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Want the Best Bariatric Surgery Care?

Of course you do! The keys to successful, safe surgery in any field of medicine are an informed patient with realistic expectations, and a skilled, experienced surgeon. At Obesity Directory you can locate ASBS Member surgeons that specialize in weight loss surgery near you. Take the time to research your potential surgeon and the obesity care center that you are considering by visiting their web site and or contacting them to learn more.

The Gold Standard 3

The surgeons listed on this site specialize in different surgical procedures designed to help the morbidly obese, these procedures are known as Bariatric Surgery. The “Gold Standard” for Bariatric surgery is a procedure scientifically known as Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass, more commonly referred to as Gastric Bypass Surgery. Some listed surgeons may participate in more radical surgeries such as the Duodenal Switch, or Bilopancreatic diversion; it is Obesity Directory’s policy to not advertise these procedures. A procedure that is gaining more popularity in the U.S. and is performed by many surgeons throughout our directory is the Lap-Band™ System, you should always consult with your Doctor or licensed professional for the procedure that will best fit your needs.

Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery

Many surgeons now are able to do weight loss surgey laparoscopically (also know as minimally invasive surgery). This is where a surgeon uses advanced micro surgery instruments which are inserted into the abdominal cavity through small holes and incisions. The surgeon then performs the operation by watching the instruments through a tiny camera that is inserted into the patient’s stomach through a tiny incision. While many studies show a faster recovery time and similar results to the open surgery, it is not always the best choice for the patient. Patients must find out if their surgeon is laparoscopically trained, and how many laparoscopic operations has the doctor performed. Choosing a surgeon is a very important step, and letting a surgeon know that you might like to do the procedure "laparoscopically", often is the most telling factor as to the comfort of the surgeons with minimally invasive surgery. If Laparoscopy is that important to you, change surgeons until you find one whose training was in Laparoscopic surgery.

Ask questions!

The following are areas to consider asking about:

1. Board Certification
2. Certifications--on the equipment the surgeon uses
3. Training and education
4. Fellowship Training
5. Professional memberships and important offices held
6. Training and teaching activities
7. Research and writing activities
8. Awards and recognitions
9. Reputation
10. Malpractice Suits
11. Experience with the Procedure
12. Benchmarking
13. Success and Complication Rates
14. Awareness of New Developments
15. Personal Compatibility
16. Competent, Compassionate Staff
17. Care Provider and Style of Care
18. Eligibility requirements for bariatric surgery
19. Medical financing

Only ASBS Member Surgeons

All of the bariatric surgeons listed in the Obesity Surgeon Directory are members of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS). This means they are general surgeons who specializes in bariatric surgery and are diplomats of the American Board of Surgery and/or Fellows of the American College of Surgeons or Royal College of Surgeons.

Founded in 1983, the Society’s leadership has established an excellent organization which produces quality educational and other programs for surgeons and allied health professionals on a regular basis. The purpose of the Society is to advance the art and science of bariatric surgery by encouraging its members to:

1. Pursue investigations in both the clinic and laboratory
2. Interchange ideas, information and experience pertaining to bariatric surgery
3. Promote guidelines for ethical patient selection and care
4. Develop educational programs for physicians, paramedical persons and lay people
5. Promote outcome studies and quality assurance

If you don't find a surgeon in your area, please check back. New surgeons are added regularly