Welcome, Tawanna!
I haven't read anything on other sites about your journey, but do know how easy it is to place trust in the doctors we encounter almost just by dint of their position. After all, after years of being MO or SMO or SSMO and finally making the very difficult decision to pursue WLS, we want to believe that the doctors who tell us they can "fix the problem" can do so. And they are medical professionals - trained, licensed, etc. They speak with confidence and reassurance. But, the truth is, that just as there are good, great and horrible plumbers, teachers, etc., there are good doctors, great doctors and horrible doctors out there. Most are good, but some are not. Unfortunately, it is hard, if not impossible, for a new patient to determine from an office visit how competent a doctor might be at performing a given surgery.
You are doing the right thing by checking around. The DS is a very complicated procedure. You literally are putting your life in the hands of whatever surgeon you select. Make sure it is someone who deserves that trust and who has a proven track record of success with the complicated surgery you are pursuing. The warning bells are ringing here. Don't ignore them. Choose a vetted surgeon.
Having just come to grips with taking time off, pain, recovery, and lifestyle changes, it is difficult to think of having to travel and add more inconvenience and possibly expense in the mix. The inconvenience is temporary. Your life is worth it.
Wishing you all the best,
Hilary
