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?

The after care they provide and ease of contact and appointment's!

I would have chosen "all of the above", every single one of the items you mention is equally important to me.

If they accept my insurance. Track record. Support groups.

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?

When I was looking I was talking to people I knew that had the surgery and the experience. Then when I made the decision on where, I studied the hospital. When I was happy about that then I decided who I wanted for my surgeon. The whole bariatric team. It's more then just a surgeon. The nutritionist, the social worker that worked on the team, the exercise consultant, the support groups and everyone else. They have a great team and they work with you anytime you need them. I'm 5 months out and can still call or email them and i have a response by the end of the day. If its important, I am automatically transferred to a nurse. Also, I was impressed on the rules they had before they'd even consider working with you.

HW: 331 SW: 11/26/12 319lbs CW: 229 04/23/13 GW: 157

I interviewed 2 surgeons. I was looking for the following:

Good bedside manor

Knowledge about procedures

Knowledge about rheumatoid arthritis

Knowledge of the effects of extended steroid use due to RA

Friendly and knowledgable staff

Quick response time in answering questions

Pre surgery requirements

Post surgery after care

My decision came down to pre surgical preparations. My RA doc wanted me to decrease my steroid dose before surgery. The first surgeon I interviewed said I did not need to decrease the dosage, but my surgeon said I need to decrease the dose.

I also took my mom with me to help me decide. Good to have a different perspective. The bottom line is you must have confidence in your surgeon.

The most important factor in choosing a surgeon is experience,experience,experience!

Experience and follow up care. I picked a doc who taught bariatric medicine and has a staff that is proactive and caring. 2 months post surgery and feeling great! Lost 44 lbs.