Experience?

Am I A Candidate, Right Bariatric Surgeon

When I joined a practice in 1993 and began a surgical career, many patients referred to me as “Doogie Howser”, to those of you who are old enough to remember. I have now transformed that youthful look into wrinkles and experience. What does over 4000 laparoscopic bariatric cases achieve? I have literally grown concomitantly with the specialty of bariatrics over the past three decades. I joined the ASMBS, the National membership of bariatric surgery, in 2000 when there were slightly over 200 members who attended the conference. Now there are over 2000 bariatric surgeons across the country, two large national societies, and thousands of members who attend the conferences on an annual basis.

I have always believed that a surgeon should go to the conferences and learn as many new techniques as possible. I have performed most of the major operations that have been used for weight loss in the past thirty years. I have seen and treated mine and other surgeons’ complications. I have been able to adjust my techniques, my follow-up and my perceptions of how to treat certain situations that can develop post-operatively. Operating over 4000 times does not guarantee a positive result, but it does give you confidence that the surgeon has seen, operated, and followed nearly every situation over an extended period. While looking for a surgeon, look for one who has performed a variety of operations for an extended time frame.