Surgeon Experience

[samos 0]

I am scheduled for banding on the 20th and just found out that my surgeon has only done 50 bands (mainly does lap bypass). Should I be worried? I am about to leave to see her for the first time in a few minutes.

Sarah

[Sunta 5]

Hi Sarah,

When I was in the process of pre-banding I found out my surgeon had only done 40 bands. I was definitely scared, but he had done thousands of laproscopic surgeries and tons of bypasses. Band placement is considered by some surgeons to be a "breeze" compared to most other laproscopic surgeries. I don't want to be cavalier about it, but I heard one person say her surgeon said that "placing a band is like clipping a toenail". I also heard from a few people on here who were their surgeon's first and they're doing great.

As for me I'm about six and a half months out and knock wood, I seem to be doing fine. My doctor was also attended by a doctor who had placed over 100 bands so that made me feel better.

I think sometimes the surgeon might even be more careful when they don't have as much experience.

--Becky

[libra 13]

I wouldn't say you should be concerned, but as with any surgery, you need to do your research and be comfortable with the surgeon. Best of luck to you.

[CCBSTX 0]

Get a feeling for the person. Once you meet her, you'll have a better idea if this is someone you can rely on for followup. The surgery is extremely important, but the followup is a close 2nd.

Also, if you can explore the lapbandtalk.com, and obesityhelp.com for more surgeon info., that might help you make a decision. Don't be afraid to mention your surgeons name on the message boards. People will have their own opinions, but it's nice to get a reading.

Shawn

[samos 0]

Thanks to all that replied. I met with my surgeon today and she made me feel more confident and I feel comfortable having her place the band. Now if I can just get over the anethesia fears and get used to this liver shrink diet!

Sarah

[gonnabethin 10]

Lap bypass is 100times harder than the lap-band. Risks are MUCH more prevalent. It may be purely that her patients need the more permanent surgery. I would not let that deter me. The more important question is how many lap-bands does she follow and how long has she been treating and following pts with lap-band? If its more than a year its more than your and my experience. If she has a good approachable bed side manner thats what counts- everyone has to start somewhere!!

She could have lied to you but she was honest. Now you need to be honest with her. Tell her your concern if she is worth her salt she will discuss it with you and offer an expert in the field should one be needed.