Question:
Hi Fiends....I could use some advice here
I am 3 1/2 years post op and just called my surgeon yesterday to get an appointment for my annual checkup. I also mentioned that I wanted to talk to him about plastic surgery. (my surgeon does the plastics on his patients if they want). I was then informed that my surgeon is leaving the practice and moving to nebraska in July. Immediately I started to panic, thinking "Oh God, what do I do now?". I trust my surgeon completely. He saved my life with my WLS, and then saved it again with a small bowel obstruction 14 months later. I really don't want anyone else to touch me, actually I am quite scared. The receptionist told me that they are getting a new doctor and that my case would be transferred to a new surgeon. I just don't know what to do? Any advice on this would be appreciated. Thanks — enjo4 (posted on May 4, 2004)
May 3, 2004
I can understand your concern. My surgeon moved when I was 18 months post
op, though to a location only 2 hours away so I can still see him and I
chose not to see someone else. There are so many good surgeons out there
that you can find for follow up care. Do your best to find one so that you
have one lined up in case problems occur. There are also lots of very good
plastic surgeons out there you can find to replace him. Just as you had to
trust this surgeon when you went to him for WLS, you will need to trust
someone else. Or move to Nebraska. Good luck.
— Yolanda J.
May 3, 2004
Ask your WLS surgeon, and other WLS surgeons in your area for
recommendations. They should know who is doing reconstruction for patients
after massive weight loss.
— mom2jtx3
May 4, 2004
I would rather have a plastic surgeon work on me then a WLS. That's there
specialty. They will do a MUCH better job for you. Don't panic. Start
interviewing some plastic surgeons who are in your health network and then
decide on someone who you feel comfortable with and what there doing.
— Patty H.
May 4, 2004
I know how you feel. My Dr. moved to Missouri when I was 6 months out.
Really scary. Someone came in from Penn. to take his place for Texas Tech
but I dont like him as well. Anyhow I agree with the poster that said look
for a specialist. I dont think I would have gone with my original surgeon
anyhow because he was 2 hours away. Plus my plastic surgeon deals with
reconstruction (faces, cancer patients etc. ) I think they do a much better
job plus they use plastic sutures. The surgeon that did my hernia repair
knew I was going to have a tummy tuck so he threw my belly button away
(doesnt that sound crazy)Not what my ps surgeon was going to do originally
(he would have cut around it) but he was able to make me a new one. Looks
great. Reall happy with my PS. But I must add the discomfort lasted ALOT
longer than with my open RNY. Good luck to you and try not to be scared.
— Marilayne M.
May 4, 2004
I would do as the other poster said ask your surgeon for a recommendation
he will probaly have several for referrals for you and you can just pick
from there good luck
— JENNIFER S.
May 4, 2004
Personally, no matter how much you LIKE your current surgeon, I would go to
a 'plastic surgeon' for your plastics. Granted wls can do them; but the
plastics are 'better' they are speciallizing.... as far as wls, I would
wait and then see the new doctor (if you don't like him, find someone else
close by; the chances of you having to have a wls is probally slim now, but
it is ALWAYS a good idea to have one that has seen you just 'in case'.
You'll do fine. In my case, it was me that moved; the first thing I did
was see what doctors were available in the area.... but unless an emergency
comes up there is NO reason you need to see your WLS. You should also
already have a 'good' pcp that is doing your blood work.
— star .
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