Does my surgeon lack proper experience?

So I met with surgeon for the last time today and found out he's only done 60-70 VSGs. He's the chief of surgery at a large metropolitan center of excellence and has performed over 2000 bypasses. I'm confident he's a skilled surgeon but I was shocked to hear how few sleeves he's done. I assumed it's partly due to the northeatern/new england area being slightly behind the curve as far as VSG goes and insurances up here just began covering it in the past 2 years. Anyone else have a similar situation with their surgeon?

That is plenty to be competent. Especially when he/she has done many other similar surgeries-the skills don't come from just one procedure. 

^i agree ^

my surgeon sAid he does 70% RNY and 30% vsg.  But I still felt confident.

That's my husbands thinking too. It helps too how friendly, confident and motivated he is. Just wanted tohear a little feedback from others :) thanks for the replies!

I had a similar situation.  I'm also from New England, and my surgeon had been doing WLS for a decade, but VSG's only for 2 years.  Personally, I think the VSG is a simpler procedure than the bypass, so I was not concerned, but others may differ.  My surgery went well, little pain, no nausea, no complications.  I am very pleased with my results. the weight loss has been amazing.  But ultimately, you are the only one who can decide what's best for you.

best wishes,

Carol

Also remember the surgeons do bowel resections, trauma surgeries, spleen, liver, gall bladder, etc. the instruments, techniques, etc all crossover between surgeries

I would look for a surgeon with more experience with the vsg , the size and shape matters , where to start and stop the cut , I would like a surgeon that has done hundreds mine has done thousands

my surgeon does 9 wls a week most of them are vsg some rny and a few bands , in a few months that is more than your surgeon has done altogether ,

 a surgeon with more vsgs will have a better plan for post surgery , some use the same plan for rny and vsg but more experienced surgeons have different plan for each surgery

" a surgeon with more vsgs will have a better plan for post surgery" That's not true!! My surgeon has done less than 60 vsgs, but her pre and post op program is far more extensive than other programs I've read about (and I've read many).

I'm more worried about a surgeon who has become complacent and does what has always worked. My surgeon is constantly looking for ways to improve her surgical technique, as well as pre and post op programs. She's not satisfied with good enough and doesn't have the "if it's not broke, don't fix it" mentality.

I do think there is a danger with the "always find a surgeon who has done hundreds" advice. If everyone did that then how would the surgeons who have done less get experience? Then what happens when the experienced surgeons retire. Like someone else pointed out, a surgeons skills with other types of surgery carry over to WLS.  I am an artist and dabbling in other art forms makes my everything else I've done better.

I went to 2 orientation sessions.  The first was at a Center of Excellence and was a major teaching hospital with a world wide reputation.  The surgeon who spoke turned me off totally.  She was extremely negative about surgery in general and seemed to be trying to convince as many people as possible not to go this route.  When I talked to her privately about my own personal situation, she said she probably wouldn't do any surgery on me as I have too many other problems for her liking.  I'm sure she and her network of 6 other bariatric surgeons have done thousands of sleeves.  However, around the same time, my gastroenterologist suggested that I consult with a different doctor who is in a solo practice at a smaller general hospital.  He is a regular surgeon, but now splits his surgery between general and bariatric.  I had a totally different experience with him.  His office met with me one-on-one, went through all the options, and then he personally spoke to me with his recommendations.  He was not at all put off by my other conditions.  I felt comfortable with him right away and don't regret my decision for a minute.

What I think is most important is the level of confidence you have in your individual surgeon.  I felt very comfortable with the Dr. from the smaller hospital and was very impressed that he was not afraid to deal with my other conditions just to make his life easier.  Take into account that Bypass has been done for many more years than the sleeve and most bariatric surgeons who have been involved with WLS will have done many more Bypass surgeries than the sleeve.  The sleeve has just become a routine option in the past few years.  Go with whatever doctor makes you feel most comfortable-one that you have confidence in. 

My surgeon also has a solo practice and splits her time with general surgery. I feel very comfortable with her and the whole program. In general I like small groups. I feel like I'm looked at like a person and they are more invested in me. When the members of the team have their twice monthly meetings they look at the picture of the patient they are talking about.