Question:
general vs. bariatric??
I was just about to start the process of requesting a referral from my PCP to go to a BTC about an hour away,when I found out that in about 3 months they will be doing the surgery at the Hospital that I currently work at.The only concern that I have,is that the surgeon is a general surgeon not a bariatric one.He has performed the WLS before and is currently taking a team of nurses/doctors to training in another state.He is our Top surgeon as far as general,but should I take the chance and have the WLS done by him???I'm very cervous and confused about what to do......any info or advice would be greatly appreciated!! — kim M. (posted on May 16, 2002)
May 16, 2002
What I am about to say is only MY OPINION. I had a consult with the BTC in
Holland Mi. I felt so good about it. They ONLY do this. THIS is their
forte. Kinda like the best italian food is in Italy. Yano. Due to THEM not
accepting MY insurance I was unable to go through them for my surgery. They
have a BTC in our local hospital, in Grand Haven literaly 4 minutes from my
home. I now have to go to a General Surgeon, and although he is a trauma
surgeon with top credentials I have to now travel 3 hours from home to have
the surgery. I look at it like this I can get a tool from a hardware store
or a department store and its going to do the same job if used properly. I
just liked the "feel" of the BTC better. NOT saying anything BAD
about my choice to go to the Hurley Comprehensive Weightloss Center. lol
Its not an easy decission sleep on it. BEST of LUCK to you!!~
— Sassy M.
May 16, 2002
This is just my opinion. I would be perfectly comfortable having a general
surgeon perform my wls. I am sure that many bariatric surgeons got their
start in general surgery. Also, it is important to remember that surgeons
must go through the credentialling process at the hospitals where they
perform wls. They must show proof of training and competence before the
hospitals will allow wls to be added to the list of surgical procedures
that they are allowed to perform. Just some thoughts from the peanut
gallery. Best of luck to you!
— Andrea C.
May 16, 2002
In my opinion, the surgeon's experience (both in general and with your
specific procedure) is much more important than whether they consider
bariatrics to be their subspecialty. My surgeon is board certified in
general and vascular surgery ... but he has also done hundreds of bariatric
surgeries and has assisted with literally thousands. He has been
performing WLS for thirty years. 3 members of my family have had WLS with
this surgeon and we are all doing well. The care we received was every bit
as good as what any bariatric surgeon could have provided.
— Lynn T.
May 16, 2002
Both my wife and I had WLS from 2 different general surgeons who also do
bariatric as a subspecialty. Personally I would rather have a good general
surgeon in there that knows all the goings on, rather than someone who only
does bariatric surgerys like an assembly line. Some people out there will
disagree with me, but that is my opinion.
— Dell H.
May 16, 2002
I had a general surgeon & I couldn't be happier with my results or have
had less problems. Everything went great.
— Kathy W.
May 17, 2002
I am 6 weeks post op lap gastric bypass performed by one of the top general
surgeons at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. I have nothing but praises
about the surgery and the care that I received from my surgeon. The only
difference that I noticed is that my hospital was still new to the set-up
of the program and the coordination for after-care unlike a BTC that
specializes in that field.
— Maria A. M.
May 17, 2002
I had a consult at BTC and then I found out that a general also trauma
surgeon at a trauma hospital did it too. I went with the general/trauma
surgeon. Felt more comfortable their than at BTC. I also knew if
something went wrong I had a excellent surgeon. He also never had to do
any redos. Going through a general hospital is also 1/2 the price than
through BTC. Good Luck....
— Melissa S.
May 17, 2002
A bariatric surgeon is a general surgeon trained in the area of bariatric
surgery. It is not a technically complicated procedure for any general
surgeon to day. Cutting and reconnecting stomachs and intestines is all
apart of the day to day routine for a general surgeon, regardless of the
reason for the surgery. If the hospital does not have a team (nurses,
therapists, anesthesia)that is aware of the special needs of the morbidly
obese patient and/or a surgeon who does not provide a good aftercare
program than that can make the experience of WLS less than great but the
surgical procedure in and of itself is more than in the realm of any
capable general surgeon. Joy Suggs, RN
— jsuggs
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