Question:
What if your surgeon is not a member of A.S.B.S.?

The surgeon I have selected has been a surgeon for over 25 years, though, I cannot find him in the American Society for Bariatric Surgeons. Does this nessesarily mean he is not a good surgeon? I asked the nurse practitioner and she said he should be in there. Should i contact them my self? (asbs?) Thank you    — [Anonymous] (posted on July 31, 2001)

July 31, 2001
I wouldn't say that would make him a bad surgeon. The surgeon I've chosen has been doing surguries for a number of years too, but is not in there. I have even seen his work, which was magnificent. So I wouldn't worry about it unless you can find peers who had problems with him. If you have any further concerns maybe you can ask him to refer some of his patients to you so you can ask them.
   — Elizabeth D.

July 31, 2001
This is just my opinion, but be sure that your surgeon is truly qualified to do bariatric surgery. They will be more skilled as far as what to do should complication arise etc. Seems like more and more surgeons are performing gastric bypass without having the added training. You want to be able to trust your surgeon's surgical competence no matter the surgery. I do not know how true, or where this info originated, but I heard that since Carnie Wilson went public more and more surgeon's are performing wls without specializing in it and the complication rate is higher amoung those surgeons. You may have to travel to find a qualified surgeon. Look carefully and choose wisely. Best of luck to you!
   — lovebug2

July 31, 2001
It can take up to a year to be fully approved for membership, so he can be a member and not show up yet. Also, be aware that ASBS is not a governing organization. No one watches the surgeon & says yep, he's good enough. It's only been around since the mid-80's and it is an excellent exchange of info forum, but they don't make rules. To join, a surgeon will need to be recommended by a member & perhaps jump through some other hoops, and maybe the docs here can say, but it is not necessarily the Mark of Excellence that we think it is. There are paid up members who are general suregons who can perform the mechanics adequately, but know nothing about obesity or weight loss. The best reference is a handful of long term post-op patients of these docs. Meet them IN PERSON and then you'll have your reference.
   — vitalady

October 4, 2002
If you have questions, ask him for references then call them. If you still feel concerned, call your state medical board and/or better business bureau. Trust me, I am a nurse; anyone going through this process should be informed and educated. The informed patient is more likely to complain if something goes wrong. If nothing goes bad, the doctor's record should be clear. Just be aware that every procedure has risks, so even the best surgeon may have a complaint. Trust your intincts and always ask questions.
   — Cheryl W.