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Choosing A Weight Loss Surgeon

If you are considering weight loss surgery, it is vital to
locate a well-qualified surgeon that has successfully performed
countless numbers of these types of surgeries. As these
surgeries are increasing in popularity, more insurance
companies are beginning to cover their cost. This has resulted
in an influx of doctors who are willing to perform weight loss
surgeries. While most of these doctors are probably
well-qualified, it is important to ensure your surgery will be
performed by someone extremely knowledgeable about this
particular surgery.

One way to locate a good weight loss surgeon is to get
recommendations. You might have family members, friends, or
colleagues who have undergone the surgery. Question them about
their doctors to determine which doctor they have had good
experiences with. Most patients are very forthcoming about
their knowledge about a doctor they have used. Many people get
their referral through their primary care physician. More than
likely your primary care doctor knows and can recommend a
surgeon that performs weight loss surgeries. Ask your doctor
for several names so you are equipped to compare various
doctors' experiences and qualifications. Remember that you are
not required to use the surgeon recommended by your doctor.
Many times, primary care doctors will recommend another doctor
based on factors other than experience or skills. They may
recommend someone with whom they are friends or because they do
not know anyone else.

After you have pared down your selection to a few names, you
will need to verify the doctor's qualifications. The first
thing you will want to ascertain is how many weight loss
surgeries the doctor has performed in the past. This factor is
critical. Some studies have indicated that doctors who perform
only a handful of weight loss surgeries per year have higher
mortality rates than those who perform many weight loss
surgeries yearly. Determine how long they have been conducting
the surgeries and the number they perform in an average month.

The next factor you will want to ensure is if your surgeon is
board-certified. Typically a surgeon is certified by the
surgical board approved by the American Board of Medical
Specialties. This would indicate that the doctor has completed
the required number of years of residency in their field and
has taken an exam to test their knowledge. Also, find out
whether the doctor is a Fellow of the American College of
Surgeons. If so, the letters, F.A.C.S. will appear printed
following the doctor's name. This means that the surgeon has
sat for and passed an in-depth evaluation of both their
professional and ethical standards and that they come
recommended. You can ask your surgeon directly whether he or
she is a member or you can call the American College of
Surgeons to find out. Many surgeons are also members of
additional medical societies. Their goals are to support
doctors and their profession. Membership in many of these
requires continuing education and the societies also provide
peer reviews to help maintain their high standards.

After you have decided whether or not you are considering a
well-qualified surgeon, the next thing to do is to consider the
location for the performance of the surgery. Will you have your
surgery in a hospital or a surgery center? For how long will
you be required to remain in the facility and is the staff
courteous and professional? These factors can make a big
difference in the success of your hospital procedure.