doctors expertise.

flower · May 20, 2005

Just wondering for the people how many lap bands have your doctors done mine has done approx 35 and I'm just scared he might not know what he is doing he seems nice but what is like a magic number to become qualified at it. scared

bandit · May 20, 2005

I dont blaim u. I would be scared too. But somebody has to be #36 so there can be a #100 u know. Has he done a lot of other WLS? like RYN? I dont really know how to answer this. Honestly, Personally it was very important to ME to have an experianced doctor. Post his name and see if anyone here has used him and if they will share their experiances. Even the most qualified doctors had a #36. Like I said, I would really do a lot of research on the doctor I guess. Im very unsure how to answer this question. Im definately on the fence.

HarleyNana · May 20, 2005

I was my doctor's 1st, yep 1st. There was a proctor flown in to assist, I'm still kicking.

Persimmon · June 8, 2005

While banding isn't rocket science, experience still makes a difference. If I had to choose between being a surgeon's 1-3rd banding patient and their 20th, I'd chose the earlier number because of the presence of a proctor. Studies show that surgeons in their first 80 or so bands have higher incidences of complications requiring reoperation.

Personally, my bigger concern would be experienced aftercare because again, banding isn't rocket science as far as surgery is concerned and aftercare can absolutely make or break results...

For patients opting to go with less experienced surgeons, they need to be their own best advocates and work with the surgeon in their learning curve. Discuss things that sound wrong...don't just blindly follow instructions that sound off the wall...help them along with studies, articles etc. you come across and learn together.

Nancy