Posted - November 3, 2009

Choosing A Weight Loss Surgery Center

The decision to have weight loss surgery often comes after years of trying and failing to lose weight on your own. After struggling with numerous diets and exercise plans, surgery can offer a permanent solution for your weight loss goals.

But the more weight loss surgery success stories there are, the more centers become available for you to choose from. How do you know which weight loss surgery center is the right place for you? Choosing the right center is the first step towards creating your own weight loss surgery success story.

3 Questions To Ask When Choosing A Weight Loss Surgery Center

1. Does the surgery center offer support after surgery?

Weight loss surgery is not a quick fix to a lifetime of obesity. Although the surgery itself may only involve an outpatient procedure, most experts agree that support groups and follow-up are essential to overall success. Ask about what support options are available. Unfortunately, there are centers that will simply perform the surgery and leave you to find support on your own. A reputable weight loss surgery center should provide access to support long after the surgery is completed.

2. What is the surgery center’s track record?

When choosing a weight loss surgery center, ask direct questions about their record. You have a right to know how long they’ve been doing weight loss surgeries, how many surgeries they’ve performed, and their overall rate of success. You should also know if the surgeons are recommended by the American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP). The right surgery center will be more than willing to answer all of your questions.

3.  Does the center perform more than one type of weight loss surgery?

There are three main types of weight loss surgery to choose from: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, duodenal switch, and gastric banding, and sleeve gastrectomy. While some centers only focus on one type of weight loss surgery, a better surgical center will be able to perform any of the three major types of surgery. Every body is different, and choosing which surgery option is right for you should be based on your individual needs, not on the center’s surgical specialty.

Taking the time to choose the right surgical center is the first step towards finally achieving your weight loss goals.  Asking the right questions ahead of time will ensure you choose the best surgical center for you.


ATTENTION patients of Dr. Al-Kalla

Dr. Al-Kalla will be leaving Weight Loss Specialists of North Texas at the end of July. If you would like continue as his patient, please let us know and we can assist in getting your medical records transferred.

You may also choose to stay with Weight Loss Specialists of North Texas and we’ll gladly transfer your care to another provider on staff.

Thank you.