Did you hand pick your surgeon, or did you just take the next available appointment? 

I picked my surgeon because the first one I saw only did open RNY and at a 40 BMI and with no co-morbidites and no long term history of morbid obesity (< two years), I thought he was a bit of a charlatan!

My surgeon is a great cutter ...  just what I wanted for a surgeon!

My long time PCP recommended my surgeon and after meeting the surgeon makes me feel even better about the choice.  It also makes me feel great about my PCP.

I watched a video of my surgeon performing the procedure and he is very skilled.

the clinic has 3 docs that do WLSs... I picked my surgeon based on his record and fit with my personality and what I wanted from the Dr... I chose wisely and he hasn't disappointed me in any way

I went to info sessions for the two primary programs in my area.  Even though it meant an open surgery instead of (probably) lap surgery with the other surgeon, I really liked the second surgeon better, felt she would give more encouragement, and since it was going to be a somewhat long term relationship, I went with her.

From a purely technical/medical standpoint, I probably should have gone with the first surgeon, but I got a lot of encouragement and extra information from the surgeon I chose that I probably would not have gotten from the first one.

Lora

I had 2 friends and 2 acquaintances who had surgery with my surgeon they highly recommended him and had no complications or complaints. That's why I chose my surgeon. Also he was 43 and already had 13 years experience.

Hand picked - he was the head of bariatrics at one of the university hospitals in DC and many of the surgeons in my area had studied under and worked with him.  He had been in practice the longest and offered the best and most comprehensive program.

Picked mine. He had great reviews on the 'net, and had done a year long residency in laparoscopic bariatric surgery as well as being active in the ASMBS, including having been published. When I met him, he took a great deal of time with me answering all my questions and didn't steer me to a specific operation. He was very personable and easy to talk to with a great sense of humor. Overall I think I made a great choice; I feel completely comfortable with him doing my surgery and follow-up.

My PCP recommended my surgeon - the facility was designated a "Center of Excellence".   After asking around, I only heard wonderful things about him.  My experience with his staff and the process lived up to expectations.  I can't say enough great things about him!

Hand picked..based upon the recommendation of my endo and NP.  None of the three personally "know" each other.