Question:
Bariatric Surgeon vs. General Surgeon

NOTE: I DO HAVE A PROFILE - IT WON'T BE POSTED FOR ATLEAST 10 DAYS. QUESTION: Our local hospital will be offering gastric bypass surgery in July. My dr. insists that even though the surgeon that will be performing the surgery(ies)doesn't have the "bariatric" experience, he is extremely experienced in laproscopic surgery. My dr. feels that he would be just as good as a dr. who has performed the surgery 500x. I live in a small community, and should I choose another doctor or hospital, I may have to travel anywhere from 2hrs plus for surgery. Any opinions on this?    — Annette H. (posted on May 22, 2002)

May 22, 2002
My Surgeon was not a "Bariatic" Surgeon, He does do many Bariatric surgerys though, He is very skilled in Lap surgery, and I have not had any problems what so ever since my surgery, I only took Pain Meds one day when I got home from the hospital. I also live in a very small community, and had no desire to travel 2 hours for Dr's appointments etc. But if I had not had faith in the surgeon I had choosen, I would of made that Drive. My Opinion, is that if it is a capable surgeon he/she does not have to have the "Member of Bariatric Surgeons" behind his name
   — Jeri P.

May 22, 2002
My doctor also is a general surgeon, and its one of the reason's I chose him. Although his office is full of baratric patients, I didn't want my fat to be his sole source of income. I guess I just didn't want another "money making" machine to benefit from me. I felt that I would get a better assesment from him in regards to my ability to handle things post op.
   — Diane Rhoads

May 22, 2002
I had a general trauma surgeon do my surgery. The main reason I chose them was the great follow up for as long as we want to go to see them and the support groups they sponsor. Any surgeon would be capable to do the surgery, it depends on how they follow up on your progress or have the experience to know how to answer your questions.
   — mc H.

May 22, 2002
There are pluses and minuses to both. I live in the Los Angeles area so I have several groups of surgeons to choose from. Originally I was going to go with a highly respected bariatric surgeon who has done 1500 cases. Although he is excellent in bariatric surgeon, he just started doing cases LAP and I wasn't comfortable since he surgery took over 4 hours to do. He did have a wonderful support program, and if I were having the procedure done open, I would have definitely went with him. I choose a lap surgeon who has been doing lap procedures for years and has done over 100 bariatric procedures. His support program is not that extensive, but I feel I have great help here on AMOS. Good Luck with your decision.
   — Joanie J.