Making the decision to choose yourself and have weight loss surgery is a huge step. The biggest step, perhaps. The next step? To choose the right bariatric surgeon. As you do your research, you might feel overwhelmed with the options — how do you choose the surgeon who is the best fit for you?
There are 3 key things to look for when choosing a weight loss surgeon:
- A surgeon who is highly qualified.
- A surgeon who works at the best facilities.
- A surgeon who offers the safest, most effective procedures.
Start by putting together a referrals list from your physicians, peer or community recognition, friends or family and even testimonials from past patients.
Next, research credentials of the surgeons on your list, looking at outcomes, continued training and education and research and innovation. Your bariatric surgeon should be:
- Board certified in General Surgery by the American Board of Surgery, and a specialist in multiple advanced bariatric procedures.
- An active member or Fellow of several organizations, including: American College of Surgeons (FACS); American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS); and Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES).
Some other qualifications to consider include whether the surgeon teaches and/or trains other surgeons at national conferences or in the operating room, as well as the surgeon’s participation in research and contributions to scholarly articles. Find out if your surgeon is qualified by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP).
Nicholson Clinic surgeons are highly qualified, award-winning surgeons. Awards received in 2022 include:
- D Magazine’s “Best Doctors” in Dallas for Dr. Nicholson and Dr. Roshek, making this the 14th time for Dr. Nicholson.
- D Magazine’s “Best Doctors” in Collin County for Dr. Nicholson, Dr. Long and Dr. Roshek, making this the 11th time for Dr. Nicholson.
- Living Well Magazine’s “Top Docs” in the Top Bariatric Surgeon and Top General Surgeon categories for the 4th consecutive year.
- Texas Monthly Super Doctors, the 7th time for Dr. Roshek
- Living Magazine’s Best of Frisco/Plano, McKinney/Allen, Prosper/Celina and Richardson/Murphy, the 5th time for various regions
Choose a surgeon who works at the best facilities.
Before you get too far down the road with a bariatric provider, make sure your bariatric surgeon of choice works at a top hospital recognized as a Center of Excellence, which is often required for bariatric coverage by most insurance companies. Or if you have Blue Cross Blue Shield, make sure your doctor operates at a Blue Distinction Center as designated by Blue Cross Blue Shield for coverage.
Formally defined by the National Institutes of Health, a Center of Excellence “is a program within a healthcare institution which is assembled to supply an exceptionally high concentration of expertise and related resources centered on a particular area of medicine, delivering associated care in a comprehensive, interdisciplinary fashion to afford the best patient outcomes possible.” These centers are considered the top-tier medical facilities in the country.
Similarly, the Total Care or Blue Distinction® Specialty Care designation is awarded by Blue Cross Blue Shield companies to recognize select doctors, hospitals and other healthcare facilities for the safe, effective care they provide to their patients.
This quality assurance not only provides insurance companies the requirements they need, it provides patients the confidence that they are in good hands. Even if you have surgery scheduled at an outpatient surgery center, if you run into a complication and need to go to the hospital, make sure your surgeon has credentials at a reputable hospital that your insurance will cover.
Choose a surgeon who offers the safest, most effective procedures.
There are numerous weight loss options available, but not all bariatric procedures are equally as effective or safe. The doctors at Nicholson Clinic carefully research every new procedure that comes available, looking at safety and efficacy, and only offer those procedures that offer patients the lowest risk of complications, with the greatest chance for long-term weight loss success.
It is also important to choose a surgeon who does not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, as finding the right weight loss solution should be personalized for each individual. Understanding all weight loss surgery options allows you to make the decision that is best for your individual needs. During your consultation, our doctors will discuss all options and help you choose the best option for you.
And, only a small percentage of bariatric practices offer same day Gastric Sleeve discharge. Find out if your doctor offers it, and if you would be a candidate. Nicholson Clinic has the largest experience with same day discharge in the country.
Procedures offered by Nicholson Clinic include:
- Gastric Sleeve
- Gastric Bypass
- LAP-BANDⓇ
- Duodenal Switch\
- Gastric Balloon
- Revisional Surgery
The Nicholson Clinic was founded by Dr. Nick Nicholson more than 20 years ago. He and his team of world-class bariatric surgeons are credentialed at top-tier facilities and pride themselves on low complication rates and proven outcomes. Before you make the decision to have surgery, it’s important to come in for a consultation and meet with your doctor one-on-one to explore your options and make sure you are comfortable with the procedure, your doctor and the hospital location.
We also believe it’s critically important for our patients to have a support system in place before, during and after surgery. This is why the Nicholson Clinic has the largest support staff in DFW to help you succeed for the long-term. We are with you all the way!
Call 972-494-3100 to schedule a consultation now or request an appointment online or ask a question.
