I was wondering how long did it take between your first visit to the doctor and the day of the surgery. Also, did you see more than one doctor? and how did you chose your surgeon. I moved from FL to N.VA about 6 months ago, I don't know anybody that had bunion surgery, and the people I know don't have foot problems, I am about to schedule an appointment with 2 doctors and I don't know anything about the perocedure. It would help me a lot if somebody could briefly describe the steps from 1st visit to the doctor to the day of surgery. TIA.
Sarah.

I suppose every doctor has different scheduling procedures & longer or shorter waits between diagnosis & fitting you in for the actual surgery. Here's how mine worked: My bunion of 30 years or so started giving me trouble last summer & fall, so at my annual physical in early Nov, 2003, I mentioned it to my family dr. He referred me to his favorite podiatrist/foot surgeon (some people insist on an orthopedic surgeon). I went the next week. He said I had a moderate bunion (12 degrees). He didn't push surgery on me but said it would only get worse & there's really nothing that will prevent that. I said I'd think about it. I did some research on bunions & on him (he's board certified). Before Thanksgiving I'd decided to go ahead, since winter is a slow time for physical activities for me. I went back once more for a pre-op visit & insurance pre-cert, thinking it would be Jan before they could get me in at the outpatient center. They had a cancellation 12/23/03, and so that's when I had the surgery (I don't recommend having it that close to a major holiday!). I didn't see the doctor again until I was lying flat on my back getting ready to be wheeled in to the operating room. I've seen him enough times since then to become his new best friend, however. He's very good about regular followup visits & will not discharge me until I'm A-OK (I still have a lot of swelling). He has not charged me since the initial surgery cost (which insurance paid 90% of), no matter how many followup visits it takes. I hope you have success in finding a great surgeon in northern VA.

thanks for your reply. The reason I asked about the time frame between the first visit and the day of surgery is because I am moving overseas in august, and I need the surgery to be done as soon as possible, when I find a good surgeon that is. I could fly back to the U.S. for a follow up. Until then, I need to do some research. I have found two doctors, but is it enough to know that they are board certified. Is there another way I could check on there previous work?
sarah.