver, BC and I've seen from others who've posted on this site, there are a few Dr's out there who do perform the Lap band. I'm just a little unsure about looking else where, because my family dr has contacted this dr.. BUt like you said, wont hurt right! Anyone have any suggestions of drs in the lowermainland of BC who have good reputations?

[honk 780]

The first Info seminar I went to the doctor's appoint they gave me was 2 months out. I decided to check out a doctor at a better known hospital (distance was about 15 minutes futher away) and was able to get an appointment in about 2 weeks. I would definately look around. Also my personal opinion is that you should not have to pay "Program Fees". If the doctor's office is charging your insurance they are making more than enough money off this surgery.

[catincanada 0]

Hmm... Yeah I've been informed about other drs in the area now thanks to some great people on here, so maybe I'll check them out. It's not that I'm so anxcious to have surgery right away, but I do need time to get all my questions answered, decide if it's what I really want to do and to probably raise the money for it lol. And if I have to wait 3 months just to ask those questions.. it seems a bit far away to me!

I did discover that the consultations are covered by my MSP, so I wont have to pay for that part. Big deal right? lol.. if I had to pay for the consult and they the surgery I'd be a happy camper!

[honk 780]

Due to recovering from a bloodclot I had to postpone my surgery. But I supposed you can look at it that since my consult on 12/28 that I have lost 47 pounds and at that time they wanted me to loose 30 before the surgery. My doctor says the more you loose before the surgery the better. So even if it takes you 6 months before having the surger you can get in the habit of living a healthy lifestyle.

[gogtigirlgo 0]

You can also trying calling the surgeon's office to speak with the admin staff. That's how I got started at the location I'm going through. They sent me out an information packet through the mail and answered a lot of questions over the phone. Maybe if you're on the phone you might find there's been a cancellation as well, so that you might get in sooner.

[Talktime 0]

Yeah I thought that was a little strange.. I live close to Vancouver, BC and I've seen from others who've posted on this site, there are a few Dr's out there who do perform the LAP-BAND®. I'm just a little unsure about looking else where, because my family dr has contacted this dr.. BUt like you said, wont hurt right! Anyone have any suggestions of drs in the lowermainland of BC who have good reputations?

CAT...i'm in North Delta and getting surgery soon with Dr.Woodhead in Ladner. contact me at soap4kids@hotmail.com if you need some more info

[catincanada 0]

Due to recovering from a bloodclot I had to postpone my surgery. But I supposed you can look at it that since my consult on 12/28 that I have lost 47 pounds and at that time they wanted me to loose 30 before the surgery. My doctor says the more you loose before the surgery the better. So even if it takes you 6 months before having the surger you can get in the habit of living a healthy lifestyle.

Hey Honk, Yeah I'm not too worried about rushing the surgery part! Just more anxcious about getting to the talking to the surgeon part and find out my options and what not. The more I can lose on my own the better you're right, getting in the habit now is will lead to a better success after!

[catincanada 0]

Due to recovering from a bloodclot I had to postpone my surgery. But I supposed you can look at it that since my consult on 12/28 that I have lost 47 pounds and at that time they wanted me to loose 30 before the surgery. My doctor says the more you loose before the surgery the better. So even if it takes you 6 months before having the surger you can get in the habit of living a healthy lifestyle.

Hey Honk, Yeah I'm not too worried about rushing the surgery part! Just more anxcious about getting to the talking to the surgeon part and find out my options and what not. The more I can lose on my own the better you're right, getting in the habit now is will lead to a better success after!

gogtigirlgo- that's a good idea. I think I will call and just let them know if they get a cancellation I can be avaliable!

hey talktime! That's great to meet another local person! I'll contact you.

[catincanada 0]

Due to recovering from a bloodclot I had to postpone my surgery. But I supposed you can look at it that since my consult on 12/28 that I have lost 47 pounds and at that time they wanted me to loose 30 before the surgery. My doctor says the more you loose before the surgery the better. So even if it takes you 6 months before having the surger you can get in the habit of living a healthy lifestyle.

Hey Honk, Yeah I'm not too worried about rushing the surgery part! Just more anxcious about getting to the talking to the surgeon part and find out my options and what not. The more I can lose on my own the better you're right, getting in the habit now is will lead to a better success after!

gogtigirlgo- that's a good idea. I think I will call and just let them know if they get a cancellation I can be avaliable!

hey talktime! That's great to meet another local person! I'll contact you.