got an appointment.. now what?

[three sixty six 1]

..just got off the phone with the surgery center. they finally reviewed my 17-page packet (they require all new patients to fill one out before they get an appointment) and my appointment is set for next friday.

I attended a WLS seminar in December, and the doctor that presented happened to be a different doctor in the group than the doctor I had previously wanted (I had hoped to get some face time with the Doc at the seminar, but he wasn't there). I got an appointment for the doctor I haven't met, but I'm wondering.. if I have a consult with him and I don't get that same warm & fuzzy I got from the doctor who presented (who answered all twenty-seven of my questions), is it cool to switch? I still really want to meet this guy.

I can't decide!

[faithmd 14]

Absolutely, in fact, call and cancel with the one you don't want and make an appt with the guy you do.

You are the customer. You HAVE to be comfortable and confident with your doctor. I know it might be frustrating if you have to wait longer to get the doc you want, but it makes all the difference in the world.

This is your body and your life, you should be completely happy with your decision and you should have who you want.

Not all docs who are good surgeons will make you feel warm and fuzzy, and the same goes in reverse, there are awful surgeons who are really nice people. But you have to have a balance. Good luck!!!

[citygirl4616 2]

Definitely meet both surgeons and then decide from there....you never know. It is not a problem to switch doctors within a practice. It is done all the time. Surprisingly, I have found that most bariatric surgeons are much warmer, and have better bedside manners than a typical surgeon.

[MissMom24 2]

Sure, when someone is doing surgery, you want to be 100% sure and comfortable with them!

[three sixty six 1]

the doctor was great! i felt really comfortable with him. i ended up keeping my appointment with the doctor i hadn't yet met. i'm so comfortable with this surgery center, i could see anyone there and be 100% happy.

he was very thorough, explaining the process, how the band works, etc. he even had a model of a stomach on his desk with a band and he filled an unfilled it so i could see how restriction works. very cool!

i asked some questions and he had great, thoughtful answers. i didn't have a lot to ask, thanks to you kind people on these boards! i just read and read and read all day. so, thanks! my doctor says i'm very well-educated on the subject :biggrin:

now i'm scheduling some other docs: i have to see a cardiologist and get a tube down the throat (i forget what that's called) to check out my digestive tract. yeah! i need to set up a psych consult as well. i start the WLS classes at the center next week.

we're right on track! i hope to have surgery in june, when school is out for the summer (i'm in law school now).

the only hurdle right now is insurance. the policy provided by my employer has a bariatric exclusion, but you better BELIEVE i am fighting it. i need strength for this fight, but i'm not backing down.

wish me luck!

[faithmd 14]

I'm so glad you are happy with the surgeon and the practice.

Word of caution, if it is an EXCLUSION to bariatric surgery, your chances are nil of beating it. But one of your best allies would be to get in touch with Walter Lindstrom at The Obesity Law Center: Obesity Law and Advocacy Center