Which doctor would you choose?

[420gal 1]

I'm stuck with a dilemma. There are two surgeons at the office where I'm doing my WLS (I'm still in the 6 month pre-op hoop jumping). One of the surgeons has never done VSG before but he has over 18 years experience in WLS (lap band and bypass). The other surgeon performed VSGs during his residency in medical school but has fewer years of experience doing WLS in general.

So my question is: which is the lesser of two evils? Do I take the more experienced surgeon who's new to the sleeve procedure or do I choose the surgeon who has at least performed the sleeve in the past?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[peacequeen 434]

If this is a reputable office, most physicians won't work with another physician that he doesn't trust because it would ruin his reputation. That being said, sounds like they are both experienced doctors but me personally, I'd feel more at ease with a doctor that has actually done this VSG surgery. Good luck!

[Tiffykins 673]

This is just my 2cents and you can take it for what it is worth.

The sleeve long term success is directly tied to 1) patient compliance 2) surgeons technique and follow up/aftercare program.

I've seen some pretty dramatic regain, and a few patients seeking revisions because they went to inexperienced surgeons who just did NOT have the technique down.

Sleeves are not created equally. The bougie size only plays a small role in the sleeve size. How far or close he/she dissects away from the esophagus and pylorus play a huge role in sleeve capacity especially after 18-24 months post-op.

I had a similar dilemma when it came to my revision. My surgeon had tons of VSG experience, band to RNY experience, but was somewhat limited on band to VSG surgeries. HOWEVER, he had the sleeve technique down, and I was confident with his experience.

Given this seems like the only 2 choices you have; I'd go with the surgeon who has performed sleeves.

One thing I would do long before you agree on him being your surgeon is make sure he knows how to repair leaks, strictures and other surgical complications that can arise due to his lack in experience. Especially since the other surgeon in the practice has more years of experience with no sleeve experience, he won't have the experience to repair the leak/stricture either for a VSG patient. Having a leak is no fun. I had one, and mine was directly related to the damage that happened to my stomach tissue from the band.