Hi All,

I have finally reached a point in my life where I am considering surgical weight loss. I am brand new to this idea and would greatly appreciate any advice or input. I would love surgeon recommendations!! I want to know who you liked and why. In my understanding, this is a big decision since I will follow up with this surgeon the rest of my life. I want the right surgeon and staff to follow up with Thanks!!

readyforchange#

If you're considering WLS then I'm assuming you're getting into nutritional counseling. I'd also recommend counseling to help learn new coping mechanisms to deal with the stresses and whatnot that cause you to eat. Bariatric surgery does not cure eating disorders -- people willing to do the work on themselves do. And many people who have undergone bariatric surgery go through periods of mourning and emotional rollercoaster because their traditional ways of dealing with their emotions and comforting themselves (food) is no longer available. These are the ones who eventually out-smart and out-eat their surgeries.

Also, you have to be willing to exercise -- especially if you're going the Lap-Band route. The Band does not forgive bad eating the way the RnY does because there is no malabsorbtion. The calories you take in are going to stick unless you work them off.

I've experience with three different bariatric surgeons and their staff over the years. In my opinion, its not the surgeon or staff that matters--its the availability and usage of support groups, and willingness to make the behavioral changes needed to drop the weight (eat less, exercise more, repeat for the rest of your life).

For me, it was the surgeon and the nutritionist that has been important. I went to a couple of support groups and support groups aren't for me. But as you read these forums, you will see that we all have different approaches to the journey.

You should use the search engine on this site to do your research. There are thousands of posts you can read.

Of course, I have no idea where you live so I can't recommend a surgeon. But, it's so easy to google bariatric surgeons in your area. Most all of them offer seminars. Go to as many as you can. Go to their support groups and get feedback from their patients.

Good luck.

tmf

Yes.....do your research, it is so important. Make sure you have access to a nutritionist and support groups.

Get to know who would be running your support group and be sure you like and trust them. Know that your support system will be in place and rely on them for your success. I wish I had done more research in the beginning.

Loved my surgeon not thrilled about the lack of support. The center does not employ a nutritionist so I have to seek my information on the web.

Working through my challenges and determined to be successful!

My only true regret is that I waited so long!

Good luck in your journey!

I was self-pay... my surgeon was WONDERFUL... I have no regrets at all... only wish I had done it sooner.

I think that follow up support is even more important than picking the surgeon.

Tom, Toronto

Banded July 6 06

Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

I interviewed 3 surgeons before settling on mine.... I feel I made the right choice for me.. I am not big into rah rah. I am big Into results and I felt my surgeon and his staff fit well with my personality. I have been banded 24 months and couldn't be happier with my results.

Best of luck to you.