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How to Choose a Weight Loss Surgeon

by Dr. Stephen Watson Laparoscopic and General Surgeon Specialising in

Weight loss surgery is a big step, but it’s sometimes the best decision for your weight loss journey. After all your research and consideration, you decide that surgery – whether gastric bypass or gastric banding surgery in WA – is right for you. The next step is to find the best surgeon for you. This can be as overwhelming as the decision to have the surgery, so keep reading for some factors that can help. 
Research the Surgeon

There are several surgeons who perform gastric banding surgery in Perth. Look online and find out everything you can before you even start making appointments. 
Here are some things you want to know:
Education and training location
Number of weight loss surgeries
Types of weight loss surgeries performed
Public hospitals where they perform surgeries (and then research the hospitals)
Teaching or research efforts
Types of post-operative support offered
Previous patient experiences
Find the answer to as many questions as possible. You may not be able to answer all of these with your research, but you may be able to rule out some surgeons who perform gastric banding surgery in WA before you even consult with them. 
Research the Practice

In addition to researching a specific surgeon, you want to know as much as possible about the practice. There may be multiple surgeons in the practice, and the office staff is just as important as the surgeon in assisting with your weight loss journey. 
Find out the following about the practice:
Members of the team, such as dietitians, psychologists, exercise physiologists, and practice nurses
Experience and knowledge of team members listed above
Practice’s philosophy on long-term support and follow-up 
The entire team is important to your success with gastric banding surgery in WA. If you choose a multidisciplinary practice, you have everything you need right there in the same location. The surgery itself is important, but studies show that having psychological and dietary/exercise support is part of the process of long-term effectiveness of any weight loss plan. 
Visit the Practice

After you research, schedule appointments with your top choices. Don’t just schedule one appointment. Choosing the right surgeon should be a process that includes interviewing and discussing your goals with multiple candidates – just as with a job interview. You want to choose the surgeon who fits best with your overall goals and personality. This may or may not be the one who looks best on paper.  
Here are some things to consider at your appointment:
Ask all your questions. 
Make sure you’re comfortable with the staff and team.
Ask if you can talk with other patients to get their perspective. 
Get a second opinion if you feel you need to do that.
Your surgery is important to you, and it should be equally important to your surgeon. In the end, your feelings about the surgeon and staff are more important than the paper, so take everything into consideration and take your time making the best choice for you.

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About Dr. Stephen Watson Freshman   Laparoscopic and General Surgeon Specialising in

3 connections, 0 recommendations, 21 honor points.
Joined APSense since, October 1st, 2018, From Perth, WA, Australia.

Created on Oct 8th 2018 08:04. Viewed 400 times.

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