Bariatric surgery has the potential to change or save your life. After your journey, you will not only lose the excess fat that has caused you so much physical hardship, but the risk of developing obesity related diseases will also decrease considerably. In fact, one of the main reasons people choose to undergo bariatric surgery is to treat illnesses such type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea.
There is a wide range of bariatric surgeries to choose from and it all depends on your condition and expectations. To find out which procedure is right for you, you have to consult a bariatric surgeon so that they can determine and create a plan that will help you lead a healthier lifestyle.
But how does one find the right bariatric surgeon?
You should not trust such an important process to just anyone. As a patient, you must assume a proactive attitude throughout the process, which begins at the all-important initial stage of choosing a surgeon and facilities that will be such an essential part of your journey and will help you achieve your weight loss goals.
At LIMARP®, we use state of the art technology to provide our patients with the highest quality care. With these tools, we can help provide more personalized treatment with less health risks to each and every patient. Our surgical team works closely together to ensure a safe, successful surgery for every patient. Dr. Liza Maria Pompa González knows every member of the team personally, from the cardiac anesthesiologist to surgical nurse. Their long history together allows them to work smoothly and efficiently.
Bariatric surgery is considered a low risk surgery and in order to avoid risks or complications, there are some factors you have to take into account so your surgery is a success. In this article, we will talk about some factors that will help you find and choose the right surgeon for you. We will also discuss what you should look for in the facility where the bariatric surgery will be performed, as well as the postoperative treatments they provide.
How to Find a Surgeon
Once you decide to undergo bariatric surgery, the next step is to find a surgeon you feel comfortable with and who can offer a treatment plan that fits your needs. There are many factors that can influence who you choose, such as location, pricing, and availability. Whether you find a local or non-local surgeon, there are some criteria you should keep in mind, such as:
- The way your potential surgeon treats you: Do they answer your questions? Do they take your needs into consideration? Do you trust them?
- Their experience and credentials.
- Which procedures does the surgeon and their team perform or specialize in?
- What type of postoperative treatments do they offer?
Bariatric surgery is major surgery, which you can certainly recover quickly from, but which demands major changes in all aspects of your life to give you the best possible results.
It is of vital importance that you choose and entrust your care to a medical team that is experienced and certified in the most current bariatric procedures. Once you find a surgeon, make sure they provide a long list of testimonials from patients, as well as offer you a comprehensive program that details every step of your process.
How to Choose a Facility for your Bariatric Surgery
Aside from finding the right surgeon, you should also be conscious about the type of facility you choose. There are doctors all over the world that will only perform bariatric surgery in facilities that are appropriate, modern, and that offer the services and have the staff needed for an integrative process for their patient. Many patients choose Centers of Excellence because the staff has extra training specific to weight loss surgery and the treatment of bariatric patients.
Never be embarrassed to ask your doctor about the characteristics of its facilities, professional associations they are affiliated to, and the training of the staff. If you find resistance from your doctor or any member of the staff, or if you detect any inconsistencies, head to the door without hesitation and look for another doctor.
Does the surgeon have a multidisciplinary staff?
It is important to remember that for bariatric surgery to be safe and provide long-term results, the dedicated work of an entire team is essential, not just about the work of the surgeon. Patients need guidance and support in the phases before and after surgery, so when the time comes to choose a surgeon, make sure that they have a team that provides assistance in areas such as psychology, nutrition, and physical activity.
Many of the consultations we offer in LIMARP are for patients who have had unsuccessful bariatric surgery; be it that they presented serious complications afterwards or that they simply did not receive the procedure that was appropriate for their particular case. If you are considering bariatric surgery or if you suspect that it is necessary for your previous procedure to be revised, do not hesitate to call us. We have the experience and the capacity to resolve any case, no matter how complicated.
Contact Us to Learn More
If you’re a candidate for bariatric surgery and are looking to find a surgeon, schedule an appointment with one of our doctors. We can help determine the right treatment for you. Contact us online anytime or give us a call at (619) 373-0229.