Surgeons experience... is this a concern?

Hi, I am currently working towards getting things in order for WLS,  Roux-en-y.  I went to the informational class with Dr. Rajan Nair here in Salem.  He has been performing Roux-en-y  for just over a year now.  If I remember right,  he has done about 56.  I have alot of people telling me to go elsewhere as he has not done this enough and that his nurses wont be as aware of possible problems after surgery as their experience is limited also.  I have not met him one on one yet, only at the informational meeting.  What are your thoughts on this?

Thanks!

 

I don't know a thing about the Dr. you are referring to, but I would go with a surgeon that has a ittle more experience under their belt.    Which type of WLS are you leaing towards?  If you have insurance, have you checked with what your insurance requirements are?  My insurance carrier required that my Dr. belong to a Center of Excellence which limited which surgeons were available to me.  I had three choices, Legacy Good Sam, OHSU and a place in Bend.  I went to the seminars at Legacy and OHSU, and decided that Legacy was a better fit for me.  But lots to consider, and it has to be right for you! Best of luck on your weight loss journey!

I too was originally referred to Dr. Rajan Nair, but after some research am choosing to go through Legacy Good Samaritain Obesity Institute up in Portland.  For the one hour drive, it's worth having someone who's done hundreds of surgerys.  Just my opinion. 

If you are going through your insurance company, they may dictate which doctor or center can do your surgery.  BCBS requires a "center of excellence" of which there are only two or three in Oregon.  After research and word of mouth from friends and coworkers, I too, chose to go through Legacy.  They are specialized in this area and have multiple years of experience.  Dr. Jan has been excellent with my follow up care that I have needed.  I would go with whoever is available to you that you have the most confidence in and who has the most experience.  Just my opinion.  I hope it helps.  Good luck to you!

I believe that the surgeon's depth of experience is an extremely important factor in the decision of where to have the surgery.  The more experience and the better the surgeon's record, the better outcome for the patient.  I personally selected OHSU - Dr. Deveney and am very pleased that I did so. Shirley

I think that a surgeon's experience is very important.  That is why I went to the person who invented the surgery I had.  But, even with that, he has over 4,000 surgeries under his belt, I still believe he did my wrong and bypassed too much for what I needed to lose and now I'm suffering from extreme low weight and malabsorption.  So I will have to have a revision to put some intestine back.   Sure, buyer beware, but sometimes you just get the short end of the stick no matter how much you research.  If you do go to this guy, be sure you are comfortable with his track record and really believe he can do your procedure. Research, research, research.

I personally went with someone who had more experience. You just gotta find someone you are comfortible with. Let the buyer beware. I chose Dr. Tersigni in Coos Bay because of his 0ver 1,000 RNY's (as of 2005- probably 2,000 by now) I don't know if Bay Area Hosp. is a center of excellence, only that I have BCBS also and they paid for almost the whole thing, and I had approval in 8 weeks. But you my think about someone closer as it is a 3 1/2 hr drive from Salem. But for me the Lap RNY, minimal pain, in and out in 2 days, and peace of mind and confidence in my surgeon was well worth it. Just do your homework and don't jump onto the first gurney you come across lol

I also think experience is very important.  The Centers of Excellence just up the pike in Portland might be a good option for you. Linda

I'm all about experience, too (hey, what's up with all of the Dr. Jan patient responses, lol).  Part of my concern isn't necessarily how many surgeries he's done but that you can't formulate how well these people have performed post-op.  I think I'd also look elsewhere unless you are willing to accept the risks associated with going with someone who doesn't have as much experience. Lori

Experience was very important to me, as was surgery choices.  Once I did extensive research on the Duodenal Switch, I knew it was the right one for me, even though it required more driving & effort - I cannot even express how worth it this was.   Eating normal & losing 220 pounds is amazing.   Dr. Deveney at OHSU offers this option.