Which is better: a bariatric surgeon who performs several different kinds of wls or one whose entire practice seems to be devoted to just one type? I want lap band surgery done. Today, my PCP referred me to a surgeon who is a member of a bariatic surgery team at a certified center (and lap band is one of three that he performs). I like that he's local, but there are other surgeons about an hour away that do lap band proceedures almost exclusively. Which is better?! Help, feeling a bit nervous. Thanks for your reply. <!--IBF.ATTACHMENT_57397-->

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Although there is no surefire way to tell if your surgery will go well, I personally prefer a surgeon who has done a LOT of a type of surgery. For example, I'd rather a surgeon who had done over 1000 Lap band procedures, but still also does RNY bypass, than a surgeon who only does lap band and has done 250 of them.

A good surgeon will have done the procedure over and over and hopefully encountered all the "exceptions" so that when it's your turn, there won't be any surprises.

My general surgeon who removed my gall bladder had done thousands of such surgery, but he also repaired hernias, removed appendixes, etc. So just because a surgeon does more than one type of surgery isn't as important as how many he's done.

Ask what his success rate is. Ask if anyone has ever died during or after surgery, and if so, why. Find out about what complications you may expect. Ask about after care. (most of that you can get from a good seminar)

Then decide. In the final analysis, you need to feel that the surgeon is approachable and knowledgable. The surgery is just a small part of the whole lap band experience. Without fills and follow up, it is almost useless. The surgery, in other words, is just another step along the way. You need an accessible surgeon or center who will be there when you need them, and a surgeon who has the experience to successfully place your band and guide you through healing and learning your new way of eating.

Go to the bariatric center near you; attend a lap band seminar, and see how you feel.