The sooner, the better. You could even ask the doctor who tells you that you need surgery for a recommendation for a second opinion before you leave the office. You certainly don't want to wait until the surgery is imminent. Give yourself as much time as possible to gather the necessary information and make an informed decision. On the other hand, seeking additional opinions might delay a surgery you're not looking forward to - so be honest with yourself.

Be as direct and unexcited as possible. Tell the second doctor that you want an evaluation of the diagnosis and treatment proposed to you. Bring the results, including tests, from your first consultation. Then say, "Here is what my doctor told me about my condition. He recommends this surgery. What do you think?" Try not to share your own opinion about the first doctor's suggestions with the second doctor. You want an objective answer from them, not a reaction to your own, possibly negative, feelings.

Not at all. It is common medical practice to seek another opinion. Doctors do this all the time as part of their own process of diagnosing a problem. You should not hesitate or feel guilty about saying you want to get a second opinion. Many doctors even give their patients the names of other specialists and surgeons to talk to without being asked.

What happens when you have two opinions depends on whether the advice is the same or not. If there are disagreements, try to understand the reasons for the disagreement. Go through the arguments for and against each approach. Weigh the pros and cons, talk to your doctors, and discuss the matter with a friend or relative who is a reliable conversation partner. Consider the options and the qualifications of each doctor. Be aware that the second opinion often sounds smarter than the first opinion, although it may or may not actually be better. Ultimately, you have to rely on your gut feeling. Which doctor do you trust, which approach makes sense to you? If these answers point you in a certain direction, it is probably the right one for you.

An independent opinion means a different doctor, but not necessarily a different facility. There is no good answer to this question. A doctor from the same hospital should give an honest, objective opinion, even if it questions the opinion of a colleague. If you are not satisfied with this approach, ask your doctor for names at another hospital.

Your greatest wealth is your health. Why compromise on important decisions that affect your health? It is always good to make sure before you take action!