A bariatric surgeon is someone who performs surgeries on clinically obese patients to help them lose weight. There are many different types of weight-loss procedures performed by bariatric surgeons; some reroute the digestive tract, and others remove part of the stomach to limit food intake.

Types of Surgeries

Not all bariatric surgeons perform the same types of surgeries. Some may perform adjustable gastric banding (commonly referred to as Lap-Band surgery), and others may specialize in gastric bypass or other types of procedures. Most weight-loss procedures are performed laparosopically, meaning several small incisions are made rather than a single large one.

Certification

Certification by the American Board of Surgery or the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery indicates the surgeon possesses the necessary training and knowledge to perform surgery.

Memberships

Ask your bariatric surgeon if he or she is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. To qualify, a surgeon must have performed at least 25 bariatric surgeries in the past two years.

Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence

Bariatric surgeons who practice at a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence must perform at least 50 weight-loss procedures each year and have been the primary surgeon on at least 125 bariatric procedures.

Bariatric Team

Bariatric surgeons typically work with other health care professionals to provide complete weight-management services such as nutritional counseling and psychiatric evaluation.

Source:

Obesity Action Coalition

Resource:

How to Choose a Bariatric Surgeon