How to Find the Best Lap Band Surgeon

Are you planning on getting a lap band surgery and want to be sure that you pick the best surgeon? You can use the Internet to find out more about each surgeon's certification and background and this can help you determine who the best surgeon is for you. Follow these steps to find the best lap band surgeon.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Go online and search for lap band surgeon. Use keywords like "lap band" and "surgeon." Use various combinations to get the best results. Check all the links that appear on the result page and make a list of all the doctors that you find in your area.
2. Check the records of all the surgeons that you find suitable. Note all the information available online about the surgeon. Try to narrow the list down to three or four surgeons.
3. Confirm if the doctors on your list are board certified. Check the official portal of American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) (see Resources below). Try your local library, as well, for a list of board certified doctors.
4. Remember that board certification requires the surgeon to go through a rigorous curriculum. Every surgeon has to perform at least 100 obesity operations and must act as a primary surgeon in at least 51 percent of those surgeries.
5. Visit the American Medical Association (AMA) website (see Resources below) to find biographical information on your surgeon. AMA provides this information for any four doctors for $60.
6. Remember that lap band surgery is a laparoscopic method. Be sure to check the number or laparoscopic surgeries each surgeon has conducted. Visit the Society of Laparoscopic Surgeons (SLS) website to get information about each surgeon (see Resources below).
7. Get information about each surgeon’s earlier cases. Get the contacts of those patients from him and contact them. Talk to them and check their satisfaction level. Also ask them about the pre- and post-surgery services provided by the surgeon.
8. Look for a surgeon who provides follow-up care and has a dietician on staff.
9. Visit the blogs and websites of various people who have had lap band surgery. Use their experiences to make your decision.
10. Based on all your research and the credentials of the surgeons, choose a surgeon to perform your surgery.