Weight loss surgery: part 3

There are hundreds of bariatric surgery centers located all over America. Since the surgery is expensive, many surgeons have joined the bandwagon to make money. While there are trained bariatric surgeons around, there are a lot of other surgeons who have very little training in bariatric surgery. The majority are in the field simply to make money. The cost of bariatric surgery is not cheap. On average it can cost anywhere from $14,000-$30,000. In addition, the results are not guaranteed.

Today, there are certain criteria for eligibility to undergo bariatric surgery. Some insurance companies will only pay if you meet these criteria. In general, complications are highest with surgeons who are not trained in bariatric surgery and those who do fewer than 25 cases a year. Do not be fooled by pre and post photos that surgeons show you. Go on cyberspace and get to know the procedure, the surgeon and talk to people who have had the surgery. Bariatric surgery can help make a big difference in your life when things go well, but when things go awry, life will suck big time.

So before you rush to get your surgery, check out your surgeon, ask for his/her credentials, talk to people and get referrals. If ever in doubt, go get a second opinion.