Weight loss surgery, such as gastric bypass surgery or gastric band surgery, is a highly specialized field of plastic surgery, so you’ll want to take great care when choosing a gastric surgeon. Here are some questions to ask when choosing your weight loss surgeon.
How many gastric bypass procedures (or gastric band procedures) have you performed? Because stomach bypass surgery is a relatively major operation, you’ll want to choose a surgeon who does gastric bypass surgeries on a regular basis, as opposed to one who specializes in other types of surgeries, but periodically performs weight loss operations.
Are you board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)? It’s important to choose a surgeon who is board certified by the ABPS because to become board certified, the surgeon will have had to undergo not only additional training in plastic surgery, but also additional testing beyond medical school and residency.
Have you had any specialized training in bariatric surgery? Some (but not all) plastic surgeons may also have completed an additional Fellowship or other post-residency training program in bypass surgery. Depending on the surgeon’s other qualifications, you might not necessarily rule out any surgeons who haven’t had additional training, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
What type of follow-up care will I receive and for how long? You should always ask what will happen after gastric bypass surgery before you schedule your procedure so that you can be prepared. For example, after gastric surgery, you’ll need to wear a compression garment for a period of time to help your body heal, so you’ll want to make sure to have a couple of those on hand before the day of your surgery. Bariatric compression garments, also known as body shapers, come in a variety of styles, so ask your bariatric surgeon which types will give you the best possible results.
