Question:
Can anyone tell me how many surgeries would qualify a doctor as an expert?

My surgeon has only done about 20-25 LAP RNY's but is a Lap Bariatric surgeon in general. This does concern me a little but was wondering if anyone else has had a "newbie?" to gastric bypass and what your thoughts are. My surgery is scheduled for 12/27 and I am sure by then he will have to 10-15 more. So far no complications with his patients!    — Pizofret (posted on November 19, 2002)

November 19, 2002
Well, they all have to learn sometime - I just prefer it not be on me. My doc has been a gastric surgeon since 1975 and was the first surgeon to do a laproscopic gall bladder removal in the state of Wisconsin. I would definately consider him an expert.
   — Toni C.

November 19, 2002
At the time of my surgery, my surgeon had only performed about 50 lap rny's. He had however, done more than 1500 lap surgeries of other types, many GI procedures. I chose him for that reason even though he was out of state. There was a local surgeon who had performed many more rny's but less than a dozen lap procedures. I wanted the lap, but I wasnt comfortable with his lap experience level. Get as much info as you can and make sure you feel confident in him after you meet him. Good luck! Mary lap rny 6/4/02 no complications!
   — maryburton

November 19, 2002
My doc had done less than 100 when mine was performed. I felt he took extra care in this because he was new and wanted great results. Not just another name on the notch. I had mine in April and he has done over 200 as of now. I think he has only had 1 death (before my surgery) and this person was older and 3 other surgeons had turned her down but, this was the only chance for her to live and she wanted to take that chance. I say look at his statistics of complications or death and follow your heart. I had the choice of going to another surgeon but my heart said go to this one so that's what I did. Best of luck to you in your decision. rk lap rny 4-9 -105lbs
   — Robin B.

November 19, 2002
Just remember, more is not always better. There are so many factors to concider, does your surgeon do other lap surgeries? How comfortable is he with the equipement? In the 25 surgeries that he has done, what is his complication rate? Death Rate? How about complication rate with the open vs the lap?? Which surgery does HE recommend for you...lap or open?? Why?? What size incision does he do foe the open surgery (some surgeons do a 4 incision, some cut you stem to stern!!)?? Good Luck making your decision!
   — Vicki L.

November 19, 2002
Please make sure you check out your choice of surgeon. I was my surgeon's 12th pt. He is still practicing in another town now after my disaster which almost killed me. I can't say enough how important it is you are sure he is competent. Especially LAP. I'm still an advocate of Gastric Bypass but no longer of Lap's. The surgeons, sometimes, just are not able to see everything going on inside you thru those scopes. If they start cutting away they can do real damage. I'm the proof! Read my profile! Good Luck!
   — Karla K.

November 19, 2002
I had these same concerns. My doc has only done a few Lap RNY. BUT he is one of the most acclaimed Lap Bariatric surgeons in the Houston area. There are other docs in Houston that WLS is ALL they do. And I guess, some could take comfort in that. But I would much rather have a surgeon who is an excellent Lap surgeon to begin with. My doc may not have the most notches in his belt, but the ones he has are perfect. He is very picky and will only do TWO WLS a month. AND the only reason he does them AT ALL is because he is a teaching doc. He has these interns that come to learn under him.
   — Ann H.

November 20, 2002
I have read,heard on the radio, and seen in my career as a nurse that patient outcomes with any surgery are directly related to the experience of the surgeon. I had a very experienced surgeon, and as of this time (I had surgery 10-15-2001) I have had absolutely no complications, have lost 120 lbs,have no nausea, can eat meat, and dairy products. Do not be anyones guinnea pig. Your life could depend on it.
   — denaa