Question:
hospital or bariatric clinic

How many of you's have gone to a hospital or a bariatric clinic? Personally I feel a hospital is better than a bariatric clinic because a bariatric clinic is just that a clinic. So if something goes wrong they still have to take you to the hospital which could result in more complications or even death. Whereas if your in a hospital everything is there in case of an emergency. What is your opinion.    — cuppaloopy (posted on August 21, 2009)

August 21, 2009
The weight loss center I went to was located within the hospital itself....so my surgery was done at the hospital. There's no way I'd have such an invasive surgery done in a clinic. But that's just me. Good luck!
   — PaulaJ

August 21, 2009
I would never have major surgery at a clinic, either. I definitely want to be in a hospital where everyone is ready for emergencies.
   — Elizabeth_Ann

August 21, 2009
This is not as simple a question as it first seems. When you say "clinic" what do you mean? for example a some top notch weight loss surgeons operate out of "hospitals" who carry a name like "Barix Clinics" I use this example as it is who is doing my gastric bypass. One thing that you need to realize is that all "hospitals" are not created equal...so you may not have your surgery done at a hospital that has an emergency dept that would be able to properly treat you as they have many disciplines of medicine all the time. However, a specialized hospital (even if it's name includes the word "clinic") may be better able to handle bariatric specific emergencies. Be safe....research your surgeon, don't worry so much about the title of the actual building. Good luck!!!!!
   — medic3992

August 21, 2009
I'd rather go to a hospital because anything can go wrong and you may need to seek emergency
   — devvon

August 22, 2009
I agree with David...research your surgeon. My surgeon has his office in one hospital, but does his surgeries out of another. He said that he could do either, but the one he uses primarily is HALF the cost of the other! Both hospitals have bariatric surgical clinics. Just guessing, but I think the name 'clinic' refers to associated support services like nutritionists, support groups, etc. Surgeons have agreements with specific hospitals, so choose the surgeon first. Make sure all the support services come with.
   — jtoothman

August 22, 2009
While a clinic is fine for some things, there is an expectation of being in the hospital overnight for lapband and 2-4 days for bypasses. I would never consider on outpatient ambulatory center such a procedure. If you are just looking at what Dr to choose, one at a clinic or hospital. It depends on the Dr and their reputation. There is a section here to look up docters & see what others say about them.
   — Donna O.

August 22, 2009
I had my surgery at a "Bariatric Center of Excellence". I don't know if a Bariatric "clinic" could qualify as a Center of Excellence, but I felt much more comfortable having my surgery where a whole floor is dedicated to bariatric patients, and the nurses are specially trained to help obese people, and there is even special equipment (like tall, oversized, padded walkers with oxygen hookups for when you take your required walks), and larger beds for the patients. I would highly recommend that you check and see if there is a Center of Excellence in your area, and then check out the doctors who operate out of that facility. Personally, I'd feel a lot safer.
   — Erica Alikchihoo

August 22, 2009
I had my lapband surgery in an outpatient surgery center. I was in and out within two and a half hours. Personally I believe that was too quick and think an overnight stay would have been much better. I believe the surgeons go by your health history though.
   — Char-Ree C.

August 22, 2009
Be safe and have your surgery in a hospital.Its important to be somewhere that can care for you if you have any problems after surgery.
   — gay56-

August 25, 2009
I agree, research both your surgeon AND the location of the surgery. I had mine in a "Bariatric Clinic" but it was a wing within a hospital. The full-blown hospital was there for me if I needed it. Good luck to you!
   — Jeppa

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