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Bariatric Surgeons specialize in performing gastric bypass
surgery. The gastric bypass with
Roux-en-Y is considered the gold standard for weight loss operations. This
operation modifies the stomach and small intestine to reduce the
amount of food that can be eaten and digested. It provides an
optimum alteration of physiology, combining restriction of
intake of food with a profound early sensation of satiety (a
feeling of fullness). Gastric bypass surgery has been performed for 30 years
using an open incision technique, but since 1993 laparoscopic
(minimally invasive) approaches have been available, resulting
in vastly improved recovery. Patients who have undergone
surgery
have maintained an approximate 80 percent reduction of excess
body weight for over 15 years in published studies, making
surgery clearly superior to any medical therapy or diet for long
term weight loss. In addition, most patients achieve either
complete remission or significant improvement in all of the
previously mentioned medical conditions, which accompany morbid
obesity after surgery.
Since you have now decided that weight loss surgery is right for
you, the following guidelines will help you choose a surgeon who
will help you achieve your goals by providing the best
experience, qualifications and aftercare for you. Educate
Yourself
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The Web is an excellent place to obtain information about the
various types of weight loss surgery. It is helpful to
familiarize yourself with the different types of surgeries so
that you can compare the risks and benefits in a logical and
comparative manner.
Find out about Qualifications
Many different types of surgeons can perform bariatric surgery,
even if they have not received any specialized training in this
area, so find out about their credentials, board certifications
and experience. You can ask for information from the office,
access a physician's Web site, or request the information via
phone. Your surgeon should be a member of the American Society
for Bariatric Surgery, whose members are committed to advancing
the art and science of bariatric surgery.
Risks and Benefits
The surgeon that you choose should be forthcoming about the
risks and benefits of bariatric surgery, and respond openly to
your questions and concerns. Also, the surgeon should talk
freely about his/her own experiences (i.e., complication rates
such as leaks and deaths).
A Lifetime Program
Choose a surgeon who is experienced in bariatric surgery. Ask
questions as to how many operations the surgeon has done (open
and laparoscopic), and discuss follow-up care. Bariatric surgery
is a tool to help you control the disease of morbid obesity, and
it requires lifetime maintenance and biochemical surveillance.
Find a surgeon who is committed to the long-term management and
care of their patients. The bariatric program should address all
aspects of pre- and post-operative care, and include a lifetime
maintenance plan.
Are Patients Satisfied?
Talk to the surgeon's postoperative patients. Are they satisfied
with the care they have received? Are they comfortable with the
office staff? Do they feel that they are as important after the
surgery as before? Would they recommend their surgeon to family
and friends? Patients are a wealth of information about the
surgeon and his/her practice, and are also excellent support and
referral sources.
Choosing your Surgeon
You have now educated yourself, checked credentials and
qualifications, explored the risks and benefits of surgery and
checked with current patients. Now you have the information you
need to make an informed decision about a bariatric surgeon, one
who will meet your needs and help you to achieve your goals. The
results will help you control your obesity and change your life.
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