Find a Weight Loss Surgeon
Deciding to get weight loss surgery is complicated, considering the risks and possible side effects. As with any surgery, there is a chance life threatening issues will occur, so choosing a weight loss surgeon with knowledge and experience is very important. Though there may be several weight loss surgeons in your area, traveling short or long distances may be required to get the best physician.
Instructions
1. Determine the type of weight loss surgery you are seeking in order to narrow your surgeon search. There are three kinds of weight loss surgery: restrictive, malabsorptive, or combined restrictive/malabsorptive. Restrictive weight loss surgery consist of a surgeon creating a thin pouch-like opening at the top of the stomach near the esophagus that leads to the lower part of the stomach. This causes the amount of food you consume to be limited to 1-3 ounces, which makes you feel full. Malabsorptive weight loss surgery changes your digestive system, which limits the body's capability to take in calories. The combined restrictive/malabsorptive weight loss surgery consists of limiting food intake, as well as changing the small intestines.
2. Ask your primary physician. Your primary physician is familiar with your medical history and is capable of assisting you with locating a weight loss surgeon that would best fit your medical needs. Your physician may have several a preferred weight loss surgeons that he has referred to other patients. Explain to your physician what type of surgery you are interested in and he may give you a few suggestions.
3. Call your insurance company.Your provider is required to inform you upon request of what doctors or surgeons accept your insurance. The insurance company will mail your request, tell you over the phone, or advise you to search for a surgeon on their website. Some insurance companies require you to retrieve a referral from your general practitioner before making an appointment with a specialist, such as a weight loss surgeon.
4. Talk to others who previously had weight loss surgery. People whom you know may have undergone weight loss surgery and will have some recommendations or advice about the surgeon they chose. Ask as many questions as possible, especially what they did and did not like about their surgeons.
5. Verify the credentials of the gathered weight loss surgeons to be assured their education and training is factual and their licenses have not been revoked or suspended. This information is obtained at their place of work, such as a hospital or doctor's office, as well as health maintenance organizations or a community medical society. There are online sites available, as well, that provide information about a physician's credentials; most of these sites are free of charge, but some may require a small fee.
6. Compare the information from your physician, insurance company, family and friends. Remove the surgeons that you are least interested in. If applicable, make sure the surgeons your family, friends and physician recommended accept your insurance.
7. Call the selected surgeons and set up a consultation. Ask the surgeon about his experience and educational background. Ask information about what weight loss surgery is best for you and whether you a good candidate. Ask about the procedure and cost, as well as any other questions that come to mind. Ask the practice's financial adviser how much the procedure will cost. When you have met with each surgeon, compare the information you received. Choose the surgeon you felt believe has more experience with the type of weight loss surgery you want. Also make sure you were comfortable with the surgeon and the cost of the procedure fits your budget.
