How to Find the Best Weight Loss Surgeon

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NOVA Bariatrics

How to Find the Best Weight Loss Surgeon

Are you considering weight loss surgery? The first thing you need to do and the most important step you need to take for a successful weight loss is the choice of weight loss surgeon. You might not know where to start looking when it comes to choosing the right weight loss surgeon for you. Basically, a weight loss surgeon is a doctor who is trained in surgical methods to treat obesity. Today, there are many weight loss surgeons to choose from. Choosing one takes time as there are several factors to consider when choosing the best weight loss surgeon for you. Asking the right questions and knowing what to look for in a weight loss surgeon can make it easier. Below are the main things for you to consider when choosing a weight loss surgeon:

NOVA Bariatrics

Dr. Alibhai

With Dr. Alibhai’s training in minimally invasive and robotic surgery, he performs a wide range of general surgical procedures as well including:

  • Robotic Gallbladder surgery
  • Robotic hernia surgery
  • Acid Reflux surgery

Mustafa H. Alibhai,MD,FACS,FASMBS

Do your own research

It’s worth reading up about your weight loss surgery options such as sleeve gastrectomy, gastric banding, gastric bypass and gastric balloons. The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) maintains a list of surgical centers that meet the high standards of care. Every center on the list has demonstrated an expertise in bariatric surgery and a commitment to consistent and quality patient care.
Ask for referrals
A good starting point is to talk to your primary care physician or a specialist about your decision to have weight loss surgery, and then it may prompt them to provide a list of weight loss surgeons whom they can recommend. You can also ask family, peers or members of a weight loss support group for their referrals. Getting referrals saves time and gives you a good shortlist to work from.
Research your doctor’s credentials
One of the easiest ways to narrow down your referral list is to dig into their credentials. Your doctor should be board-certified. Being a board-certified surgeon requires skills, knowledge and medical training to perform quality surgical care. Finally, investigate any malpractice claims or disciplinary history that have been leveraged against your potential surgeon. It’s important to read what other people have to say about them.
Location of the surgeon
Having surgery close to home has many benefits. Weight loss surgery requires a lot of appointments, before, during and after surgery. Consider whether the surgeon you’re consulting with is easily accessible to you. It can be costly if you are traveling a long distance. Sometimes, however, we don’t have a choice especially if you live in a rural area. There won’t be many options for weight loss surgeons in your area. In this case, traveling is the best option.
Communication with the surgeon
Surgical experience is not all that matters. It’s also important that you trust your weight loss doctor and feel safe in discussing all your concerns. Much work will be involved before and after treatment that’s why you need to be at ease when discussing these matters with your surgeon. Make sure that the surgeon is someone you feel comfortable with. You should feel as though this person is on your team and that your doctor supports your plans so that you will receive the best outcome possible. Choosing a surgeon can be a daunting task, but when you book your weight loss surgery with NOVA Bariatrics, you will have access to experienced professionals in Dallas. If you live in or around Irving and Arlington TX, we recommend you make an appointment with us.