Question:
What should you look for when selecting a surgeon/hospital?

I am interviewing 2 different surgeons/hospitals in the nexts 10 days. Anything in particular I should make sure to ask or to look for? I have been to a seminar for one hospital and really like the doctor but want to make sure that it is the right choice. All advice would be helpful. Nancy G. Illinois    — Nancy G. (posted on April 14, 2006)

April 14, 2006
Cliche' but true: There is NO substitute for experience.
   — Jeanie

April 14, 2006
Cliche' but true: There is NO substitute for experience.
   — Jeanie

April 14, 2006
Lap or open, what surgery do they do RNY band etc. RUN AWAY if they say VBG... how many surgeries have they done, how many deaths, why did people die, being done at a teaching hospital with lots of specialists, do they do a complete pre op workup with psych, sleep apnea, bloodwork, chest x ray, cardiology and other referals as needed, post op 24 hour quick call back to answer questions or take care of troubles, how about aftercare, the surgery only takes a hour or two, you live with the surgery forever, active support group? these are just the beginning of the questions to ask.
   — bob-haller

April 15, 2006
I check out two also and finally went to see my family doctor, he recommended the surgery and told me he felt best about one of them as they had excellent reputation not only for WLS but for suurgery altogether. If you trust your family doctor go to him or her.
   — arlene1955

April 15, 2006
Nancy, do you know the criteria for cigna. they are very hard to please to get approval. I ended up changing plans. My husband is employed with State of ILL. Be sure to get all the information from them. Email me off list, I think I still have the criteria.
   — geneswife

April 15, 2006
I had an excellent surgeon...but in hindsight I wish I'd have gone with a bariatric specialist rather then a surgeon who does gastric bypasses as one of his surgeries.....along with a bunch of other totally unrelated surgeries. So for aftercare I only see him twice and then it's up to my pcp. My advice....make sure they have an excellent before and aftercare program. Also make sure your nutritionist, if not associated with said aftercare program is well versed in bariatric patients. Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

April 16, 2006
Talk to SEVERAL of their patients 5 yrs or more out from surgery. If they will share with you, take a look at their blood work. Yep, I'm serious. You can check credentials, time on the job, number of surgeries, but what you want to know is where you will be in 5 yrs yourself. NOTHING makes an impact like walking into a support group meeting full of pale, pasty ill people or slender, lively healthy ppl.
   — vitalady