Changing surgeons mid way through

mpope · June 13, 2008

I have done all of my testing for the lap band and have now decided to go through another doctor. The surgeon I started out with has a HORRIBLE office staff. I can never get my questions answered. I know I'm not their only patient, but after waiting a few days for a return call or email and nothing, I've decided to go to another surgeon. There aren't many to choose from in my area, but thank goodness there's another one.

I've paid my $500 office fee and a $50 copay for EACH visit I've had to make so it's cost me ALOT and I'm worried that if they're not answering my questions or helping me NOW, what will they be like AFTER surgery.

I know it's going to be a pain....please bare with me as I start to lose my mind. : )

mini_me · June 13, 2008

I feel for you. That must be terribly frustrating.

Good Luck in your journey...I hope things get better!

Plow_jockey · June 13, 2008

I'm planning to switch also, mainly because I'm self pay and found an excellent surgeon alot cheaper, but I also have issues with the staff. After I drove 80 miles for my 1st consultation, one of the staff members tried to talk me into leaving so I wouldn't have to pay for my consultation because my insurance wouldn't cover wls. I kinda knew this before I showed up. I had my lab work done and another staff member called me because my parathyroid hormone and Calcium levels were high. He tried to tell me they were located in my head near the pituitary gland, huh??? (Actually in the neck, located behind the thyroid gland--scarey!) Now I have another staff member calling me constantly since I canceled my nutrition and physch evaluation and sleep study to take care of my parathyroid issues. I told her I need to deal with this first and since my insurance deductible is so high and I won't be able to afford wls for awhile now. At first they didn't want me and now they are leaches.

juliegeraci · June 13, 2008

I agree with you completely. Aftercare is really important and I have heard horror stories. It is best to switch surgeons. Good luck.

mpope · June 13, 2008

Since I've been talking to the new surgeon's office, they have been AWESOME ! The receptionists even put a call into my hubby's insurance company to see if his coverage would be better than the Cobra.

So far, so good. I think it was a good call. The recep. Said we were looking at August IF the other surgeon's office got my file transferred to them soon.