Question:
What is a good level of

I am just wondering what other people know about how many surgeries their surgeon has performed? Any idea of what would be considered an experienced surgeon? My surgeon is a general surgeon who does this as well, but unlike some surgeons, doesn't do wls only. So I'm sure he's done a lot less than Dr. Fobi for example. Working in the medical field, I know what it's like to have to get experience, and I know that everyone starts out somewhere, but I just have no perspective on what would be considered good experience. His nurse said that he's done well over 350 of these, and I know he's very busy with them. There was supposed to be about a year wait to even get an appointment to be evaluated, but I managed to get some professional courtesy and get in a lot sooner, so after I decided to pursue this last August, I was in to see him in October, but obviously, he's keeping busy with doing wls. What do people think?    — cp (posted on May 5, 2002)

May 4, 2002
My surgeon is also a General Surgeon. He is still considered one of the best in his field. Both WLS and other! He has been doing this surgery since 1996 and is very young. I went with his level of confidence. I learned everything I could. Then I measured it to how much that he taught me when I thougt I knew it all. :)
   — Sherrie G.

May 5, 2002
Do you know whether he's had any WLS patients die or have serious complications. Both of those things can happen to people no matter how good their surgeon. However, if he's had more than 1 or 2 die, I'd be cautious. Just by the numbers alone, though, I think 350 surgeries would be plenty to assure me that he knows what he's doing.
   — garw

May 6, 2002
My surgeon has done over 3500 WLS (he started in the 70's) and is also considered to be a general surgeon. He specializes in WLS, but does do others (even TT and hernia repairs). He is well-known throughout the midwest for his expertise. THAT is an experienced surgeon! I think that if your surgeon has done over 350, with a low or no death rate, you should go with him.
   — Becky H.