Question:
The surgeon I have a consultation with has not preformed the rny surgery,

but is a good laproscopic surgeon. He is just starting out taking bariatric patients, and says he can do the surgery. It makes me a little nervous. Anyone out there with a similar scenario?    — Lezli M. (posted on June 7, 2002)

June 7, 2002
I have not had a similar situation, but for what it's worth, my opinion is that you need to seek out a surgeon who has a good track record with RNY. However good a laproscopic surgeon this man may be, bariatric surgery is a specialty all it's own. While the majority of RNY patients do very well, the procedure is a very major surgery and you need to protect yourself as much as possible by getting an experienced, very knowledgeable surgeon with a good track record. I researched my surgeon ...I found out as much as possible about his history in wls and I felt very comfortable with what I learned. There are many great bariatric surgeons out there, with a lot of experience ....I would recommend you find one in your area. It'll add to your peace of mind in choosing to have the procedure. best of luck to you!
   — Mary W.

June 7, 2002
I understand your concerns. My doc was a good lap surgeon, but had only done about 30 surgeries when I went to him. I've had no problems (other than self-inflicted, lol!) and would consider him first rate. Every doctor who goes into this has to have a first patient. I know I read someone's profile a while back that was her doc's first patient, and she was thrilled w/him. This topic has come up before, and a lot of people would prefer a doc just starting out to a "bariatric mill" that does hundreds of surgeries per year. If you think of it another way, wouldn't the doctor be especially careful and care immensely about his first rny patient? When they've had 100 or more under their belt, they become more impersonal about it. Of course, you're the only one who can decide what's best for you.
   — GGinMA

June 7, 2002
Warning find another surgeon. You need someone that can do open as well as lap. I was told that not everyone qualifies for a lap because of their size or their liver may obstruct the view for a successful surgery. What if he has complications and need to do a open? Then what? Please check your doctor out it is your life in their hands.
   — Lisa B.

June 7, 2002
Here is another tip. After visiting three surgeons (one very experienced with bariatric, new at lap, and the other two very experienced with lap, but new at bariatric) I did decide to go with the experienced lap surgeon. Fortunately for me however, he has done a couple hundred bariatric procedures. Both surgeons new to these procedures told me that they had studied with Dr. Wittgrove in San Diego and Dr. Higa in Fresno. I would strongly suggest that you ask your surgeon who he has done his so called internship with to make sure he is qualified. Just my own opinion...... I work in a hospital and because I am on the inside of the medical field, I would never be the first patient of a major surgery like this. I know everyone has to start somewhere but it wouldn't be on me for such a serious medical procedure.
   — Joanie J.

June 7, 2002
I would not take the chance on someone inexperienced to perform RNY. It's too involved. BY ALL MEANS, find another surgeon!!
   — ZaZa F.

June 7, 2002
PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT PUT YOUR LIFE INTO SOMEONES HANDS WHO HAS INEXPERIENCE BECAUSE IT WILL BE YOU WHO SUFFERS IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG. WE AS MORBIDLY OBESE PEOPLE HAVE ENOUGH RISKS AS IT IS GOING INTO SURGERY DO NOT MAKE IT WORSE BY USING SOMEONE INEXPERIENCED. PLEASE LISTEN TO ALL OF US AND GET SOMEONE WITH EXPERIENCE, YOU CAN FIND A SURGEON ON THIS WEBSITE
   — Grace H.

June 7, 2002
I have an idea...tell him you would like a $150,000 bond held in escrow that will be returned to him upon satisfactory completion of the surgery and your successful recovery. That would make me feel better if I was being used as a guinea pig.
   — merri B.