Doctor Ratings and Complaints

Does anyone know exactly how to find out the success/failure rates and any complaints (legal or otherwise) about the various doctors that do WLS in Arkansas?  I have a doctor with whom I am very comfortable for a possible future surgery, but the reality is that EVERY doctor has things they would really not talk about and just forget!  I know that I could ASK him for the information, but I would prefer to find a legit/unbiased way to see his percentage of success/failure with the surgery.  It's just another way that I am trying to research all areas of WLS.  I know there are serious risks with all forms of WLS, but would just like to see his background with it in black and white.

I'm sorry, I don't really have a good answer for you, but I can say that in the WLS community, you end up hearing certain things, sometimes after the fact.  In the case of one doctor here, I googled his name and found some very disturbing things... this was many years AFTER he'd done a gall-bladder surgery on me and I was considering using him for WLS!

If you have a GP, you could ask if they have a doctor or two they would recommend.  They may not be able to tell you specifically why they would go for one over the other, but they can steer you in the safest direction.

For what it's worth, Dr. Baker (one of the three favorites around here) is very upfront about his statistics and mortality rates.  If you haven't already, go to his seminar and see what he has to say.  :)

Good luck!

Do you know anyone who works in surgery where this doctor works?  That's one of the best ways to find out.  I can tell you about the ones at Baptist in LR, although I don't know if there would be any legal problems if I said something someone didn't like.  Gibbs and Baker are both excellent.  One way you can find out is to see what hospitals they can work at.  For example, if you're a doctor in Little Rock but have lost your priveleges at Baptist and St. Vincent's, that might be a red flag.  Good luck to you.  You are very smart to make sure you're getting a good surgeon.

I believe that doctors are required to tell you their failure/complication rate. I know for sure Gibbs tells you straight out at his seminars and at your consultation with him.

Thanks for the response.  I went to a seminar last fall, but I think I was trying to absorb so much info that I guess the success/failure rate didn't sink in at the time.  I am actually using Dr. Gibbs!  I haven't met with him personally yet- hopefully that will come soon.  I have about a month and a half left on my six-month diet and excercise program.  Thanks again!  The more OH posts that I read, the better I feel with my choice of doctor.

I haven't met anyone who hasn't been pleased with Dr Gibbs' care or results. Good luck to you