Such a hard time picking a surgeon

How did you go about picking a surgeon?   Did you go to a couple of info sessions and then pick?  Did you just go with the closest one?   I'm at a point where I have done my research on WLS and I know what I want.  I'm pretty positive I will not have any problems with my insurance..   Which just leaves me with picking a place to go.   I am in an area where there are 3 pretty decent  bariatric "centers" all within 40 mins to an hour away.   Ithaca Surgical, Upstate, and Auburn Fingerlakes..     I have looked at all three and all three have pretty good reviews for the most part.   I already have my first consult appoint with the surgeon Dr. Kim at Upstate  (March 25)  I have filled out the "packets" for the other two and await an appointment for the info session to come in any day now.    Anyone familiar with any of the the above three?  I guess I'm looking for someone that has recent experience with them.   I've read all the reviews I can find, but I see that for the most part, they are years old  2004-2006..    Sorry if this has been asked, I haven't figured out how to search for things in the forums yet..

When I decided to have surgery, I needed to consider insurance issues.  I checked with my insurance carrier first.  After that, I spoke with both my primary physician and people who had already had the surgery.  My doctor was familiar with the Center of Excellence at Highland Hospital  in Rochester, NY and both of the people that I spoke with had the same surgeon who performed my surgery.  My primary doctor agreed that I had made a good choice.  I see that you have listed Dr. Kim in your profile.  If you go to the surgery dates page, you will probably find a link for Dr. Kim's patients along the left column.  Click on that and you should be taken to a page with comments and profiles of others who have worked with Dr. Kim.  Good luck.

I started by researching surgeons on OH. Got a list of names from this website and others, checked them to see who would be covered by my insurance and what hospitals on Long Island they practice at. Narrowed it down to 3 that I liked. Attended informational seminars for all 3. Posted a question on this NY board asking folks who they used and why. (recieved great feedback) Than I spoke to my PCP and he gave me 2 names of surgeons that he recommended. One of the 2 was on the final list that I had come up with. Since I trust and respect my PCP I chose one of the surgeons that he recommended. My PCP has had 2 other patients who have had WLS in the past 3 months with the same surgeon and he is very happy with their results..  Good luck with your search!!

I started with my insurance to see who took my insurance as well as the insurance requirements (6 month diet, etc.). From there I researched the surgeons and took many things into consideration.

If you have an option of several surgeons, I would definitely go to all of the seminars and meet with each of them. I knew when I met my surgeon right away that she was the one for me (I already researched the heck out of her)

good luck and keep us posted.

Candi:
Hello, welcome and thank you for the topic, we discuss topics over and over its fine it helps newbies and old timers so we can pay it forward!

You have received some great info already here is some things I have on choosing a surgeon (interview a few IMHO) then pick!
How To Choose A Bariatric Surgeon
by C. Kenneth Mitchell, JR., M.D., F.A.C.S.
http://www.beyondchange-obesity.com/medicalMatters/howToChooseASurgeon.html


When you're looking for a Bariatric surgeon/points to ponder:
http://www.amylhwilliams.com/questionsforsurgeon.html good link also

1) Check out info on this site: http://www.nydoctorprofile.com/ (*search under his name & look for any malpractice suits, payouts etc. You can ask about that).

2) Is he board-certified by the American Board of Surgery?
www.absurgery.org
American College of Surgeons?
http://web3.facs.org/acsdir/public/Detail.cfm?CHKDGTS=00299031800

3) Is he a member of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons? http://www.asbs.org/html/about/membersearch2.html

4) What is the mortality rate (is the number of deaths) of the surgeon, the success rate (those losing > 50% of their excess wt at 5 yrs out)? Complication rates (wound infections, hernias, strictures, leaks, reoperation etc)? Average length of time in hospital.

5) The surgeon you find should be well experienced in the area of weight loss surgery (BARIATRICS). It's clear that the more experienced the surgeon, the lower the risk of mortality. Ideally, you would prefer to find a surgeon who has performed at least 100 of these procedures. (I say over 500!). I also recommend a surgeon who dedictes his practice to WLS, not one who does a case a week....

6) What you are looking for doesn't stop with numbers and statistics -- you will also need a multidisciplinary team one that includes: Surgeon, nutritionist, exercise physiologists, psychological support & support groups, that can be utilized pre- and post-operatively.

7) Look for a center or hospital that offers educational seminars to those who are just beginning the process so you can learn more about the actual procedure, the benefits, and the risks.

8) Is the hospital a Bariatric Center of Excellence? http://www.asbs.org/html/about/coe.html or http://www.surgicalreview.org/locate.aspx
http://www.facs.org/viewing/cqi/bscn/fullapproval.html

9) The preparation, both physical and mental, comes next, and is as crucial to the entire process as the actual procedure. Look to a surgeon that requires clearance from (what is indicated w/ your particular medical status) various doctors (psych/endocrine/hemotology/pulmonary/cardiology/nutrition etc). No this is not @ hoops this is making sure your health status is optimized before surgery. Preop smoking cessation, preop wt loss..etc.

10) What procedures does he do? Open or Lap? What is his follow up plan? Recovery time?

Education is a tremendously important part of the preoperative process & there is no question that there are major risks associated with the operation. However, those risks can be minimized by having a thorough preoperative workup so there aren't surprises during the procedure, and by making sure the surgeon is experienced and qualified. This is a courageous step for people to take, and it's not just about weight changing -- it's about life changing. SO take your time, find the right surgeon/surgical program for you for your life and your health and success long-term! WLS is a decision many of us make, but should not be made impulsively (*the average time one thinks about and has WLS is 2 yrs!) as we as MO people can feel quite desperate and see this as a last resort and can sometimes go with whoever is telling us they will perform, that may not be in our best interest!
EDUCATION IS KEY, AS IS A COMMITMENT & dedication to a healthy diet and exercise regimen, continual follow-up with doctors to monitor progress, and commitment to a new life.

Ask him all these questions or any others think of or you think of, if HE isn't right, find someone who is! After all you're putting your life in his hands and needing someone to care for you for life!!! Be an educated consumer of your own health! HUGS!

Insurance coverage was a big factor for me too.  I had a patient also recommend my doctor.  Then I investigated his credentials and was comfortable with my selection.  I had a great experience.  Be selective...I'm sure you can find people on this site that can give you the heads up for good doctors in your area.  Congrats on your decision! Rosemary

I travelled to get the DS.  I didn't want the RNY or the lap band, I knew I would fail with them..and while there was a RNY doctor within 45 minutes of my house (several actually), I decided to travel into manhattan and get the DS from Dr. Roslin.  It's worked out for me really well.... scott

I had Dr Kim and would recommend him. Dr Weiss is now at Auburn, he is also wonderful! Do some research on this site, read some of the reviews also. It may come down to who is closer to you. You'll have lots of apts to go to!!

Good luck!!