Before undergoing bariatric surgery, there are some things which you need to discover and this may include the bariatric surgeon who will lead the procedure.
The success of bariatric surgery is affected by several factors and big factor is the bariatric surgeon. Here's a criteria for you to follow in choosing the best bariatric surgeon.
Expertise of the bariatric surgeon is a key factor. Not all bariatric surgeons may have all the same expertise as others do, so it is important that you choose a bariatric surgeon, which is around for several years and have done many bariatric procedures.
2. Credentials and Certifications of Excellence for the Surgery centers
Credentials of bariatric surgeon are very important, you have to make sure that the surgeon is fully licensed and registered to do the procedure.
Likewise, the surgery center should have certifications of excellence to make sure that they are really operating and following the regulations given by law.
3. Surgical outcome
It is recommended that you should ask the surgical outcome for the patients who undergo the bariatric surgery. Part of the outcome is that you should ask the complications or even mortality of the patients who have undergo with the bariatric program under the doctor's care.
4. Post operative patients
If you knew someone who has undergo the bariatric procedures, you may ask them the results. You may ask some if they really l shed weight after the procedure and if what is the post operative care the patient received from the bariatric surgeon.
Bariatric Surgeon and Bariatric Program
Most bariatric surgeon is under bariatric program, which offers weight loss procedures to patients. When you choose bariatric program, you have to make sure that the following factors are available in the bariatric program:
Offers pre and post operative care, which should include long term guidance on weight loss, and other disciplinary care.
Bariatric program, which offers well-trained staff.
Licensed and registered dietitians
Responsible and dedicated nursing staff
Program which help you deal with any emotional issues after the bariatric surgery
Must cooperate with your other physicians if the case arises
Must have the new and advanced technology which are presently used in the bariatric surgical procedures
Must offer accommodation for out of town patients
Should offer translation services for those non-English patients.
Now, if you already choose a bariatric program and bariatric surgeon, you have got ready for your first meeting on the bariatric surgeon.
First Meeting With Bariatric Surgeon
If this the first time that you will visit a bariatric surgeon, then you have to make sure that you are ready for it. It is very important that you tell your bariatric surgeon your weight goal and what makes you decide on loosing weight.
Reasons and goal for undergoing bariatric surgery will help your doctor decide on what kind of surgery will be used and accordingly, this is also the best time to let your doctor know if you have existing medical condition that is related to obesity. Health related conditions, which are due to obesity like high blood pressure, heart problems and diabetes, should be known to your doctor, if you have these conditions.
Let your bariatric surgeon know also all the weight loss attempts you had in the past, all the diet plans, exercise programs or diet pills that you may have used but failed in the past.
Your complete health history should also be given to the doctor, as this will help you to get insurance reimbursement in later on.
To get informed, you may also ask the following questions to your bariatric surgeon during the first meeting:
