Finding a Lap Band Surgeon

Finding a Lap-Band Surgeon

Lap-Band surgery is a life-changing procedure. The positive outcomes you’ve heard about—the weight loss, the lifestyle improvements, the health benefits. Yet no major surgery comes without risks and complications as well, and so you want to put yourself in the best hands possible. The operating date should be preceded by many more days, weeks, and even months of research into the best Lap-Band surgeon for you. But what separates a great surgeon from an average one, and how do you find one for yourself? Here are some guidelines to start you off in the right direction.

An Experienced Hand

Experience is key in the realm of surgery. Nothing is a better instructor than firsthand experience performing procedures, and thus finding a surgeon who has a history of successful Lap-Band operations under his or her belt is the most powerful indication of trustworthiness. Ask your potential surgeon about his or her experience with Lap-Band procedures, as well as the success rate and satisfaction among previous patients.

The Importance of Certification

And for the best evidence of surgical experience and skill, look no further than certification. Your Lap-Band surgeon should be certified by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, which guarantees that he or she has performed a certain number of weight loss surgeries within the past few years. This also promises that your surgeon will be up-to-date on current trends and new findings in the field.

To play it safe, don’t forget that Lap-Band surgery also falls into the category of laparoscopic surgeries. Find out if your potential surgeon is a member of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, a fact that can speak to their experience with Lap-Band surgeries specifically.

Location, Location, Location

Hone in on your search radius. Looking national means that your choices are so many and so varied that you may make the search process more complicated than it needs to be. Search region by region, taking a long and careful look at each surgeon that you come across. You may want to further refine the search by finding out which areas of the US tend to charge higher fees for Lap-Band surgeries. Rates can vary widely, with surgeons along the two coasts generally charging more.

No Questions Barred

Have no fear of asking questions. To begin with, you should feel completely at ease with the surgeon of your choice. After all, this is not only a momentous operation for you, but the post-op checkups involved in Lap-Band surgeries mean that you will probably be seeing your surgeon for some time to come even after the procedure.

Secondly, asking questions is a great way of extracting information from your surgeon that can confirm or repudiate your decision to choose him or her for your operation. You’ll get a sense of his or her manner with patients, as well as being able to ask questions about the facilities and the details of the Lap-Band surgery. Differences in the availability of post-op care, dietary plans, and consultations can make or break a surgeon for many people.