Would you....

[HapiCat 0]

Would you change surgeons pre surgery if:

You discovered a surgeon locally (10 min drive) instead of across your state (3 hour drive) if there were no additional expenses and they would accept your info from Dr you have surgery scheduled with??

I found out my surgery date today 12/30 but it requires 2 more trips across, another $500 program fee and the local Dr is a center of excellence as well and likely will accept everything and do surgery within same time frame.

I see pro's being -

Dr is 10 mins away

I CAN attend bi-monthly support groups locally

Fills will be local

No hotel bills

Help!?!:confused:

[kiz 1]

Absolutely, without question. My surgeon is local, and it's been great to have somebody close by for fills and follow-up visits. Thankfully, I've had no complications, but I would be concerned about not having a doctor close by in case I had a problem. The support group has been very helpful too. I've learned a lot during the meetings.

Edited November 20, 2009 by kiz

[Irishbookworm 0]

This one I would be on the fence with. I would say maybe meet with the local doctor first and see how you feel about him? Then again, even if you don't hit it off, the pros of him only being 10 minutes away would out weight (no pun intended, ha ha) the cons. Three hour drive is tough, especially with gas prices being what they are. And what if, God forbid, something happens? In an emergency would you rather your doctor be 10 minutes or 3 hours away? That and the support groups are wonderful! I missed my last one (last night) because I have a wicked head cold, but, I'll be at the next one, you bet! Don't just jump in to it. REALLY take your time in deciding. If it were me, I would investigate all the pros and cons and make an informed decision (although, chances are I would take the surgeon that was 10 minutes away). Good luck with whichever you decide!

[thebandedgirl 0]

I would meet with the local surgeon first to make sure you like him. I don't know what criteria have to be met to make a practice a center of excellence, so I would check into the doctor specifically and make sure he's place a lot of bands. A lot.

[Pam92 0]

HapiCat: My first reaction to your questions was "for sure switch!" But, like our fellow banders said, you should make an appt with the local doc and make sure you like him and he has a good manner with you. You don't want someone who makes you feel uncomfortable.

If all goes well, I think it is just good sense to switch docs. You can get your med records sent to the new doctor and that should help get things up to date.

Good luck to you. I hope everything goes well. I am proud that you are going to take care of you !!!:bored:

[GraciesMom 0]

I sooooo agree with the other bandsters, abolutely check out the close to home surgeon, even the call to his office could be telling, as his staff's conversation with you might let you know if you want to procede further.

I'm sure if they have earned the title of " center of excellence" the surgeon and his staff are perfect, but better to check the facts first.

Another consideration would be that by switching surgeons, it most likely will delay your surgery, perhaps just by a week or two, or maybe even longer. I know my surgeon is booked all the way through the holidays, and with that being said, that leads you into a new insurance year...begins all the deductibles etc...

Maybe this new surgeon would be willing to take you on for fills, and as far as I know support groups are pretty much open to any bandster ( at least ours are).

You have a lot to consider, and a short time to do it...I would get to it today! Call the new surgeon and get in to see him ASAP.

[stl2atl07 0]

My immediate resounding answer is YES!

Yet, two things come to mind. I would check the Surgeons Medical License out. See if he has had any complaints filed against him, any malpractices, etc. I did this myself just yesterday and switched Surgeons.

Second, Meet the Surgeon, See what you think about him one on one. Take a list of questions, and Don't be afraid to ask. You are paying him for his services, you don't owe him anything. If all goes well, Switch Surgeons.

I definetely would want a Surgeon locally if I could have one. I have to travel almost a hour myself. I would be delighted to have Surgeons of the caliber I have found locally. But its not to be so I will travel.

Research, take your time, and be wise in your choice. Its something you will be living with for a long time. :bored:

Would you change surgeons pre surgery if:

You discovered a surgeon locally (10 min drive) instead of across your state (3 hour drive) if there were no additional expenses and they would accept your info from Dr you have surgery scheduled with??

I found out my surgery date today 12/30 but it requires 2 more trips across, another $500 program fee and the local Dr is a center of excellence as well and likely will accept everything and do surgery within same time frame.

I see pro's being -

Dr is 10 mins away

I CAN attend bi-monthly support groups locally

Fills will be local

No hotel bills

Help!?!