How did you decide which dr to use

I am trying to decide between two doctor groups to have my surgery. 
www.texasbariatricspecialists.com/
and
www.sw.org/web/patientsAndVisitors/iwcontent/public/surgery/ en_us/html/surgery_bariatric.jsp

The first group is out of San Antonio which is about 3 hours from where I live.  Only the surgery will take place in San Antonio, the follow-up, pre-surgery appts, etc will be here where I live.

The second group is only about 20 miles from where I live.

Both have support groups, etc in my area, however the first one is only online.  They said if enough people express interest they will start one here also.

The first one I like better because I can find out more about the drs.  How long they have done these, what their weekly number is, and other info.  I haven't found that info on the second group.

The second group I like because it is closer to home and is in a town where I have family.  The first group is about an hour from closest family and my kids would have to stay with them and miss school.  They could possibly not miss school if I go with the closer dr.

I'm also thinking of costs.  Insurance covers the procedure, but there is gas money, food money for hubby, etc etc.  The closer one would be easier.

I like what I have read on the San Antonio one though and really feel my gut leaning towards them.

Sorry for the rambling post.  Anyway, how did you decide.

Oh yeah, both take my insurane (Tricare).

There is a lot to think about when selected a doctor you should use the same criteria as you would any other doctor.

Check and verify his or her license
Try to find past patients of the surgeon and ask them how they rate their surgeon.

Here is a link to a website that list some of the other things you should look for in a surgeon.

www.bariatric-surgery.info/how-to-find-weight-loss-surgeon.h tm

Several people have used Dr.Patel that are on the OH message board you can ask them how they like the surgeon and staff.

I hope this help you make your decision. I drove 2 hours for my surgery because believed in my surgeon that much and the facility he used to perform the surgery. I believe the facility you have the surgery at is just as important as the surgeon. Good luck with your decision.

I used the following criteria:

1)  Success Rate
2)  Complication Rate
3)  Number of surgeries performed
4)  How comfortable I was with my surgeon? 
5)  What type of aftercare program does the surgeon have?

Whenever I was trying to decide on a surgeon, I would attend one of their seminars.  This gave me the opportunity to meet the doctor on an informal basis, and help form my opinion before having to shell out money for a consultation. 
I did attend a seminar for Texas Bariatric Specialists, and I have to say that I was very disappointed. In the many years that I have been trying to have WLS, I have attended many seminars.  Theirs was the ONLY seminar I attended where the surgeon did not conduct it.  Their seminar was lead by the dietician.  Dr. Patel came in through the lobby about halfway through, was on his cell phone and didn't acknowledge the group, and went right into the back office.  When the seminar was over, they tried signing people up for the consultation with the doctor.  My immediate thought was, "Why would I pay for a consultation with the doctor, if I haven't even met him"? 
When I attended the seminar held by the surgeon that I chose, I was blown away!  He was very knowledgable, had a great sense of humor, answered each and every question, no matter what.  He also introduced himself to everyone present, individually.  My husband and I stood and talked with him for about 10 minutes after the seminar.  He encouraged me to email him if I had any questions when I got home.  
I know I'm gushing, but I am just so happy with my choice of surgeon.  So, if you do decide to make the drive to SA, both he and his partner are worth looking into.

Eydie