Good morning,

My question is, how did all of you decide on a doctor? I am fortunate enough to have several doctors in my area that are very good (board certified, have done many procedures, good reviews by other people on this site, etc.) so how do I choose between them? Do I just see which one can take me sooner? I don't want to take the time to have a consultation with all of them as that might take a while. I guess this is a good problem to have but I am just not sure which one to choose. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I haven't been banded yet, but I have my decision down to two doctors in the DFW area. One is the one my best friend went to and has done very well with and another one that has gotten lots of praise on the groups I belong too.

It doesn't take long to do some research on the doctors in your area..

After listening to their sales presentation.... you must go with your gut feeling.

Docs are businessmen and women... don't fall for a sales pitch!

I got a lot of information from this board. I emailed a couple of members who were kind enough to share their experiences. I also googled the doctors in whom I was interested and found sites that rate them, such as Obesity Help - Weight Loss, Surgery, Support Groups, Forums, Surgical Procedures. I found a news article about the doctor I ultimately chose -- a patient of his is the food editor of a local paper and her description of him and his philosophy impressed me. Finally, I checked out his website, talked to his office manager, and met with him and I was sold. I never was able to go to one of his seminars but he does have them and I think that's another way to form an opinion.

I would go with the absolute top person and the best hospital in your area as long as you feel comfortable with that person. That said, if you have a choice of serveral people in your area I would go with the one that is most convenient to you or your life. I chose my doctor among many doctors because he is at a hospital where all my other doctors are affiliated - so I had visitors in the hospital! (I didn's choose because of the visiting factor really)!

If they're all good on paper, then pick the one that seems like he/she will really care about YOU, making sure you learn the facts, give good after-care, is available for calls (or at least the nurse is), that kind of thing.