Carmela2017 where do you live? My suggestion is that you
not select your surgeon until you have 2-3 consults. Dr. K. is not a God. Nor, are any of the other surgeons on the recommended list. I believe he is the most experienced though. I had significant complications with my RNY to DS and Dr. K. was very involved with my follow-up. Very involved. Like texting, calling, etc. every day, then once per week, then once per month, etc. for at least a year. I do not know how this man even has a family life. However, he is not a God, and he has a very busy practice. He will do what he can to take care of you but you also have a responsibility to do your part.
The RNY to DS conversion is very complicated and not many surgeons can perform this surgery. It is entirely possible that you could have complications and need to stay in the hospital or go back to the hospital for days, weeks, or a month or more.
Do not gloss over this fact. Factor into your decision your follow-up care. Are you able to get to CA or fly/drive wherever for follow-up or complications? How competent is your own PCP in following you if you have complications? It is time to find a better PCP? How are your own communication skills? Are you assertive to tell someone what is wrong and will you go to the ER in your city if needed?
Possible questions to ask any surgeon you are considering:
-What is the rate of complications you have had with RNY to DS?
-What was the nature of the complications?
-How are the complications handled?
-What if I have problems post-op?
-What do I need to do post-op/follow-up given that I will be traveling for surgery?
I consulted with Dr. Greenbaum and liked him very much (you do not hear much about him these days-?). One reason I liked him was that he was upfront about the chance of having a leak but said something like, "We will just take you back into the operating and we will fix the leak and give you antibiotics. I won't let you die. There is too much paperwork involved in that." I always knew the surgeon I selected would not let me die due to the amount of paperwork, lol. I was also aware that a leak and infection were real possibilities.