How Did You Choose Your Surgeon?

[Alex Brecher 10,484]

Choosing the right surgeon can give you a better chance of WLS success. Getting surgery with a good surgeon lowers your risk of complications. A surgeon who answers your questions and gives you confidence can also lead to better health and weight loss because you will know how to take care of yourself pre-op and post-op.

There are a lot of factors that go into finding a good surgeon. You may not have much of a choice if your insurance is running the show. Otherwise, you might consider online reviews, recommendations from your current healthcare team, your gut feeling after meeting potential surgeons, and whether you like the support staff. Past patient testimonials and results can be persuasive, too! Then there are practical matters, like location and cost.

If you’ve already had surgery or chosen a surgeon, how did you choose your doctor? If you’re in the process or you’re about to start looking, which factors are most important to you? Share your thoughts and strategies, and maybe you’ll help out some other members who are looking around!

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

I was very fortunate. My PCP referred me to an outstanding surgeon/bariatric program.

[#9grammy 274]

My dog groomer was losing a lot of weight and I asked her how. She referred me to her bariatric surgeon about 45 minutes from where I live. Seeing my own PCP wouldn't recommend, or help me get clearance from Medicare. So I made the appointment and went in for the initial group meeting. Wow what a big decision to make! The surgeon explained everything to a T and I signed up.

He even referred me to a PCP I could see in his area just for weight loss. I had to do the 6 months and things went great.

I love my sleeve, I did go through a 3 month period where I fell off the wagon, but didn't lose or gain. So I'm back in the sadle with my foods and the apple fritters and whatever else I found that was a no no are gone.

[melvin5ft2 56]

I checked my insurance to find out which surgeons were on it. Found a group practice with several surgeons and found their website. Went to a seminar with several others. Mentioned to a co-worker that I had attended a seminar and she recommended her surgeon. I checked the website and sure enough her surgeon was part of the group whose seminar I attended, so when I made my first appointment, I indicated that I would like her to do my surgery. Everything has gone relatively smoothly since. I am now 11 days post-op or 12 days I don't know if you count the actual day of surgery. I feel comfortable with my decision. The group had a nutrition education class (a requirement) aimed specifically at educating you about how you will eat after surgery. It was very thorough and included warnings, suggestions, shopping lists, food progression chart, recommended supplements, etc. I feel they did a good job preparing me for this and I am following all the guidelines they have given me.

[Djmohr 6,965]

I called my insurance to better understand the requirements and they made it clear I needed to use a Bariatric center of excellence.

It turned out the center was in the same clinic that my PCP was in.

[Cervidae 2,389]

For me, finding my amazing surgeon and bariatric center was sheer dumb luck! I moved here with my boyfriend 2.5 years ago, saw my PCOS specialist for a little over a year (during which time we tried a lot and I still struggled to lose even a little weight despite being on their rigorous program). It was she who suggested looking into wls, and it took me another few months to quit being stubborn and afraid to take the leap I knew deep down could save my life and change everything. Then one night something just sort of clicked, and I did a quick google search for surgeons in my area who do it, and to my amazement, there's a center of excellence literally right around the corner. If there weren't trees in the way, I could see it from my living room window. There are three surgeons in the bariatric program at Highland, the hospital, so I read their little blurbs, and the female of the group just looked and seemed to me to be someone I would trust. I follow my instincts very often, and they never let me down. I went to her seminar last January, and the rest is history. My surgeon, my nutritionist, my support group, and every member of their staff from the nurses and PAs down to the custodian I always say hi to have all been nothing but supportive and kind, and completely amazing at their jobs. I attribute much of my success to their amazing guidance.

Edited July 24, 2016 by Cervidae

[Valentina 2,642]

My orthopedic surgeon who did my knee replacement asked "in house" for me and found the Center of Bariatric Excellence in Middletown.

After much communication and research I made my first app'tment and never had any regrets about my choice of surgeons.

My bariatric surgeon came to John's "calling hours". That act of compassion will be a comforting memory for me forever.

[freelee 128]

Similar stories above. During my initial conversation with my amazing PCP, he said he knew the exact dr........"I only let him operate on my wife, and I kinda like my wife!" Plus, Dr Kane's (surgeon) father was a pioneer in the Chicago area for bariatric surgery, and the group is a Bariatric Center of Excellence. It was a win-win in every area I researched. The follow-ups are wonderful, I even look forward to talking to the PA's.

[CLN.BK 165]

My initial surgeon at O-Band Center in Brooklyn led me to Dr. Illan and BariatricPal Team MX.

I was going through the 6 appointments mandated by my insurance. On my 3rd visit, I met my surgeon for the 1st time and asked him about the pros and cons of the band and sleeve since I still had not decided which one I wanted. He gave me 2 statistics on average weight loss percentages and then told me to go home and do my research. I was taken aback by his answer. Yes, I fully intended on doing my research, but I wanted to hear from an actual doctor (MY doctor). His answer and demeanor coupled with several other things that left me feeling very uncomfortable about O-Band Center, led me to the internet. I don't remember what I started off researching, but eventually it led me here, and thus, to Dr Illan. I emailed O-Band yesterday to cancel my remaining appointments. :-)

[highfunctioningfatman 2,675]

I personally know 5 people who have been to him in Tijuana. Three of those are Healthcare professionals and they said that it it the cleanest facility that they have ever been in. His coordinator sucks but it turns out that one of my friends is a coordinator as well and all has been golden since.

[Elle09 157]

I checked with insurance for the requirements and reviewed the listing for centers of excellence. I also checked requirements for going outside of the network. I wanted to be sure of my options.

I then participated in several seminars with different bariatric programs. After the seminars I narrowed my list then did additional research on my top two choices. I made my selection after initial appointment I was impressed with meeting the surgeon day one of my first appointment and he was thorough in my exam and explaining the process and going over my options. I then discussed and set up my clinic appointments with the medical assistant. Day 2 over the phone I spoke with the bariatric coordinator who explained the paper process and allowed me to ask questions.

Everyone was nice, friendly, and considerate when I went to the first appointment that I felt comfortable and felt like I was in good hands. I like the fact that they have the NUT

office sits in the clinic with them and they have an exercise physiologist working directly with them. It is like a one stop shop.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[summerset 5,261]

I chose a center of excellence that was relatively near my main residence. I wanted to have surgery where the surgeons are familiar with revisions.

[lorless 67]

A lady I work with had told me who she used. I looked him up on the Internet and liked what I saw. When I talked to my PCP about the surgery she asked if I had considered anyone in particular. When I told her who I was looking at, she said she was familiar with his work and that he had a good reputation. All of these we important to me.

Sent from my SM-N900T using the BariatricPal App

[Moogle 116]

My story is not exciting at all. I was given two options for surgeons at the same hospital by my insurance. Both of them seemed friendly and incredibly reputable. I ended up picking one over the other because one had a very long waiting list compared to the other because he did surgeries at other hospitals. I know that was not the best way to choose, but I really thought both of the surgeons were good options.

[MNovalis 93]

One of my co-workers had used the same surgeon as had 2 of her friends. They all LOVED this man, loved their results, loved his bedside manner, the staff, everything about their experience! When I was ready, I talked to her about using him. When she mentioned that he prayed with her before surgery, well that sealed the deal for me. I don't regret my decision one bit!