Choosing the Best Bariatric Surgeon: Why Experience Matters
Undergoing bariatric surgery is a life-changing decision. It’s not just about the operation itself, but about choosing the right surgeon who can deliver safe, long-term results. One of the most powerful indicators of quality in bariatric surgery is experience. This guide explains why experience matters, what to ask prospective surgeons—especially about how many procedures they’ve performed—and how you can use that information to make a confident choice.
Why Experience Makes a Difference
There’s a well-documented relationship in medicine between volume and outcome: surgeons and centres that perform more of a specific procedure tend to have better outcomes, fewer complications, and more predictable results. Bariatric surgery is no exception.
Experienced bariatric surgeons:
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Have refined their technical skillset. The nuances of procedures like sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass are significant; small differences in technique can affect safety and long-term weight loss.
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Recognise and manage complications early. Even the best surgeries can have unexpected issues. Surgeons who’ve seen a wide range of post-operative scenarios are better equipped to respond effectively.
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Tailor care based on real-world patterns. With many surgeries under their belt they understand which patients are likely to benefit most, and how to personalise preparation and follow-up.
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Provide consistent long-term support. Experience often comes with well-established pathways for follow-up, including dietitian input, psychological support, and nutritional monitoring.
Choosing a surgeon because of their credentials is important—but pairing that with demonstrated hands-on experience gives you the best chance of a smooth surgery and sustained results.
Key Questions to Ask Any Prospective Bariatric Surgeon
Empower yourself in consultations. Here are the questions every informed patient should ask, with a particular focus on experience:
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How many bariatric procedures have you personally performed?
Ask for both the total number and, ideally, the breakdown by type (e.g., sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, revisional surgery). This gives insight into their familiarity with the specific operation you’re considering. -
How many of these procedures do you perform per year?
Annual volume matters because it reflects ongoing practice. A surgeon doing a steady stream of cases maintains sharper skills and up-to-date familiarity with evolving best practice. -
What are your complication and success rates?
A transparent surgeon will discuss outcomes, including rates of complications, re-operations, and average weight loss or metabolic improvements. Ask for context—what’s typical for their patient population. -
Do you perform revisional or complex cases?
Experience with revisional surgery suggests a deeper understanding of the full spectrum of bariatric care, including managing side-effects or previous surgeries from other providers. -
What does the pre-operative assessment and post-operative support look like?
Experience often means a structured, multidisciplinary pathway: dietitians, psychologists, medical reviews, and long-term follow-up to catch nutritional deficiencies or weight regain early. - Are you accredited or fellowship-trained in bariatric surgery?
In Australia, look for surgical credentials such as Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) with recognised experience in bariatric procedures. Accreditation of the hospital or centre is also a valuable signal of quality standards. -
What happens if something doesn’t go to plan?
A seasoned surgeon will be upfront about potential complications, how they’re managed, and what the escalation path looks like if additional intervention is needed.
Red Flags to Watch For
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Reluctance to answer how many procedures they’ve done or lack of transparency about outcomes.
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No clear pathway for pre- and post-operative care.
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Unrealistic promises about weight loss or “quick fixes.”
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Limited or no follow-up support.
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Pressure to proceed without adequate time for questions or second opinions.
How to Use Experience in Your Decision
Experience isn’t the sole criterion—rapport, communication style, and your comfort with the surgeon matter too—but it should carry significant weight. Compare:
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Surgeon volume (total and annual)
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Outcomes (success and complication transparency)
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Team structure (is it a one-person show or a multidisciplinary centre?)
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Your own gut: did they listen, explain clearly, and answer your questions?
- Check things like Google reviews
If you’re ever unsure, asking for a second opinion is a perfectly reasonable step. Experienced surgeons often welcome it, and it helps you benchmark the consultation you’ve had.
Putting It Out There: What Patients Can Do
When searching online, type in questions that reflect due diligence, such as:
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“How many bariatric surgeries has [surgeon name] done?”
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“What are the outcomes of bariatric surgery with experienced surgeons in [your city]?”
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“Questions to ask before bariatric surgery”
These search behaviours align you with surgeons who are confident in sharing their experience and outcomes. If a surgeon’s website clearly states case volumes, patient pathways, and outcome transparency, that’s a positive signal.
Why Asking “How Many Have You Done?” Is a Smart Question
It’s direct, simple, and tells you a lot. Surgeons who’ve performed hundreds of procedures have faced variations, complications, and patient diversity. That doesn’t mean a newer surgeon can’t be competent, but volume provides statistical reassurance. By asking that question, you level the playing field—you’re not making assumptions, you’re gathering data.
Example Call to Action
If you’re considering bariatric surgery, ask your surgeon for specifics:
“How many bariatric procedures have you personally performed, and how many do you do each year?”
At Dr Mikhail Mastakov’s practice, patients benefit from years of focused bariatric experience, structured multidisciplinary care, and transparent outcome tracking—helping them choose with confidence. If you’d like a second opinion or want to compare options, reach out to book a consultation and bring these questions with you.
FAQ: Does surgeon experience affect bariatric surgery outcomes?
A: Yes. Studies show that surgeons and centres with higher procedural volumes tend to have lower complication rates and better long-term results.
Q: What should I ask a bariatric surgeon before surgery?
A: Key questions include how many procedures they’ve done, their annual volume, complication rates, post-op support, and their approach to managing risks.
Q: Is it okay to ask a surgeon how many surgeries they’ve performed?
A: Absolutely. It’s a standard part of understanding their experience and making an informed choice. A reputable surgeon will answer openly.
Q: What makes a bariatric surgeon qualified?
A: Look for proper surgical fellowship (e.g., FRACS in Australia), experience with the specific procedure, involvement in a multidisciplinary team, and transparent patient pathways.
Conclusion
Choosing the best bariatric surgeon is more than ticking boxes—it’s about trusting someone with your health journey. Experience is a measurable and meaningful piece of that trust. By asking clear, specific questions—especially about how many procedures your surgeon has performed—you give yourself the best chance of a safe operation and lasting success. Do your homework, be curious, and don’t be afraid to ask the difficult questions. Your future self will thank you.