By: CentraState
You’ve done some weight loss research and decided that you want to meet with a bariatric surgeon to learn more. So how do you choose the right one? Here are six things to consider in narrowing down your search, according to Val Prokurat, MD, DO, a bariatric surgeon at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold, NJ.
1 – Does the bariatric surgeon offer different surgical approaches? Common types include gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgery. Your surgeon can discuss the risks and benefits of each approach and what may be best for you.
2 – Will the surgery use a minimally invasive approach? Many bariatric surgeries can be performed through four or five small incisions, which can mean less pain and a faster recovery. For patients with severe (or Class 3) obesity, robotic-assisted bariatric surgery may be considered as well.
3 – Will the surgery be performed at a Bariatric Center of Excellence? Hospitals that are accredited by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) as a Center of Excellence in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery provide the gold standard in bariatric care.
4 – What experience and credentials do the surgeon and team have? Look for a board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeon, and ask how many surgeries the surgeon has performed. Ask if other bariatric team members are certified by the SRC as Bariatric Care Specialists, meaning they excel in patient care and education.
5 – What kind of pre- and post-surgery education and support is available? These offerings prepare you for what to expect and help you achieve sustainable weight loss.
6 – Does the surgeon listen to my questions and concerns? Your relationship with your bariatric surgeon is a lifelong one, and you want to be sure you’re comfortable talking with your surgeon about your weight loss journey.
CentraState is a Bariatric Center of Excellence with board-certified, fellowship-trained bariatric surgeons and robust bariatric patient education, support, and fitness programs. In addition, 34 team members are certified Bariatric Care Specialists—more than any other organization certified by SRC to date.
For more information about weight loss surgery at CentraState,
visit centrastate.com/bariatrics or call 866-CENTRA7 (866-236-8727)
