Question:
Are all drs. board certified?

I am wondering how many of you post-op friends had a surgeon other than a "board certified" one? So many doctor's names are mentioned, and very few of them are listed as "board certified" the ASBS. After watching the "daytime talk shows", I was under the impression one who is considering this type of surgery, plastic surgery, etc., sould ALWAYS have a "board certified" surgeon perform the procedure. If I decided I didn't have to have a "board certified" surgeon, it would open a whole wider spectrum of possibilies where I could have the WLS done. Anyone with info out there?    — Sandy C. (posted on August 15, 1999)

August 16, 1999
There are LOTS of doctors who perform our sugeries. My doctor was a past prez of ASBS, but I didn't show him as such. But there are plenty of general surgeons who do these surgeries who might be on the ASBS. Ideally, your surgeon should specialize in obesity, not just do it on the side. The likelihood is that you'll get a better overall program than a surgeon who can perform a fine operation (mechanically), but sends you down the hall for your post-op work. But I admit that I am biased!
   — vitalady

August 16, 1999
I would definately recomment a board certified surgeon for any surgery. Yes there is no specialty or organization for U.S. bariatric physicians other than ASBS however, there are American Board of Surgeons certified or not. I would definately go for a board certified anything... surgeon... othopeadic...cardiologist... etc. etc. That doesn't asure you that the board ceritified physician won't make a mistake or the non-certified physician isn't very competent but it does asure you that the physician you have selected has been recognized as competent in their field by their peers which is very important. Best of luck ....live long and prosper.
   — Diane D.