Question:
Changing surgeons REALLY late in the game

My surgeon's office mad a really, really bad mistake two days ago that sent me reeling. It was resolved - after I did the legwork myself. I am eighteen days pre-op, but a few earlier experiences and this huge one this week have left a really bad taste in my mouth - I don't want to have to be stuck with this guy for all of my post-op care. I am no longer going to go with this surgeon and I feel, almost happy about it...relieved and really looking forward to my meeting with the new doc next week. I was referred to the new doc by a friend of my mom's who is one of his post-ops. All in all, I will be set back about two months. Am I crazy? Anyone else make a change so late in the game?    — [Anonymous] (posted on November 9, 2001)

November 9, 2001
I don't think you are making a mistake at all. It is very important to have the utmost confidence in your surgeon. After all, your life will be in his hands. I just changed too. In fact my insurance approved the first before the second got the paper work to them. That took about 2 hours to get changed (and 2 faxes). Good luck.
   — Patty_Butler

November 9, 2001
I changed surgerons too. I had an appointment with the first doctor on Sept 18th (after waiting since June to see him). The woman in his office who dealt with the insurance didn't do a very good job. She didn't seem to have her stuff straight. I made an appointment with another doctor in my area. I had my first appointment with him on Monday...and then early this morning I found out that I was approved! I have surgery on November 28th. Best decision I ever made!
   — Cassie B.

November 10, 2001
You're doing the right thing!!! Check out my profile and look what happened to me because I went to the wrong surgeon. Always listen to you're heart...and since you still have time to change your mind, DO IT !!!! This surgery will affect the rest of your life in more way than one. Keep us posted.
   — Karla K.

November 10, 2001
NO you are not making a mistake!!! First priority is YOURSELF and if you don't feel right ..then something was wrong...My friend told me about my surgeon Dr. Hutcher. She said if you use him it will be A looong weight because he is much in demand. It took 3 or 4 months to see him, then approval, then the classes, then surgery. I'm scheduled Dec 6th. The wait has been worth it so far. Dr. Hutcher made me feel so comfortable and "shewed" away a lot of my fears. My friend was in a hurry and got another surgeon. She did not like him much and a few things happened I wont mention here. YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU WAITED..hey you have the rest of your WHOLE LIFE...LETS ROLL!!!!
   — Jackiis

November 11, 2001
I am the one who posted this question...after a whole lot of thinking this weekend, taking in consideration all of your responses and the emails I received from my WLS friends who know of my experience - I am very happy to say that I actually do believe I am not crazy for making this choice. Thank you for your support during this especially difficult stage in my journey. And, I also hope that others out there who feel the same aren't afraid to go with their hearts - never feel like you don't have any other options! YOU are the most important person when it comes to your surgery...it took me a while to realize that, but I hope you will always remember it for yourself! GOOD LUCk TO EVERYONE! :)
   — PaulaM

September 25, 2004
I wish more people would be brave enough to switch doctors. I had to. And I am so so glad I did. My 1st surgeon promised he would be starting his operations at a new hospital within 2 weeks. It is 5 months later and there is still people being promised 2 weeks and handing over 500.oo!!!! Alot of people have still been waiting because they are afraid to switch doctors because his patients have the new people convinced that he is the only competent doctor in the world. So they all keep waiting and praying and paying. I moved on and am so happy with the results. With the new doctor I didnt have to have to be cut open at all. And with the 1st one I would have had a 3 inch icision and then partially laproscopic. Plus,Theres a lot of preop tests that would not have been performed with the 1st and im glad they were for my safety. Switch if u have to!
   — Bobbie A.

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