ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum - View Single Post

Zenomia · 09-08-2007, 10:12 AM

The difference between the two proceedures has already been stated, I won't re-cover that. The difference in Surgeon preferance is a little easier to explain.

Odds are your Cheif Surgeon - (title doesn't a good surgeon make...) has had no training in the use of laproscopic tools. That is why he only does open. The use of laproscopic equipment is a specialized skill that requires additional training hours and specialized training. If a Surgeon won't do it, it's most likely because he can't. Most of the older Surgeons opt. to continue doing surgery the way they now how best. The questions you should be asking are not why he doesn't do LAP, but what his results/complication rates are with the proceedures he does open. If he has relatively low complications and little or no deaths with the open, then odds are he's a good choice. If his answers are = to the National average, or higher, you may want to consider someone with a better track record. Being a Cheif Surgeon only means you were there the longest and got the job, it doesn't automatically equate skill or being a good Dr. at bariatric surgery. It doesn't matter what hospital your at...John Hopkins, or Mercy Medical here in Iowa....Drs. are only as good as thier personal skill and training. Each has a line of specialization, you need to find someone who has had clear training with bariatrics, and whom you feel confident will give you the best possible outcome with your surgery. This isn't like shoping for a new pair of jeans....it's more like shopping for your LIFE. Don't be swayed by titles, prestigous names or locatons....be swayed by skill, ability, track record, and your belief in that persons ability to bring you through it with the best possible results!