which is better?

[willowcat]

Which is better: a bariatric surgeon who performs several different kinds of wls or one whose entire practice seems to be devoted to just one type? I want lap band surgery done. Today, my PCP referred me to a surgeon who is a member of a bariatic surgery team at a certified center (and lap band is one of three that he performs). I like that he's local, but there are other surgeons about an hour away that do lap band proceedures almost exclusively. Which is better?! Help, feeling a bit nervous. Thanks for your reply.

[Kittycat]

Hi Willowcat,

Will hear many different responses, but the fact remains that you need to research the surgeons and their credentials when it comes to performing the lapband surgery.

My clinic performs both general surgery and lapband procedures, however my surgeon is a lapband specialist and only performs this surgery and does the the follow-up and fills for his patients. My clinic is an hour away and the aftercare I have received is immeasurable.

Research the best surgeon for you...don't focus so much on location. An hour away is not that far.

[Trav]

It all boils down to the surgical team's credentials, their success/fail rate, their complications, and mortality rates, and whether YOU feel comfortable with them.

The local surgeon here does roux en-y and lapband. He's had 1 fatality, and that was enough for me to not choose him, not because he's not a skilled surgeon, but because I didn't feel comfortable. Accidents happen, but I'm all for stacking the deck in my favor.

While your insurance may not cover surgical procedures performed in a foreign country, I would go to Dr. Ortiz in TJ again at twice the price. (but I'm glad I didn't have to pay twice the price)