How can you find out how many lap band procedures your doctor has done? I did ask but he was really vague.

Pickles:

If he was vague I would run to find a new surgeon. You don't want someone that you'll have to trust his expertise and visit with many times during the first year to be vague with you.

Good luck.

Sue

There should be some place we could check this out.

Edited August 6, 200916 yr by pickles123

I even agree with that. I said have you done 100. He said yes. I said have you done 200, he said yes. Then I didn't say anything else. He said is 200 the magic number?

(I guess he was being a jerk)

It is a fairly famous place. Scottsdale Bariatric Center Dr. Robin Blackstone and Dr. Kurt Sprunger. They have done some famous people but are becoming a little arrogant (sp)

I still think it is the best place around but real jerks.

My PCP said Dr. Blackstone would not have hired him if he didn't know what he was doing because she owns the place. I agree. But?????????

There should be some place we could check this out.

I would say your gut instinct is to find someone else. Remember that the actual surgery is perhaps the easiest part of the journey. You will require life long follow up care and it doesn't sound like you like the attitude of these doctors. Do you really want to go to someone who you thought was being a jerk? I switched doctors back in April because mine was inexperienced, had unrealistic expectations for weight loss and he overfilled me and then blamed me for the problems. He had only done 22 lapbands before me. If I were you, I would keep looking.

My Dr published the amount of Lap bands and Gastrics he has done in the folder he gives out at seminar. Dr. Spivak in Houston has done over 4000 and also worked with FDA when they were testing it. He is a good Surgeon. If Dr won't give you information you want go somewhere else. I even asked at seminar if any of his patiens had died due to operation he answered no.

Pickles:

Getting a lapband is a lifetime committment to yourself, your band, and your doctor. You may have to switch doctors at some point, but it really is so important to see a doctor that you feel comfortable with. If your surgeon is arrogant now I cannot imagine how he'll be in the future with you. My doctor was just as pleasant and supportive with me every time I went in, even the couple of times that I had gained a few pounds along the way. I know that my doctor wants his patients to succeed because he genuinely likes people and wants them to loose their weight because in most cases they'll be happier people. Do you really want to go and visit an arrogant doctor every time you have to go to him?

Best wishes to you and your band.

Sue

You got good advice. If he won't tell you, don't use him. And no there is no place you can get that info on line; which is one reason it's so disturbing that he is being coy with you.

You might also try a "Google" search or another search engine. You can often find posts from patients who weren't satisfied or who have filed complaints - kind of like a "review". I checked out one doc and found that he was involved in a lawsuit (nothing to do with WLS) but it was a subject with which I wasn't comfortable. I moved on quickly! :crying:

Any doctor should be willing to give you answers to your questions. I agree with all the responses urging you to do your homework. Best of luck to you!:wink:

TPG