LAP-BAND Surgeons

Choosing a qualified bariatric surgeon for LAP-BAND Surgery.

If you are considering LAP-BAND surgery, one of the most important factors affecting the outcome of surgery is the bariatric surgeon you choose to perform your surgery. While the bariatric surgeon's fee is one of the primary costs associated with bariatric surgery, this should not be the deciding factor. Rather than basing the choice of bariatric surgeon on cost alone, you should consider the bariatric surgeon's surgical qualifications and quality of care.

Cost and Qualifications of LAP-BAND Surgeons

A bariatric surgeon's training, experience, and skill can affect the outcome of surgery. It usually costs more for the better trained, more experienced, and more highly skilled bariatric surgeons, but it also reduces the risk of complications and increases the likelihood of positive results.

A bariatric surgeon with extensive training and experience in both general surgery and the LAP-BAND procedure is better qualified to perform the operation and more likely to be able to handle any unforeseen situations which may occur during surgery.

Be wary of bariatric providers that offer rates much lower than other doctors - you usually get what you pay for - and you will most likely be sacrificing quality of care and treatment. With your life and health on the line, you should choose your LAP-BAND surgeon on the best qualifications and not the lowest price.

Patient financing is available to help you afford the cost of LAP-BAND surgery if you do not have health coverage or Medicare assistance for all or part of the procedure.

What to look for in a LAP-BAND surgeon:

• Board-certified in bariatric surgery (specific training for bariatric surgery)
• LAP-BAND System certified (specific training for the LAP-BAND System)
• How many LAP-BAND procedures performed (experienced is at least 250)
• Other types of surgery performed (shows overall skill level)
• Membership in ASBS (American Society of Bariatric Surgery)
• Positive outcomes achieved with prior patients
• Level of care offered before and after surgery (testing, fills and adjustments, support)

Bariatric Program and Level of Care

The cost of a LAP-BAND surgeon's bariatric program generally reflects the level of care before and after surgery, including pre-op testing, follow-up medical visits to monitor your overall health condition and perform fills and adjustments, as well as aftercare support (exercise program, diet and nutrition counseling, behavioral health).

As the surgery itself is only the first step in the process to lose weight, it is not worth skimping on your bariatric program. Weight loss success is more likely if you participate in a multi-disciplinary bariatric program that offers a full level of care and support throughout the bariatric process.

After LAP-BAND surgery, you will require ongoing care for adjustments, support, and medical care to monitor your overall health condition. In the first year, you should expect to meet with your surgeon every 4 to 6 weeks. The amount of visits will be less in the following years, but follow-up medical care will be necessary for a lifetime.

Bariatric programs that do not offer a full level of quality care may cost less, but the lack of proper medical follow-up and support will also affect results. You should not measure the value of your bariatric program by how much you pay, but by the level of care you receive before and after surgery.