Question:
what type of physician does gastric by pass surgery?

   — [Anonymous] (posted on May 4, 2001)

May 4, 2001
Bariatric surgeons.
   — Lisa B.

May 4, 2001
Friday, May 4, 2001 There is not a medical professional organization which certifies surgeons in the specialty of Bariatric Surgery. Therefore, the surgeons who do this surgery are regular surgeons. In other words they are general surgeons, or surgeons who specialize in gastro-intestinal fields, or other specialists as well. I feel the best choice for any doctor is one who is Board Certified in his field (any field) as this shows a verifiable and measurable level of competence. Also, a doctor may be working on obtaining his certification so check into his progress and eligibility. Another very important factor to consider is the doctor's affiliation with the American Society for Bariatric Surgery. A member in ASBS shows more than a passing interest in the field of WLS and also demonstrates a willingness to be part of the closest thing there is to a body of practitioners united in a subspecialty and their desire to be made aware of and kept abreast of the current and relavent research and information available out there. ASBS.org is a good site to check on a doctors membership and other info as well. When you call a doctor's office to set up an appointment, ask the staff to tell you the doctor's medical credentials so that you can check out this information before your visit. If the office won't give you this information, call the local medical society or state licensing board and get this history. You will have a better idea of the doctor's background if this is done ahead of time. rather than trying to read the diplomas on the office wall (that is if they are posted in an accessable location!!) Let's face it, if you really want to do all the research it takes to assist in this monumental decision, be as educated as you can. A doctor who is licensed, did an internship in general surgery (they all do) then a residency in general surgery then a specialty residency (like in GI surgery or laparoscopic surgery) then perhaps a fellowship in a surgical specialty and is a member of ASBS and the AMA or other professional organization for his particular specialty , maybe he teaches at the University.---well, is certainly on paper more qualified then the general surgeon with the basic, minimal preparation. (Not that that would be dangerous, but look at the entire picture and make a decision based on facts) I only know of a few doctors who have done hundreds and thousands of these opertions-in reality they are few and far between although I read all the time about how many operatons this doctr has. To do have done thousands of WLS may involve doing so many a week that the time frames just don't match up, especially if the doctor does other types of opertions, not exclusively WLS.The personality of the physician really should not play much of a role if any, in your decision, although this is something to consider. (though I see here on AMOS over and over again that this seems to be a huge point for many people, how nice, caring, interested, kind, etc. a doctor is) Not to put anyone down-please- just try not to be too emotional when evaluating the physician. :-) (I am 16 months post op, down 200 pounds and my doctor was not Mister Personality at first (he certainly is my hero and I love him!) but boy are his credentials impressive and arguably about the best out there.) I went to him to have him save my life and he did his job. May I add an aside That Jesus is the Great Physician and those of you who know him or seek his face will be guided by another power. When we are weak then we are strong. Proverbs 16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Good luck to allthe seaching people out there. Fran Gomez
   — Fran B.