Question:
Why would my Dr. NOT be listed in The American Society for Bariatric Surgery ?

Hi, My insurance company gave me the name of 4 doctors they use for GBS and not one of them is listed with ASBS. That has me really concerened...is there a reason why they wouldn't be there or am I over reacting?? Any help is greatly appreciated!    — Tracy L. (posted on December 2, 2002)

December 2, 2002
My surgeon was not a member of the ASBS either. Many gastric surgeons are not. Personally, I don't think it's necessary, but you will find some people who wouldn't touch a doctor who isn't certified by them. Just depends on your preference.
   — [Deactivated Member]

December 2, 2002
Hi there Tracy! My surgeon is a member of the ASBS, but has not listed. He is mainly a general surgeon that also does the GB. Like Ruth said, I guess it would depend on your preferrence. I knew of another one of my surgeon's patient's and she had nothing but good things to say, so I wasn't worried that he hadn't listed himself yet. It's up to you, but you could try and find other patients who had the same procedure and ask what they thought of that doctor. Vi
   — Vi F.

December 2, 2002
Here is why I prefer someone who is an ASBS member. It shows that they are committed to understanding the bariatric patient as a total person and are committed to maintaining the best information about the surgical procedures related to the bariatric patient. It is unlikely that you will find the kind of bull*@#& post-operative advice from an ASBS surgeon like the kind that I have witnessed that people have gone through here. You find some (certainly not all) of these guys who figure it is just another surgical procedure without understanding the long term biochemical complications that can arise if the perosn is not treated metabolically for the malabsorptive deficiency. I am talking about things like Vitamin D deficiency that leads to Calcium deficiency that leads to osteoporosis. There are too many 'I-got-a-boat-payment-due' doctors that figure if they can get through the surgery without killing you that means they are experts. To them it is just another type of "general surgery" like a gall bladder removal or post-obstructive bowel resection. But an ASBS doc does bariatric surgery PRIMARILY. THAT'S the doc I want managing my pre-op, surgery, and post-op. Hope that helps...
   — merri B.

December 2, 2002
Ask your doctor that question!! I did, and his answer satisfied me. Good Luck!
   — Vicki L.

December 3, 2002
If you have done the research you know what is important preop and postop. I would schedule an appointment with each one until you feel comfortable with the doctors level of postop care. The surgery is only half the postop care is just as important and make sure your doctor feels the same way. I think it will be ok. Maybe you should ask the doctor why he isn't affiliated with the ASBS and see what he says? God Bless, Lahoma
   — Lahoma C.