Now what?/

[Missnurse 9]

So I just got word that my surgeon to be will be closing his practice in mid Oct.

I've been seeing him since day one and never had to have a PCP referral.

Friday will be my 3rd appointment with only 3 months of medical supervised diet.

Wasn't going to be until Nov 1st I believe until my info was submitted to insurance

because I had to have insurance for 1 year before they will cover the vsg.

So now I feel like throwing my hands up and giving up... but I wont. I feel so let down.

I have gotten my hopes up high that I was going to be having surgery in December.

There are currently two surgeons in the one office so all of my surgeons patients

are going to be transferred over to the other surgeon but there are 75 patients who

have all their requirements completed including me. How will we all be fit in to the

schedule with all of the other surgeons patients??

I called another doctor who said I could transfer everything to him. They don't do the

vsg so I was thinking maybe I'll have to go with bypass even though that scares me.

I cannot afford other surgeons program fees of $5k that just seems insane to me.

Guess I'll have to wait for who knows how long.....

[apple-saucy 17]

Don't give up. Your Dr. is legally required to give you 30 days notice and/or transfer care to another physician. Which is sounds like he is doing.

It really sounds like you are frustrated and scared. I would suggest calling up the office and speaking to the office manager to ask all your questions. It's unlikely that you'll get bumped down the road/calendar. Be proactive and pushy if you need to be. Hang in there.

[Missnurse 9]

Yes he is transferring my care to another surgeon but he is going to be over loaded for a while. Just not sure how he can handle all these extra patients.

I spoke with the office manager at length today and will meet with my current surgeon Friday. I will be calling around tomorrow to possible search out other surgeons that are available as well.

[savinggrace 6]

Oh gosh what a pain. I wish you the best and hope you get a new surgeon soon.

[longer-life 139]

I will be calling around tomorrow to possible search out other surgeons that are available as well.

That is what I would do. You might want to start with the surgeons of excellence in your greater area. Don't know where you live in Norcal (I used to live in the peninsula), but you might want to consider perhaps traveling anywhere between San Jose, Napa & East Bay as long as it is an excellent surgeon than can fit you in right away. Of course take into consideration the times you will have to go back for after care and support groups. I wouldn't pay $5000 fee either, nor would I have a surgery I don't want.

Don't lose your spot with the surgeon you were referred to though and don't forget to research him/her as well before he touches you. I wouldn't just go on the word of your old surgeon. Best wishes!

[favoredone 590]

I believe it will ALL work out.. Just keep calling and asking questions.... Don't get discouraged... I have a tentative December surgery date... we WILL be sleeve sisters!!! LOL... it's gonna be fine!!

[Missnurse 9]

Thanks longer-life I actually made an appointment with a surgeon in the bay area and will be seeing him Oct 18th. I have finished my requirements and the new surgeons office can pick up right where I left off. I am not giving up nor having a surgery I am not 100% about.

That is what I would do. You might want to start with the surgeons of excellence in your greater area. Don't know where you live in Norcal (I used to live in the peninsula), but you might want to consider perhaps traveling anywhere between San Jose, Napa & East Bay as long as it is an excellent surgeon than can fit you in right away. Of course take into consideration the times you will have to go back for after care and support groups. I wouldn't pay $5000 fee either, nor would I have a surgery I don't want.

Don't lose your spot with the surgeon you were referred to though and don't forget to research him/her as well before he touches you. I wouldn't just go on the word of your old surgeon. Best wishes!

[longer-life 139]

Great! Tell us how the appointment goes. Good luck!