Choosing your bariatric surgeon is a very important step. One of the first points to consider is the surgeon’s experience performing bariatric surgery. The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery found that experienced surgeons had significantly reduced bariatric surgery complication rates.¹ Your surgeon should have experience performing your particular procedure—whether it’s gastric bypass or gastric banding, and whether it’s performed as a minimally invasive or open procedure.

You may want to take the opportunity to speak with the surgeon’s patients. Patients willing to refer family, friends, and interested candidates are a good indication of the surgeon’s quality. Another good gauge of quality is a Center of Excellence (COE) designation. COE programs and surgeons must meet strict criteria relating to quality of care in order to be designated a COE.

A third point to consider is commitment to your success. Your surgeon should provide post-op care through follow-up appointments, support-group resources, and other information as needed. Your success is likely to be enhanced by all three.

Making informed decisions and knowing what to expect can help you achieve success and manage challenges.

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FINDING A BARIATRIC SURGEON

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR BARIATRIC SURGEON