How Do I Select a Weight Loss Surgery Center?
While you may have your own list of questions, we recommend you consider the following when choosing your surgeon:
How many surgeries has the surgeon done?
What are his/her specific complication rates and how do they calculate them? (Do they keep a database?) leak? - pulmonary embolism? - death? - others?
Who are the members of the team and how will they be involved in your care?
Are dietitians available for follow-up?
Is there a support group?
Is there a bariatric nurse?
Is the hospital equipped specifically for the care of the weight loss surgery patients?
How is the staff in the hospital trained to care for you?
What is the educational program?
Who is available to answer questions after I go home?
Are the surgeons members of the ASBS?
Is the Weight Loss Surgery Center a Center of Excellence?
How many surgeries has the surgeon done?
Dr. James Maher, who joined our practice in June of 2004, has been in practice since 1980 and has performed over 1000 weight loss procedures. Dr. Maher came to us from the University of Iowa where he worked for 19 years with the 'father of bariatric surgery', Dr. Ed Mason.
In June, 2005, Dr. Maher became the director of the Minimally Invasive Surgery Center and Laparoscopic Fellowship Program within the Department of Surgery, offering both 1 year Minimally Invasive Surgery fellowships as well as mini-fellowship programs to train other bariatric surgeons throughout the United States.
Dr. John Kellum, in practice since the early 1980's, has performed over 1300 gastric bypass surgeries and is a distinguished contributor to the field of weight loss surgery.
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What are his/her specific complication rates and how do they calculate them? (Do they keep a database?) leak? - pulmonary embolism? - death? - others?
We use a very reliable data collection system and have a full-time biostatistitian who manages all of our data and database. See complication rates.
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Who are the members of the team and how will they be involved in your care?
We believe successful gastric bypass surgery requires a partnership between the patient, the surgeon, and his/her team.
Because surgery is not limited to only the technical aspect, we have a dedicated staff who are available to assist you during and between office visits. This team, including the surgeons, dietitians, surgical fellows, nurse practitioner, administrative staff, and nurse coordinator, are available through email and/or telephone. See Team Members.
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Are dietitians available for follow-up?
The dietitians are available between and during all office visits. The global fee covers lifetime dietitian services during clinic visits.
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Is there a support group?
New Beginnings, our support group, has approximately 1000 current members, with about 50 attending monthly support group meetings. Newsletters are sent monthly to all members via email or US mail. The support group meetings are led by our nurse coordinator and feature monthly guest speakers, including surgeons, plastic surgeons, exercise specialists, dietitians, and others. There is an annual clothing exchange and Holiday Gala.
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Is there a bariatric nurse coordinator?
The bariatric nurse, Jill Meador, has been working with gastric bypass surgery patients her whole career, and started in her current position as the nurse coordinator in 1994. Jill is actively involved nationally with bariatric surgery and serves as course director for the ASBS Allied Health post graduate courses, and has given lectures nationally regarding bariatric surgery. She is available to all gastric bypass patients to answer questions before and after surgery and rounds on patients in the hospital.
Nancy Baugh is our nurse practitioner and has been with the program almost 3 years. She serves as a resource before surgery, during hospitalization, and after discharge. She also works very closely with the LAP-BAND® patients and helps manage patients during hospitalization.
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Is the hospital equipped specifically for the care of the gastric bypass patients?
After more than 25 years of experience caring for the bariatric surgery patient we have an environment which is 'bariatric friendly', allowing for x-ray equipment, chairs, beds, OR tables, wheelchairs, specially renovated rooms and other equipment to provide the most comfort during your stay.
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How is the staff in the hospital trained to care for you?
Our inpatient nurses undergo a thorough educational program dedicated to the care of our patients. Almost all of our patients are placed on this unit.
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What is the educational program?
Our educational program includes our Patient Education Manual, a 165 page guide to assist you in your journey. We also use web-based education, one-on-one discussion, other written materials, and a pre-operative class to ensure you are adequately prepared for surgery. Staff are available to answer questions you may have.
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Who is available to answer questions after I go home?
Patients are provided with resource numbers for regular business hours and after hours. We strive to continue follow-up for the lifetime of the patient and feel resources are an important component of the surgery.
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Are the surgeons members of the ASBS?
All surgeons are members of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery.
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Is the Weight Loss Surgery Center a Center of Excellence?
Yes, the VCU Surgical Weight Loss Center is an ASBS designated Center of Excellence.
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