How to find??

Is there a way to find out a Dr's complication rate other than talking to the dr himself in his office? can you call and ask their office?  the reason i am asking is because even tho i have an apt next friday for a consult for RNY with Dr Bauman, i have not stopped researching my options. and i'm starting to feel a bit more like a Duodenal Switch might be more along the lines of what i want. however, Dr Bauman doesn't do that procedure  I felt confident in Dr Bauman's abilities simply because i was able to find the total number of procedures he'd done (1300+) online and because of the many positive comments i've read from many of you that are his patients. i was planning to ask about complications when i went friday for the consult. however, now that i am considering DS instead i would really like to know this beforehand because it could be the deciding factor for me on which one i do. Dr. David Voellinger is the only dr i've found that does DS in NC. all i could find on him is the total number of procedures again. and that number is only 50. that does not leave me as confident as i was in the +1300 number. i hate feeling torn on this. i want to be confident in who i choose. and i would really like to be able to make up my mind by tomorrow so that if i end up cancelling the apt with Dr Bauman i will be respecting them with a weeks notice.   

I'd seriously consider going ahead and seeing Dr. Bauman as you consider your options, both regarding the type of surgery and surgeon. I'd also consider calling Dr. Voellinger's office and ask them for information, including stats.

In my research, the minimum number of procedures was 100. My Dr. exceeded the number of procedures Dr. Bauman has performed. Also look at the comprehensive nature of the practice. Does it have all the components that the ASBS requires when they certify a Center of Excellence. If you end up deciding on a DS, consider seeing if there are any Centers of Excellence that do the DS. You might also check out the DS board to see if they can direct you towards providers that are very experienced with the DS.

All of the surgeries have their pluses and minuses, only you and your Dr. can decide which will be best for you.

Getting as much input as possible will surely help you make the best decision for you.

All the best,

Barb

Hi,  I did ALOT of research about several dr.s before having my surgery.  Dr. Voellinger is the only one around that does the DS and he is also the longest practicing bariatric surgeon in Charlotte.  He is probably more in the 5000 that the 50 range.  I didn't use him because I just feel in love with Dr. Lowe and felt he was more of a cautious surgeon but I am sure that if you call Dr. Voellinger's office as I did they can give you more facts about him.  He also speaks along with several other surgeons and the monthly informational meeting at Presbyterian hospital so you can meet him and talk with him personally.  But if you are still researching and decided on RNY Dr. Lowe is the very best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Good luck,

Shannon

334 start

148 current

Shannon -

Congratulations on your fabulous success!

Barb

If you are checking on Obesity Help for the numbers... they arnt kept up with very well. I would always check with the surgeons office instead of going off online numbers... unless the surgeons office themselves are keeping up with updating them! The surgeons office should be more than happy to speak with you and give you info. Either surgeon should be able to give you the pros and cons of the procedures you are considering. Doing the online research is important so you dont waste your time with certain Drs. However.. meeting the surgeon and talking to their patients is the way you will get your confidence in the surgeon. They could have done 1000 procedures and have very low complications but you may meet them and not be very fond of them. :-)

go to the consult. they call it that for a reason. make your decision after you ask all of your questions from the person who can answer them best.

i made alot of phone calls this morning. i decided to continue with my original consult. while i'm more comfortable with the other procedure, i am not comfortable with the surgeon that performs it. so i will go with the one i am more confident with atm. ty so much to everyone *****plied :) it helped alot. i'll let everyone know how the consult goes next week!

hi, Roc did mine gastric bypass 4/5/07 down 105 lbs no problems great doc it took me 11 years to finally get this after all kinds of obstacles, i truly believe God put them obstacles in place for me to have this doc, i've reseached him since his first procedure & been trying to get the surgery since thanks God, he made a way. good luck in what ever decision you make., ~Michelle 

grats on your loss. can't wait to get started on mine! :)