1. Find a Surgeon
2. Consult My Doctor
3. Questions For My Surgeon
4. Obtain a Second Opinion

Consult My Doctor:

You and your doctor should organize a detailed documentation of all of your efforts to lose weight. This can include diets, and weight loss programs or exercise. Any illnesses or conditions stemming from your obesity should also be recorded and if their status is getting worse. If you are having trouble performing life's daily routines, sleeping, walking please consult your doctor to help decide if weight-loss surgery is right for you.

You should consult your doctor on these topics as well:
1. What are the benefits for undergoing these procedures?
2. What are the proper steps for a safe surgery?
3. Can you refer me to qualified surgeons?
4. What are all the weight-loss options that are available to me?
5. What are some things I should look for in bariatric surgeons?

Consult my bariatric surgeon:

When consulting a surgeon on life-changing procedures like weight-loss surgery, being well informed is beneficial to you and your surgeon. Some questions you might ask can be:

• What is your history surrounding weight-loss surgical procedures?
• How many times have you performed each procedure?
• Which surgeries can be performed using minimally invasive procedures?
• Which procedure is best for me and why?
• What are the risks involved with each of my options?
• How long can I expect to be in surgery?
• How long will it be before I can return to normal levels of daily life?
• How will any of my dieting habits change?
• What can I expect for costs?
• What is the history of improvement for your patients?
• Do you have any patients I can contact for an opinion?
• Are there any support groups for me after surgery?

Obtain a Second Opinion

Second opinions prove to be useful for me in a couple of situations. First, dealing with new doctors means that there is not a high level of trust built through history. Secondly, a second opinion is helpful where there are two or more treatment alternatives to choose from and the choice is somewhat complex. One question that you should ask is whether your doctor believes that any doctor would make the same recommendation. If he says no, then it is a strong signal to consider a second opinion.

One frequent uncomfortable result of second opinions is that Doctors do not always agree. That doesn't mean that either is wrong sometimes there are no concrete answers, or many different answers. However, the patient must decide whose advice to follow. After additional opinions have been sought, the patient must review the facts and make the best decision possible. If possible, try to seek an opinion in another geographic region. Please use our Physician Locator Service

If you cannot travel for a second opinion, try to talk to a Doctor in a different medical system. Prepare carefully for any appointments.