Choosing the right bariatric surgeon can increase your chances of success with weight loss surgery.

What do you think is the most important factor when choosing a surgeon?

I honestly don't think there is one single factor, I think it's a package deal.

Of course you want an experienced and talented bariatric surgeon, but if he has an awful beside manner then you're going to struggle. You need a good relationship with your surgeon as much as you need a medically superior one.

I absolutely adore my surgeon, Dr. Bhesania. Not only is he an extremely gifted surgeon but he is a wonderful man. He talks with me and makes me feel like an important person not just another patient. His compassion and support have been just as crucial to my success as his skill as a surgeon.

You need both in a bariatric surgeon- a brain and a heart.

I think aftercare is a VERY important factor. Probably more so than with other WLS. I personally would only recommend surgeons who use fluoroscopy for fills. Not necessarily every fill, but at least most. I think its that important.

I agree with Catfish about aftercare. Research shows that quality aftercare is necessary for successful bandsters.

You also need to have a surgeon who respects you and your experiences and doesn't belittle or minimize your concerns.

Since this is someone who you will continue to see for years, you'd better like him or her and their office staff.

Since I've never had a fill done with floroscope, I cannot address that.

My experience after almost three years is that I'm glad I chose the surgeon that I did!

i didnt see a category for surgeon being handsome as i would have picked that one...

but def to me, knowing he had done these surgeries before, (me researching him)

licensed etc and that his office staff was a helpful prior as they are after (as i found out) also helped me make the decision...but i also chose him as that is whom my ins said to use which was good enough for me.

I couldn't have told you when I was pre op that aftercare would matter as much as it does to me now 5 weeks post op and with fill #1 done today. I live the relationship I have with my Dr and yes the fluoroscopy is done at every fill!

I also have a good communicative relationship with his nurse who I can email and get a response if I just have a silly question.

I would tell newbies checking out surgeons for this WLS to 1) choose a dr you can talk with not one that talks at you 2) choose a clinic where you can easily get to for fills or check ups

All suggestions from a really new Bandster!

Don't pick a fat one.

You need a good relationship with your surgeon as much as you need a medically superior one.

I absolutely adore my surgeon, Dr. Bhesania. Not only is he an extremely gifted surgeon but he is a wonderful man. He talks with me and makes me feel like an important person not just another patient. His compassion and support have been just as crucial to my success as his skill as a surgeon.

You need both in a bariatric surgeon- a brain and a heart.

I so agree! I do not particularly care for my surgeon. He is not warm and fuzzy, seems to not understand sarcasm or satire, and I always feel he's rushed to get out of my room and into the next so he can squeeze in as many patients as possible that day. I looked for others in my area but didn't find but a few - and after meeting with them, all they wanted to recommend was a sleeve. I felt stuck with this guy but resolved that I could do this without the kind of support I thought would be available from my surgeon and his office.

Then I found lapbandtalk.com. All of YOU have been what I needed to get through the ordeal of waiting, healing, and losing. Yes, you need a qualified surgeon. Find the support where you can (and where it doesn't cost you by the hour - )

Experience and aftercare! The surgeon that I chose has performed over 5,000 lap-band surgeries and he himself is a lap-band patient!

He also offered 2 years of aftercare in the price (I'm self-pay). Also, before I had ever scheduled an appointment I e-mailed him a few questions that I had and within a couple hours he e-mailed me back. Accessibility is nice to have as well!!