Question:
Is a doctor with 4 years experience in laparscopic RNY enough.

This doctor work at a hospital that has a center of excellence to perform this surgery. How much experience is considered enough for wls?    — Toby2 (posted on May 23, 2008)

May 23, 2008
I would look for the number of RNY surgeries the surgeon has performed. He may have done only a few per year, whereas other surgeons may have done more RNY procedures in one year. My surgeon has been doing these surgeries for about 9 years, and has done a little of 3000 procedures. Those a current figures, and were less 2 years ago, but you get the idea that he has a lot of experience. I opted for this surgeon as he was a general surgeon before specializing in RNY, so he has plenty of experience to handle any emergency that might arise during surgery. Go to some support groups where the prospective surgeon's patients go and speak to some of the surgeon's patients. You'll get a better feel for his surgery expertise by speaking with his patients too. DAVE
   — Dave Chambers

May 23, 2008
I agree with Dave, in order for you to have the surgical experience that you want and deserve, you need to completely research the doc, the facility et al. Find out how many lap RNY's he has done, what his complication rate is, etc. Ask A LOT of questions and he should answer you honestly. Also, speak to his patients that have been successful and not so successful and see what "your gut" tells you. (No pun intended). You can go to the website that issues his professional license to research him as well. In Florida it is the DBPR- the department of business and professional regulation... I'm a nurse and this is where I get my licensure as well. My surgeon encouraged us to do this. One person in my support group has a setting on her laptop that she will be notified if anyone in his office gets a ticket, a DUI, etc. I'm not sure how she did this, but she said she did it on the internet. Be very sure of everything before you proceed and good luck to you. Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
   — DawnVic

May 23, 2008
The number of surgery and how much of his practice is Bariatrics? I would want a doctor that did nearly 100% bariatrics. Talk to his patients and see what they had to say about him and the hospital. The hospital is also important. Best of success to you. Bill
   — William (Bill) wmil