I live near two surgery centers where lap band is done. One is a center of excellence for bariatric surgery, and the other does exclusively lap band, is newer, but closer to home.

HELP! What factors are most important to my decision?

Proximity to home for fills, support, and nutrition?

Assuming you aren't self pay so pricing isn't #1, I'd prioritize it like this...

1. Whoever has done the most lap band surgeries.

2. Whoever has no black marks anywhere on this website.

3. Proximity for fills.

You can find support and nutrition here and in local support groups. To me, the #1 for a surgeon is to get the most competent surgeon at doing this procedure.

For me these were the points I considered:

I researched the lawsuits initiated against the doctors and centers.

Morality rate - # of surgerys completed.

I researched the location (hospital)of the place the surgery would take place and their record and issues - along with reputation n the community.

The complete program they offered for support: PreOp; PostOp education - support staff.

Talked with actual patients for their opinions.

Talked with doctor -I considered - to see if I liked him and his knowledge and his patience with me and my questions.

I do go over board -- BEST WISHES.

First, check with your insurance company to see if there are surgeons that they will or won't pay for. That was my biggest hurdle, since there are apparently only two bariatric surgeons in Tennessee that my insurance would pay for.

Second, check out their experience. Anyone that has done more than 100 lap-band surgeries is considered to be an "expert" by the manufacturer of the band.

Third, check out their complication rate and reputation. There are some doctors that some people will say are wonderful, but if you dig, they have massive complication rates and pretty horrible reputations. If they are experienced and you can't find anything negative, that's a good thing.

Evilah,

Experience and track record are by far the most important. Center of Excellence is meaningless if you have a good doc.

Dr. Trace Curry Cincinnati, Ohio

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DISCLAIMER: If am not your surgeon, any comments made by me are not meant to be taken as medical advice, just general guidelines. Contact your surgeon about your specific problem!

I live near two surgery centers where lap band is done. One is a center of excellence for bariatric surgery, and the other does exclusively lap band, is newer, but closer to home.

HELP! What factors are most important to my decision?

Proximity to home for fills, support, and nutrition?