14 Things to consider when picking a Bariatric Surgeon

I will be adding to this as I go along, but I wanted to let you know my thoughts on this important lifetime decision you will make.

• You must trust your surgeon
• You cannot pick out a surgeon sight unseen
• You cannot pick out a surgeon from a magazine
• Your primary care physician who has treated you since you were born may try to talk you out of it
• Your surgeon may have a private support group they want you to check out. These can be can helpful or pep squads.
• Your surgeon may be part of a practice or alone, both has its benefits
• Your surgeon must have experience, do not be their first
• Your surgeon should specialize in this procedure. It has been going on so much, be wary of those dabbling in this complicated procedure that will alter your life
• You may have to travel to the surgeon before the surgery, for the procedure, and for follow-up appointments
• You may have a post surgery complication where having your surgeon close can be of great help and comfort
• You may have an internal condition unrelated do bariatric surgery, but having your surgeon close can be of help to the treating physician in knowing what is going on inside your body
• Some physicians do not agree with bariatric surgery
• Some physicians are leary of patients who have had bariatric surgery
• Almost no bairatric surgeons will take you after you have started treatment or surgery with another physician

What did you consider when you picked your bariatric surgeon?