How do you decide which surgeon/hospital is the best for you? What mattered to you when you where deciding? I'm not sure who to go with. You hear good and bad from people, and then it confuses you Any suggestions?

I got real lucky, my pcp is part of U.C Davis hospital group in Sacramento and they have some of the best weight loss surgeons in the area. The main surgeon actually trains others on the procedure so I was sold. I didnt really have to search but I would do some research, read some reviews and go from there. Word of mouth is normally the best. Maybe go to some support groups in your area and see what they have to say about their surgeons. Good luck to you!

I happen to work for the surgeon I use, so I think he's the best because I KNOW all details of daily operations, etc. So I definitely trust him. I'd worked here at My Bariatric Solutions (Dr. Scott Stowers) for a year and a half before going to surgery.

Look the doctor up on the American Medical Association website, check with your states medical board, and use docboard.org. (according to ehow.com)

Perhaps start by hopefully getting an appointment with a surgeon. If you have a couple of them in mind see if you can get an appointment with each of them and have your list of questions ready. I met with two surgeons at Kaiser and I was definitely more comfortable with the 2nd one I met. After doing some research online I found out that he was the leading PI (Principal Investigator) for the Bariatric Program at that particular location which was positive news to me and he answered all of my questions and concerns with a very straight and serious face. I appreciate seriousness and would rather have a surgeon tell me answers with seriousness than hear it sugar coated. Doing this surgery is a risk in itself since it is considered major and there are papers that you sign to acknowledge all of those risks involved. It took me several years to even think about doing weight loss surgery and every patient has their own experiences with their own medical issues so no two patients experience the exact same thing I believe. Go with who feels comfortable to you and addresses all your concerns. Hope this helps NHJulie =)

P.S...sorry about the multiple tickers in my signature. I don't know how to fix that yet

If they offer siminars go to a few of them that's what helped me make my choice.

Attend seminars offered by different surgeons, even if in same surgery group. Attend support groups and ask around. Research.

For me, when I attended the seminar hosted by the surgeon I ended up going with, I felt instantly at ease with him. While there were others in attendance, it felt like he was talking only to me. He tags himself more conservative than others on the post op side, which I liked....even if that means I'm still on puréed until 9 weeks post op. His father had bypass (not by him) so I knew he doesn't just know the surgery side.... He understands the home aspect and life aspect of WLS.

I say trust your gut. Who is the right surgeon for you might not be the right surgeon for someone else, but always trust your instincts!

I set up private consultations with several surgeons. I also read their reviews online. I found one that I was most comfortable with, and went with him. Find one that not only answers all your questions but also addresses your fears.

Wow, thank you everyone for your responses. I will take the advice. ALL the advice!!

How do you decide which surgeon/hospital is the best for you? What mattered to you when you where deciding? I'm not sure who to go with. You hear good and bad from people, and then it confuses you Any suggestions?

I am where you are. I have been going to UCI. The surgeon, Dr. Ninh Nguyen, is well published and has taught several popular surgeons in So Cal. However, I have heard good and bad about him and the program.

I have also heard good things about Dr. Aileen Takahashi with Torrance and the New program in Newport beach.

My main concern is for-profit vs educational. I know the surgeon at UCI is technically skilled but wonder if they will tailor or entertain my personal requests/needs. It is my body afterall. I won't know until I talk to them. A profit organization, IMO, needs your business and would be much more amenable to it. Or maybe I am off my nut.

It seems most people here have gone to Mexico, so haven't heard much about any of them.