I have just attended my second orientation session and now I have a choice to make. It is between a medical center with a great follow-up program but with more of an emphasis on gastric bypass (but also does the sleeve with multiple incisions, which is what I would have) or a center with a physician who does mostly sleeves with one incision but the follow up that is not so intensive.

Any thoughts?

That's a tough one. I had a great surgeon but feel that the follow up is crap. Every time something goes wrong I just keep getting "canned" answers (ie, are you eating slowly? Are you drinking enough Water?). It has gotten to the point that I'm getting seriously pissed off especially since I've been following his instructions. It's almost like he only cared about the surgery. I had a couple of complications and his response was very nonchalant. For example, when I had a blood clot he was like "it was only a small one". While small may be a relative term (the Doppler tech said it was an "extensive clot"), it really bothered me as I've already had one clot nearly kill me a few years back. Sorry if I'm venting but I want to reiterate how important follow up care is.

However, with that being said, you also want to put yourself in the most capable hands as this is major surgery. Do a lot of research and go with what you think is right.

As for the incisions, I have five which I think is standard for the surgery. They're small and aren't prominent.

I would tend to lean toward the surgical expertise. I like the surgeon I selected because I think he strikes a good balance. He doesn't have a typical surgeon mentality (slice 'em and move on), he sees patients for at least to years and he's developed new techniques to improved the success rates of bariatric procedures.

But if you have a rock star surgeon you can't develop a relationship with, his/her skills may not matter.

Personally, I'd take the multiple incisions with good follow up over the other. I had 1 good sized incision and multiple small incisions from my gallbladder surgery in 2007 and the only one that you can really still see is the larger one. I really have to look to find the smaller ones. From my VSG surgery, I have 4 really small Incisions and 1 larger one. I suspect they will heal similar to the gallbladder ones.

Thanks for your opinions. I think I may have been putting too much into the surgeon with the one incision deal. He kind of made it seem like the latest and best option. Actually, I've had laparoscopic surgery 3 times and had no trouble with the recovery. The other program has two surgeons who did bariatric fellowships and include consult and followups with a physician who is a bariatrician (I'd never heard of that) in addition to the NUT and psychologist. The post surgical visits are at 2, 4, 8, 12 weeks and 6, 12 months. Then yearly until year 5. I guess having that much followup will help to keep me on track. I guess I'll have to get all the forms completed to get the process going.

Thanks for your opinions. I think I may have been putting too much into the surgeon with the one incision deal. He kind of made it seem like the latest and best option. Actually' date=' I've had laparoscopic surgery 3 times and had no trouble with the recovery. The other program has two surgeons who did bariatric fellowships and include consult and followups with a physician who is a bariatrician (I'd never heard of that) in addition to the NUT and psychologist. The post surgical visits are at 2, 4, 8, 12 weeks and 6, 12 months. Then yearly until year 5. I guess having that much followup will help to keep me on track. I guess I'll have to get all the forms completed to get the process going.[/quote']

Best of luck to you in your journey. BTW, I see you are a new member. A tip for you is to use this board. The people here are wonderful and very supportive wherever you are on your journey.

I would pick the best follow up program. This is a big big change and the extra support is vital

I would pick the best follow up program. This is a big big change and the extra support is vital

I agree, follow-up support is essential for success!

What a tough choice! Follow-up is so important for lasting success.

However, the first hurdle is the surgery. Considering that, potentially, you could die from this, or have leaks and complications, I would prioritize the surgeon's skill, experience, and expertise as number one.

Is there any option to continue looking at other hospitals and surgeons to find a place where you are satisfied with both the sureon's skills AND the follow-up?

My own experience was that I was very unhappy with the first two places I went. I am having my surgery at the third place, where surgeon and follow-up are both good.

Best advise: keep looking. Even if you have to travel a bit.