My husband and I are both hoping to have VSG. We agreed that we would consult with a few different surgeons to see who was a good fit for us. My husband really likes the first one that we have visited and wants to stick with him. He is new to our area and I want to see his stats! How do I find out if his numbers are good and if he has a safe history?

I live in Chicago and there are a crap ton of hospitals and a crap ton of surgeons. I personally like my hospital and used one of their two surgeons. This hospital's program is also a bariatric center of excellence, so that was encouraging. Basically I found out when they had seminars and went to one.

But really, if you have no allegiance to any specific hospital, you have no reason to not shop around. You don't just take your car to the first body shop on the street - you look up reviews, you talk to friends. And this is a person who is going to put you under and cut up your insides. You need to feel comfortable with this person. So if you don't get the same vibes as your husband does, keep looking until you are comfortable. His hospital or clinic should have numbers they should be able to provide on him. What is his complication rate? How long has he been in practice? And if they are not able to provide that sort of info, move on.

I like the surgeon just fine but I still want to know what his stats look like, I was wondering if there is a more independent resource than his clinic. I can find his education and experience online very easily but where would I locate a complication rate?

For me it was a no-brainer. My step-dad and my husband both had procedures done by him in the past and couldn't rave about him enough. His bedside manner was impeccable and he has a great sense of humor and makes you feel at ease. He has been a surgeon in our area for the past 30 years and has done a ton of WLS's.

Another surgeon in our area boasts that he has the fastest surgery time at 23 minutes. That is not a selling point, IMO! You want someone who takes their time and is thorough. I think you also want someone who makes you instantly feel comfortable and doesn't make you feel rushed and takes the time to explain everything. You want someone who specializes in bariatric surgeries, not a surgeon who does a WLS on occasion. Also, word of mouth. Ask around about different surgeons to get reviews. Good luck!