Deciding the type of Bariatric surgery to have and choosing amongst the many obesity doctors available, can be a daunting task. Bariatric surgery options include the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery and the Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band, also known as the Lap Band. The latter surgery (Lap Band) has only just recently (since June of 2001) been approved to be performed here in the United States, and thus, not too many obesity doctors in the U.S. are familiar with it.
Although still new to the United States obesity doctors, the Lap Band procedure is well known to many doctors in Mexico and Europe. This procedure is the least invasive of the bariatric surgeries and poses less risk and complications. It doesn't involve any stapling or cutting and is performed as a laparoscopic procedure.
Unlike the Gastric Bypass and other weight loss surgeries, the Lap Band system does not involve any cutting or stapling of your stomach. The end results are less pain, less of a hospital stay and fewer risks and side effects. With the Lap Band you are at a low risk of nutritional deficiencies, compared to the Gastric Bypass and other procedures. It is the only obesity stomach surgery that is fully reversible and it is adjustable to allow for individualized restriction for long-term sustained weight loss.
Choosing Amongst The Obesity Doctors
Choosing an Obesity Surgery doctor is a very important decision. This person is the one who will help provide guidance as to what type of medical treatment you need. It is therefore important to select a doctor who is qualified and who will meet your needs. There are various important factors to consider when selecting a doctor such as expertise in procedures and medical philosophies that shouldn't be ignored.
As mentioned, many doctors in the United States aren't as familiar with the less invasive Laparoscopy procedure of the Lap Band. This should cause you some hesitation when choosing to have such a procedure performed by a doctor in the United States. You may be better off choosing one that has expertise in the procedure and is known to have performed it regularly with success.