Choosing a Lap Band Surgeon

Posted on July 11, 2009 by Kate

Lap band surgery is becoming a popular way to overcome morbid obesity.  The adjustable gastric band, also called lap band, is a small band device that is placed around the upper stomach which limits how much the patient can eat.  There are many surgeons out there that provide lap band surgeries, so picking the right one can sometimes be difficult. By following these tips, you can be sure that you’re putting your health in the right hands.

You can start your search online. Enter the term “lap band” and your city, or the closest major city next to you. This should pull up a list of reputable doctors in your area. If a doctor can afford to put together his or own website with testimonials, you know that he or she has had success with previous patients.

Write down a list of potential doctors, and then start researching their individual names. You can use a spreadsheet to compare and contrast their experience, their rates (if they are posted on the website) and other features that make each doctor unique.

Look for a doctor that is certified with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Their certification with the board will ensure that they have passed rigorous exams and meet all standards for surgery. You can contact the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada directly in order to get recommendations for lapband surgery.

Try contacting your potential surgeon and asking for referrals. Reputable doctors should be happy to pass on a few names of people who have lost weight with the procedure. When you talk to the references, make sure to ask about the doctor’s bedside manner and the surgery process.

By following these steps, you can be sure to find the right lap band surgeon that is right for you.