General surgeon label on bariatric surgeons?

[VSG4aHealthierMe 6]

Is it common for a beriatric surgeon to be labeled a general surgeon? I see the "general surgeon" label and it immediately conjurers the impression of hands in too many cookie jars. I mean, if you are doing everything from appendix to rerouting the digestive tract (as in bypass and such) can they really ever be an outstanding surgeon in any given area? I ask because most surgeons within a 100 mile radius are labeled general surgeons. TIA for your help.

[Iniysa 157]

The word general surgeon is a comfort to me. If something goes wrong they don't have to call someone in because that's not there specialty. They are extensively trained in mostly everything, so they can begin to fix the problem right away until a specialist can make it. I would be worried if my gen surgeon had not done a lot of gastric surgery however. I know mine does them all the time, so I'm not at all worried about his ability.

[isajck 229]

If I am not mistaken, weight loss surgeons are usually general surgeons with a specialty in bariatrics. I am quite happy to have the experience of a general surgeon for exactly the reasons Iniysa stated above. In addition my doctor is a teaching surgeon, training the next generation of bariatric surgeons and they are learning from one of the best.

[@RealScoobyDoo 94]

Yeah, surgeons can specialize in orthopedics, eyes, neuro, plastics, cardiology and general surgery, which includes burns and abdominal surgery. There's quite a bit of variation, like a general surgeon or a plastic surgeon can do a breast reconstruction with proper training. But our surgeons would all most likely be general surgeons, but in the states your surgeon might also be board certified in bariatric medicine. It's a good question to ask.

Sent from my iPhone using VST

[VSG4aHealthierMe 6]

Can I find that out online or do I need to harass some offices? I hate to say it but its harder to research US docs online. When I planned to go to Mexico there was info EVERYWHERE and one pretty obvious standout rock star... in the states I am finding it difficult to find much of anything on surgeons near my home(within 50 miles), and not much more further out. If I am required to do the 6 month waiting period, anything further than 50 miles would be very difficult too. How do you decide with so little info wherever you look?

[Iniysa 157]

Do the surgeons near you hold little seminars? They do here in Houston, Texas. Almost all of them have at least one a month and I went to several before I found a surgeon I liked. Each seminar is a meeting with the surgeon and his head nurse. I learned about the surgeons and the procedure. Then I was asked questions. If they don't have these seminars where you are, start making some phone calls. Call the closest ones first, or the one's at the hospitals you know. Then move out to further locations if needed.

[VSG4aHealthierMe 6]

TBH I haven't asked. I will make calls tomorrow. Thank you.

[TheGamer 406]

Any reputable surgeon will be able to supply you with information on such basics as how many surgeries they've performed, what kinds of surgeries (VSG, RNY, LB, etc.), what kinds of complication rates and mortality rates they've had on what type of surgery, etc.

Getting those statistics made me feel good about my choice in surgeon.

[VSG4aHealthierMe 6]

Thank you!

[SpaceDust 585]

And don't forget to ask here, if you haven't already. You never know - someone here may have used the surgeons you're researching and didn't particularly call it out. There are regional forums as well as the main groups.

[outrigger42 58]

You must find out if the surgeon has special training in bariatric surgery. It should be in their bio. Absolutely do not let a general surgeon without training work on you. All of them are general surgeons so can fix any complications. But if they aren't trained in bariatric s you are playing Russian roulette. I'm a physician and see all the complications, so should know

[Geminidrive 389]

You can check out your surgeons records by checking out ABMS (American Board of Medical Specialties) along with the your state medical board.

https://www.certificationmatters.org/is-your-doctor-board-certified/search-now.aspx

Link for Federation of State Medical board below:

http://www.fsmb.org/

[HypnotizingHazel 39]

When I called BCBS of Texas, they have a list of surgeons with the lowest complication rates. I chose my Dr. from that list.

[VSG4aHealthierMe 6]

You can check out your surgeons records by checking out ABMS (American Board of Medical Specialties) along with the your state medical board.

https://www.certificationmatters.org/is-your-doctor-board-certified/search-now.aspx

Link for Federation of State Medical board below:

http://www.fsmb.org/

Thanks for the link!

I called the Dr nearest to me this morning. They said the ins I expect to have will only pay a surgeon at a center if excellence. One is about 90 miles away and I haven't gotten to speak with them yet ( answering machine). The other is over 100 miles away. They have daily seminars followed by a one on one with the surgeon after(if you have ins.) So I am going to wait until I have secured coverage so that I can speak with the doc the same day. Its not every month but I frequently have to travel to Indy for my special needs kids' medical care so perhaps I can work it so that I can see whatever surgeon I choose the same day that I am already up there. My kids are my priority so if anyone is going to go without a needed appt it will be me, but if I can hit two birds with 1 stone that could work...

[isajck 229]

Thanks for the link!

I called the Dr nearest to me this morning. They said the ins I expect to have will only pay a surgeon at a center if excellence. One is about 90 miles away and I haven't gotten to speak with them yet ( answering machine). The other is over 100 miles away. They have daily seminars followed by a one on one with the surgeon after(if you have ins.) So I am going to wait until I have secured coverage so that I can speak with the doc the same day. Its not every month but I frequently have to travel to Indy for my special needs kids' medical care so perhaps I can work it so that I can see whatever surgeon I choose the same day that I am already up there. My kids are my priority so if anyone is going to go without a needed appt it will be me, but if I can hit two birds with 1 stone that could work...

Do you know anyone that has had WLS? If so use them as a guide. If not, then definitely start with your insurance company as they can give you a list of in-network physicians/facilities. I will also second the suggestion to attend local seminars. If nothing else it will provide additional real time information. Once you compile a list of name, use the search function here to see if anyone has experience with them. There are tons of way to locate a surgeon but in the end, there is nothing better than a face to face meeting.