So madddddddddd

[marielove 10]

After my first surgeon appointment (my surgeon recommend me the sleeve and changed my mind about what I want), I remember when I asked him if he do the sleeve surgery and he told me yea, yes I do....well, I did my lab tests, change my insurance, change to a new pcp, send my phsyc papers,...wait, etc, then today I ask him some questions about the surgery, and finally I told him that I want the sleeve based in his recommendation......well, he told me now that he is now beginning in the process to do the sleeve surgery ( he's a lap band surgeon)....and if I want the sleeve with him I need to wait until september!!!!!!

What???? I'm very disappointed and mad, and I don't know what to do now...smh...

[rebecca_dsu 241]

I'd find another surgeon. You probably don't want to be one of his first sleeve patients (I'd want a surgeon who has a couple hundred under their belt already)...but that's just me.

So sorry for all your troubles and frustration. I'd put in a call to my insurance and see what will need to happen if you switch surgeons.

[auntyc 14]

Take all your test results and go to another surgeon. Discuss the options with him/her instead of going just based on what one dr. said. It's your body...you make the decision! There are plenty of well qualified surgeons out there. Your insurance company should have a list available on their website. Sorry for your struggles!!

[Ms.AntiBand 2,984]

How do you change your insurance so easily?

[melody2 61]

Look for another surgeon in the area. The new surgeon will review your paperwork and determine what's needed next. Call your insurance company and let them know as well. As long as you complete all of the pre op requirements from your insurance, the surgeon is changeable.

[mamamareli 144]

Do not go to this surgeon. Besides mishearing you, he has not practiced the surgery. You do not want to be one of his first patients. Surgeons, like everyone, get better with practice.

So sorry about how frustrating this must be.

[CowgirlJane 14,259]

I vote with everyone else - find someone who is experienced with and COMMITTED to the sleeve. I believe that not just their surgical skills but their follow up protocol and support is key to success (for me anyway!).

first surgeon I saw and started the process with didn't really believe in the sleeve for high BMI people like me. He was technically very competent/good reputation - but I NEEDED to have a surgeon who believed i would be successful.

[TES 858]

I vote with everyone else - find someone who is experienced with and COMMITTED to the sleeve. I believe that not just their surgical skills but their follow up protocol and support is key to success (for me anyway!).

first surgeon I saw and started the process with didn't really believe in the sleeve for high BMI people like me. He was technically very competent/good reputation - but I NEEDED to have a surgeon who believed i would be successful.

Totally agree! And if this surgeon is only doing the lap band now, that means the surgeon isn't even experienced in laparoscopic gastric bypass, which is at least a bit more similar from a technical skills standpoint. If this surgeon only does the lapband and is starting VSG in September, I would definitely seek out someone experienced in laparoscopic VSG.

[LINDANACK 15]

Nothing is stopping you from changing Drs. Your paperwork should be transferable.

[Rinamatie 13]

Totally agree! And if this surgeon is only doing the lap band now, that means the surgeon isn't even experienced in laparoscopic gastric bypass, which is at least a bit more similar from a technical skills standpoint. If this surgeon only does the lapband and is starting VSG in September, I would definitely seek out someone experienced in laparoscopic VSG.

I agree, I searched until I found a surgeon with an excellent reputation in VSG before I committed.

[marielove 10]

Thank you all for the advise and support.... I am will search a new one....any recommendations for MA area>?

@Ms. AntiBand , I have Masshealth , and I can change the insurance!