How Did You Choose Your Surgeon?

[vamping 183]

A few years ago, I had a gyn refer me to a bariatric surgeon after I had a horrible ordeal with my hysterectomy. I was gaining weight weekly with no effort.. I was angry because the gyn referred me without checking any other problems first. I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, and less than two months after removal of one ovary... it could have been anything. I was heavy, but not anywhere near the lowest BMI with co-morbidities for my insurance plan. The bariatric office hounded me for a month after I told them no.

That left a bad taste in my mouth.

A friend started working at a bariatric office shortly after that. I had never seen her so happy. She loved going to work, loved her boss and co-workers and their methods for helping their patients. I've worked in the medical field, so that really impressed me. Fast forward to the realization a few months ago that it was time to re-think bariatrics, The practice she works at went to the top of my research list. Once I researched them on my own, I knew that doctor was the right choice.

Edited July 25, 2016 by vamping

[perksgirl 18]

Once I decided that enough was enough I voice my concerns with my PCP then she submitted a referral to the WLIA and they call me to set up my first consultation and I'm on my final pre-op next appt is August 16th I can wait to finish this healthy journey.

Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

[CathyArsenault 4]

Months of searching. The hospital had to be a "Center of Excellence" and the practice had to have lifetime surveillance. The actual surgeon had to: have an excellent surgical reputation amongst his/ her peers, with his patients and at the hospitals he/she is affiliated with.

I was changing my entire life and I needed someone that was going to "coach me" through the good and hard times for the rest of it. I had/have to have someone that is approachable because this is not easy and I need someone that I am be 100% myself with and feel safe to be vulnerable without being judged.

Lastly I had to find a practice that worked as a team to support their patients with the Surgeon as "quarterback". I found it all. It took me realizing this was a huge step so it would take time to find the right fit for me.

[HanSolo1977 261]

My PCP also recommended a surgeon to me... he actually went rogue recommending a surgeon he wasn't supposed to (outside my clinic system) because that surgeon was good.

[Frenchie1977 262]

I wish I could say I had a lot of options but my insurance denied the surgeon I really wanted and only gave me two other options. I chose the one that was at a center of excellence and had a Bariatric program I felt I could get through with my insurance.

[Aggiemae 739]

The hospital has a bariatric clinic that handles the pre op phase but I could choose any surgeon. Portland is a big city There are two practices and probably 10 surgeons to choose from on our oinsurance. The first one I interviewed was a bad fit for me , the scoundrels one didn't make eye contact... so asked the clinic psychologist and nutritionist who knew me pretty well since I was taking a weekly "lifestyle class" in additional to the normal pre op who they thought I would like. She was awesome.

[ahappycamper 81]

My grandmother had the gastric sleeve done just about one year ago and one month later, I made my appointment with her surgeon. Now my grandfather is having his done by the same guy.

Sent From BariatricPal App