Rude Surgeon

Please don't misunderstand what I am about to say. 

There is never any excuse for rudeness unless it was in response to  something that was previously rude.  His comment is not surprising to me now that I have had several plastic surgery consults.

What I learned from the surgeons I consulted was this. 

Yes...I could go to Mexico, or elsewhere, and have plastic surgery.  These plastic surgeons where explaining why US fees are so  much higher.  One reason is the aftercare.  These surgeons said the frustrating thing about when people go out of country is the operating surgeon is not responsible for postoperative issues in the event they occur.  If they do occur, the American surgeons are required to repair the damage and often go into the situation blindsided. 

I'm sure there are excellent surgepms in Mexico, but I  sit here today without plastics because I decided when the time comes I want my surgeon to be local in the event an issue occurs.

It sounds like this surgeon is sensitve about this issue and caring for those who go out of the country.  I know you did not need his attitude at all.  I would have felt horrible too.  But my consults helped me see he other side of the picture as well.

Well I wish you the very best. I do a lot of research before choosing a surgeon. I picked a plastic surgeon in Bellevue, WA who had been named top surgeon in Washington 3 years in a row, blah, blah, blah. He almost killed me. Yes, it was local so he was able to do the repairs internally, but my tummy is a mess, my belly button is completely deformed. I have had worse outcomes from US doctors than I ever have from Mx doctors. My Mx surgeon is still keeping in contact, but it is very difficult to treat over the phone and thru pics. I pay insurance for a reason, my PCP fully understood and agreed to treat aftercare, so in my opinion, this surgeon should have not agreed to see me or any other international patient, or he should stick to his professional treatment and diagnosis and leave his opinions at the door.
In the meantime, I have a note into my PCP to call me so I can chat about his behavior, and if the CT scan comes back that there is a leak and I need surgery, he will not be allowed to do my surgery. I need to feel comfortable with my surgeon.

You have definitely had a tough time. He was a board-certified plastic surgeon?. I have often wondered about these publications that name doctors as top docs and things such as this. Too bad there is not a peer on Peer review or something that really gave prospective patients a chance to really see behind the curtain. I also prefer medical centers in large metropolitan areas if it's at all possible

I am sorry he was a jackass. I would write a letter of complaint to his office and supervisor if he has one. It won't make him less of an ass, but at least you can tell him off.
The best response I ever heard regarding out of country surgery was from someone in my support group. Her pcp was dogging her for going to Mexico. She told him point blank that she eas not a criminal. She was a fat, desperate person who needed surgery and went where it was affordable ( she had zero complications).
You give that rude asshole hell! And feel better soon

I am sorry the guy dumped on you. He probably has issues and/or poor upbringing. 

I tried to sanction a doctor licensed in Florida for being a jerk with my wife. The state refused to sanction the doctor for what they called poor bedside manner. So I surfed the net and gave him some poor reviews.

If you have to go to him...let's hope he fixes you.

 

 

Every surgeon I've met thinks they are the best in the field.  I'm glad they believe that, they have your life in their hands. Most are quite egotistical about their skills and will treat you the same way even if you went to the surgeon the next town over. In this case you can complain to Kaiser because he works for them. Most surgeons aren't accountable to someone higher.  If you go this route you need to find a different surgeon for your follow-up care because you won't be able to see him anymore.  If you need his medical skills now you may want to reconsider this. I assume you had WLS in mexico versus plastic surgery.  If thats the case you should find a bariatric surgeon here you like just in case you have any other complications. I don't like my surgeons bedside manner but I want his medical skills more. I hope you feel better soon.

I work for Kaiser in SoCal.  There is NO WAY that surgeon's behavior is acceptable.  Please call the Member Services line and report him.

I guarantee you he will be spoken to.

I had my surgery through Kaiser in SoCal.  The surgeons and bariatric team are WONDERFUL!!

So sorry you had a negative experience... 

Thank you. Going to chat with my PCP first. I have my CT scan Wed to see whether I need another repair surgery.