How many surgeries

would you want your surgeon to have done to feel confident in him? Mine has done tons of other bariatric surgeries but only 20 VSGs.

Sorry if this spin off post is not allowed. I posted something similar.

At least a couple of hundred.

Ditto to what theOP said:   a couple of hundred.   The more VSG surgeries he/she has done, the better.

This isn't a question I actually asked...maybe I was naive. however, I did look for recommendations from other physicians.  The physician I see for weight loss, recommended the surgeon I have. I was fortunate enough I could pretty much go to any of the hospitals in the area. So I asked her for a recommendation and said she said she'd send a family member to him.  She tells me when she won't recommend something/someone.  So her endorsement of the surgeon I went to was gold.  I also went to a hospital that sees a lot of very obese patients (much larger than I am/was) 300lb + patients.  That was a plus to because they are one of the only hospitals in the area rated for very large patients as well as the complications that come with it.

My advice is not only ask how many surgeries a surgeon has completed but also about the center/hospital.

My surgeon had done 50 VSG surgeries prior to mine. It made me a little worried, but he had excellent reviews, as did the surgeons he studied under and the weight management clinic has great reviews. I would have preferred that he had more experience and I think if you can find someone with more experience, it's the way to go. With that being said, I had a great experience, recovery, and am glad things worked out well!

20 is probably like than a month doing it.  not enough imo. you'd think you would 'do' this many just during your bariatric residency.

I would not put a number of what's officially enough for comfort although I see how just 20 can make you feel.

In this case I think you have to do some research and determine what kind of quality the physician is known for, what's his background training, what's his reputation in the community, and anything else you can dig up.

This won't be as simple as working with a doctor who has a wealth of this readily available so expect to do some digging.  There should be lots of resources for this available online as this is trend the medical industry is moving towards.

Lots of good physicians enter the community each year who will have less clinical experience than more established doctors.  This doesn't mean they can' perform well.  If you do the research above you should get a better gut feel for the risks involved.

My surgeon had done 1500+ LapBands and 2000+ RNY surgeries by the time I made it to his office. I was his 25th VSG surgery.

I would feel much more confident going to a highly respected surgeon in your area versus going to Mexico and have a "surgeon" operate who claims "over 1000 sleeves performed"...

I started my journey at 275+ lbs and today I weigh 143 lbs. I'm 5'8 and my 3 year anniversary is Friday, August 16th 2013.

it's your choice, but everyone has to start somewhere. That's my opinion though.

I know when I first learn how to do something I am more apt to do it to the letter where as when I become very good at it, I tend to get through it as quickly as possible and skip the "unnecessary" stuff. Now when it comes to cooking, this usually works well for me, but for surgery, who knows. I think being an experienced surgeon and having 20 under his belt is probably ok, but it is something you need to be comfortable with.

did you by chance ask him directly or see this stat on the obesity help profile of your doc?  i only ask because i know the profiles don't get updated that often.