Question:
first patient

Has anyone been one of the surgeons first or second patient while he is learning procedure with another surgeon?    — nancy P. (posted on February 29, 2004)

February 29, 2004
Every doctor has to learn from someone and start a practice. But, for me I would rather go with a doctor that has had more experience under his belt.
   — ChristineB

February 29, 2004
Hi, Yes every doctor has to get his/or her experience from somewhere, but if he is learning thru another surgeon who has already done this type of surgery then I wouldn't worry too much, just ask alot of questions and see if the other surgeon will be there also thru the surgery, and then if you don't feel confortable still then maybe see if you can go to someone else!
   — Melodee S.

February 29, 2004
I was going to be the first patient my surgeon did any kind of weight loss surgery on. Unfortunately, if you read my profile, I had a pretty big problem that had to be fixed. I ended up being his 9th or 10th (on his own). He did a wonderful job. Usually with the 1st through 3rd pt., the "new" surgeon has a very, very experienced surgeon in the operating room with him. It is a wonderful choice. You will have not 1, but 2 skilled surgeons in with you. I say Go for it!! But only if there is another experienced surgeon in there showing him "the ropes".
   — lindadougherty

February 29, 2004
My doctor is Tim Custer in Columbus, Ohio. He was still in residency working with Phillip Price (considered the top bariatric surgeon in Columbus) for 3 years. Once he graduated, Dr. Custer went in to the same practice as Dr. Price. I was Dr. Custer's first bariatric surgery with him being the main surgeon and with Dr. Price assisting. That was in November of 2001. Dr. Custer had done numerous patients since then. He has a great reputation and I love him to death. He calls me his poster child for bariatric surgery. I lost 125 pounds in approximately 10 months and couldn't be more pleased with the work Dr. Custer did. I think when they are working with someone who has been doing this surgery for a while, if your one of there first patients, there going to be more careful with you. My surgery took 3 hours. I've heard from others who had surgery after me, the surgery only took about an hour and a half.
   — Patty H.

February 29, 2004
My very experienced and capable surgeon had a "fellow" working with him. I was a little concerned the day after surgery when he proudly told me he had made my pouch. I later found out he had performed many more Roux-en-Y's than my surgeon - he was now learning to do it laparoscopically! Go for it!
   — koogy

March 1, 2004
I was my surgeons 20th or so patient, but I know his first patient very well. She lost 135 pounds to goal, and is doing very well almost 3 years later. While your surgeon may be new at WLS, I'd be more concerned if they were new to "surgery"! The way I look at it, perhaps they are more careful if doing their first few whereas the surgeons who have done thousands may not pay as much attention...
   — Cindy R.