How to Choose a Bariatric Surgeon

By Denise Mann; reviewed by Christine Ren, MD, FACS

Choosing the right bariatric surgeon may seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Asking the right questions and knowing what to look for in a bariatric surgeon can make it easier.

To help you make the right decision, Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery put together a list of questions you should ask any and all potential bariatric surgeons about their experience and their programs.

How many bariatric surgeries have you performed?

Whether gastric bypass, gastric banding or other weight loss surgeries, numbers matter. Many studies have shown that complication rates from weight loss surgery depend highly on the bariatric surgeon's experience. The magic number seems to be 100, but the more surgeries performed, the better.

What type of bariatric surgeries do you perform?

There are many types of weight loss surgery. Some examples include gastric banding and gastric bypass. These operations can be performed by traditional open-incision laparotomy or laparoscopically, meaning that the surgeon makes small incisions as opposed to one large incision. He or she then inserts a viewing tube with a small camera (laparoscope) and other tiny instruments into these small incisions to perform the surgery. Laporoscopic surgeries tend to have shorter recovery times, less pain and potentially fewer complications.

Are you board-certified by the American Board of Surgery or the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery?

Board certification by these boards indicates that the bariatric surgeon has met defined standards of training and knowledge specifically in the field of surgery.

Are you a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery?

ASMBS membership suggests that a bariatric surgeon is certified by the American Board of Surgery or the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery and has performed a minimum of 25 bariatric procedures as the primary surgeon within the past two years.

Will the surgery be performed in a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence?

A Center of Excellence designation means that the center has performed at least 125 weight loss surgeries and that the bariatric surgeon has performed at least 125 such surgeries by him- or herself over a lifetime. He or she must perform at least 50 such surgeries per year. In addition to other requirements, Centers of Excellence must have a bariatric team on hand. This includes surgeons, nurses, nutritionists, psychologists and exercise physiologists. A Center of Excellence is certified by either the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery or the American College of Surgeons.

How many bariatric operations have been performed in this hospital?

The bariatric surgeon's experience is important, but you also want to choose a center that has performed at least 125 weight loss surgeries.

What is my personal risk and benefit profile for this surgery?

All surgeries have risks and benefits, including bariatric surgery. While some are general, others may be more specific to you. Ask the bariatric surgeon to explain in detail the general and specific benefit and risk profile of the surgery for you.

Will another doctor be assisting during the surgery?

If the answer is yes, ask about the assistant's qualifications and experience with bariatric surgery.

Does the hospital have staff who are trained specifically to care for weight loss surgery patients?

Overweight and obese patients may have different needs than non-obese patients. It is important that the facility you choose has experience meeting these needs. This should include specialized equipment such as sufficiently sized blood pressure cuffs, computed axial tomography (CT) scanners, hospital beds, wheelchair toilets, gowns and operating tables.

Does the anesthesiologist have experience with obese patients?

Obesity may increase the risk of complications from anesthesia, so it can be beneficial to have an anesthesiologist who has experience with obese patients.

What support will be available after surgery?

The actual weight loss surgery is just the first part of this journey. Follow-up care is an important part of the equation. The center you choose should offer such services as support groups, psychological support, exercise or physical therapy and nutrition counseling. It is very important that dietitians are involved in managing the new way of eating after surgery and reinforcing better eating habits.

Who will be covering for the surgeon when he or she is away?

It is important that the covering bariatric surgeon has experience in taking care of bariatric surgery patients and their complications.

Does the program help deal with insurance and other payment issues that may arise?

Weight loss surgery can be costly, and the insurance system is difficult to navigate. Obtain your insurer's bariatric surgery policy in writing, and ask what assistance the center offers with the payment process.

While there are many questions to ask the surgeon, there is an important question to ask yourself. Do you like him or her?

The most important thing is to have a good rapport with your bariatric surgeon. He or she should be patient and willing to spend time describing and discussing the surgical procedure as well as the changes that come after the surgery.

Ready for a consultation? Find a bariatric surgeon near you.

Source: New York Health Plan Association

[page updated June 2008]