Need a Doctor?

[NHFAN]

I live in California and i have NO idea how to go about this. Does anyone know of any doctors in CA? In or around LA County?

[khimn]

Bariatric surgery is a major procedure which has many inherent risks and will require permanent lifestyle changes, so you absolutely want to make certain that you have done your due diligence before proceeding. You want to seek out a surgeon who is part of a reputable surgical group and has a staff who is knowledgable in all aspects of bariatrics, because you will need guidance for the rest of your life.
My advice would be to talk to people you know who have had the procedure.  Who was their surgeon and what was their experience?
The next step would be to check with your insurance company.   Is bariatric surgery an eligible benefit under your plan? Many insurers have several criteria which must be met before the surgery is approved. Your insurer may also have requirements pertaining to the surgeon and the facility you choose.  Are they both in your network?  Are Center of Excellence providers required?  A call to your insurer can save you a lot of time in selecting a provider.
Then you can check the website for the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons (google Surgical Review Corporation),   This site lists names and locations of the facilities, surgical groups, and surgeons who are designated as Center of Excellence providers for bariatric surgery in the United States.
You can also check ObesityHelp.com.  There is a place where patients can rate their particular surgeon and it also provides stats about that surgeon such as number of procedures completed, complications etc.
Good luck in your search.  I just had Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding on 11/11/08 and feel like it was the best decision I ever made.