Seeing WLS MD What Questions Should I Ask?

Hi Gang, I got mad at myself because I do not know anything about my Doctor. He is a nice enough fellow, but I did not ask him any questions. He spoke to me about how the procedure is done. And then I was busy with getting all my testing completed. Can you please help me on what questions I should be asking him? I do know that he is not with the WLS board, is that a bad sign? I have an appointment mid next week to see him, at my request, to ask him questions. My surgery date is May 1st. I want to know that I have a qualified surgeon. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Hugs Susan

Susan, You can search any doctor in NYS through this website to see the education, malpractice suits etc. http://www.nydoctorprofile.com/search_parameters.jsp I have never heard of this doctor doing WLS before. When you search his name on this website it shows he paid a settlement in 2001 for a malpractice suit. That can mean nothing but it can mean something. I certainly do not mean to scare you but I would definitely meet w/him again, ask questions and figure out if he is the guy for the job. Good luck! Tavia

Thanks Tavia, That was a very useful website. I will ask him what that paid out suit was for....stayed tuned. Thanks Susan

In my opinion, and it's only my opinion, this doctor already has two strikes against him. He's got a malpractice case that he lost and he's not a member of the ASBS - American Society for Bariatric Surgery. If it was me, I'd cancel that appointment and find another surgeon. Joanne

Susan G: When you're looking for a Bariatric surgeon/points to ponder: 1) Check out info on this site: http://www.nydoctorprofile.com/ (*I searched under his name and found this: 06-06-2001 a malpractice payout, average. You can ask about that). 2) Is he board-certified by the American Board of Surgery? www.absurgery.org American College of Surgeons? (it appears he is) 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 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 clearanace from (what is indicated w/ your particular medical status) various doctors (psych/endocrine/hemotology/pulomonary/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 impulsivley (*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 ourbest 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! Afterall your putting your life in his hands and needing someone to care for you for life!!! Be an educated consumer of your own health! HUGS! Take Care, Jamie Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh 320/163 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery) Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=c1132518510 "Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!"