| If you study the statistics for lap band bariatric | | | | problem that arises. |
| surgery the one thing that will perhaps surprise | | | | A good surgeon should also be concerned not |
| you more than anything else is the wide variety in | | | | only with the immediate prospect of surgery but |
| success rates for different surgeons. This really is | | | | with your ongoing care not just for weeks but |
| one area where "practice makes perfect" and | | | | for years after surgery. This means that he will |
| surgeons with greater experience encounter far | | | | have a strong follow-up program in existence and |
| fewer problems during surgery and far less by | | | | will be more than happy for you to speak to |
| the way of post-operative complications. | | | | patients about their particular experience. This is |
| One of the best ways to locate a doctor with | | | | not only an excellent preparation for your own |
| experience in lap band bariatric surgery is to | | | | surgery but also acts as yet another reference |
| contact the American Society for Bariatric | | | | for the surgeon. |
| Surgery. The Society was formed in 1983 to help | | | | In essence there are three things to look for |
| support surgeons in this particular field and aims to | | | | when choosing a surgeon. |
| establish a center of excellence amongst its | | | | First, he should hold qualifications in the field of |
| members. | | | | bariatric surgery from an accredited medical |
| When considering a particular surgeon you need | | | | school. |
| to do your homework. You need first to know | | | | Second, he should have considerable and |
| that your surgeon holds the necessary | | | | demonstrable experience of working in the field. |
| qualifications from an accredited medical school | | | | Demonstrable here means the ability to |
| and that he has an excellent set of references | | | | demonstrate to you that he knows what he is |
| which he is happy for you to see. He should also | | | | doing through a thorough and detail review of |
| be prepared to review your case with you in | | | | your own case and by "showcasing" his work |
| detail and should be happy to discuss the | | | | through his existing follow-up patients. |
| advantages, disadvantages and risks with you | | | | Third, he should be recognized for his work by |
| without glossing over the subject. | | | | other professionals in the field of bariatric surgery. |
| There are always risks involved in any surgery | | | | Recognition by one's peers is very important and |
| and a good surgeon will not only face squarely up | | | | can often be taken as an excellent form of |
| to this fact but will also have a detailed plan of | | | | reference. |
| exactly how he would intend to deal with any | | | | |