5 Questions to Ask Before Booking Weight Loss Surgery in Phoenix or Tucson (or anywhere, really)

Choosing to have weight loss surgery is one of the most significant decisions you’ll ever make for your health. I’ve been performing bariatric procedures in Arizona for years, and I can tell you that the choice of surgeon is just as important as the decision to have surgery itself, if not more important.

Here’s something most patients don’t realize: not all bariatric surgeons are created equal. The credentials on the wall, the friendly staff, the beautiful office—none of these things tell you what you really need to know about the surgeon who will be operating on you. I’ve seen patients come to me for revision surgeries after complications that could have been avoided. I’ve consulted with patients who received inadequate follow-up care and struggled alone through their weight loss journey. It troubles me deeply when I hear these stories, because in many cases, patients simply didn’t know the right questions to ask.

The truth is, there are surgeons offering weight loss surgery whose training and volume may not meet the standard patients assume. I don’t say this to create fear—I say it because you deserve to know that your safety depends on asking the right questions before you book your procedure. These five questions will help you separate the truly qualified from those who may not have the specialized expertise this complex surgery requires.

How to Use This Guide:

• Bring these questions to each surgeon consultation
• Write down the exact numbers and specifics you’re given
• Compare answers across multiple surgeons before making your decision
• Trust your instincts—evasive answers are red flags
  

1. What Is Your Specific Training in Bariatric Surgery, and How Many Procedures Do You Perform Annually?

This is the most important question you can ask, and here’s why: bariatric surgery requires specialized training that goes beyond general surgery residency. I’m a board-certified general surgeon who completed a dedicated fellowship in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery [Learn more about Dr. Brown’s training and credentials]. That additional year of focused, hands-on training—with hundreds of bariatric procedures performed under expert supervision—made all the difference in my ability to handle complex cases and manage complications.

Unfortunately, any general surgeon can technically perform weight loss surgery without fellowship training. I’ve seen the results when surgeons take weekend courses and then start offering bariatric procedures. The outcomes speak for themselves—and they’re not good.

Now, I want to be clear: fellowship training isn’t the only path to expertise in bariatric surgery. There are excellent general surgeons who have built their entire practice around weight loss surgery and perform the same high volumes year after year. What matters most is the combination of specialized focus and experience. A general surgeon who performs 200+ bariatric procedures annually and dedicates their practice exclusively to this work can be just as skilled as a fellowship-trained surgeon. The key is that they’re not dabbling in bariatrics alongside gallbladder removals and hernia repairs—they’re specialists by practice, even if their training path was different.

When you ask this question, listen carefully to the answer. A well-qualified bariatric surgeon should be able to tell you:

• Where they completed their fellowship training (if they mention only residency, that’s a red flag)
• How many bariatric procedures they perform each year (high-volume surgeons have better outcomes—I perform over 300 bariatric procedures annually)
• How long they’ve been specializing in bariatric surgery specifically
  

Red flag answers include vague statements like “I’ve been doing these for years” without specific numbers, or “I do all kinds of surgeries” without emphasizing bariatric specialization. Volume matters enormously in surgery. Research consistently shows that surgeons who perform higher volumes of bariatric procedures have significantly lower complication rates.

I remember consulting with a patient who had her initial surgery with a surgeon who performed maybe 20 bariatric procedures per year while maintaining a busy general surgery practice. She developed a complication that this surgeon didn’t recognize early enough because he simply didn’t see it often enough to know what to look for. By the time she came to me, what could have been a minor intervention had become a major problem requiring additional surgery.

Here’s what you deserve: a surgeon who’s focus is entirely on helping patients lose weight, who sees these procedures day in and day out, and who has the pattern recognition that comes only from high-volume specialized practice.

2. What Are Your Complication Rates, and How Do You Handle Complications When They Occur?

This question separates the transparent surgeons from those who have something to hide. Every honest surgeon will tell you that complications occur—that’s the nature of surgery. What matters is how often they occur and what happens when they do.

I track my complication rates meticulously, and I’m happy to share them with prospective patients. My complication rates are well below national averages, and I can discuss these numbers because I track them, review them, and use them to continuously improve my practice.

When I interview a patient about their previous surgeon, and they tell me they have no idea what that surgeon’s complication rates are, alarm bells go off. If a surgeon becomes defensive when you ask this question, or gives you a vague answer like “My outcomes are excellent,” that’s a significant red flag. Excellence should come with numbers.

But here’s the second part of this question that’s equally important: how does the surgeon handle complications? I’ve seen situations where surgeons became difficult to reach after surgery, where patients were told their symptoms were “normal” when they weren’t, or where complications were minimized rather than addressed promptly.

In my practice, patients have direct access to me through our office and answering service with defined response protocols. If you develop a complication at 2 AM on a Sunday, I want to know about it immediately—not Monday morning during office hours. I have protocols in place with the hospitals where I operate, so if you need to be seen urgently, my team knows exactly what to do. Time is everything when managing surgical complications.

Ask your potential surgeon directly: “If I have a problem after hours, how do I reach you, and how quickly will you respond?” You should expect clear protocols: a dedicated answering service that connects directly to your surgeon or their bariatric team, and guidance on when to go to the emergency room.

You should also ask: “What hospital do you primarily operate at, and do you have privileges at other facilities nearby?” This matters because if you need emergency care, you want your surgeon to be able to care for you directly, not hand you off to whoever is on call.

3. What Does Your Long-Term Follow-Up Program Look Like?

Here’s a truth that surprises many patients: weight loss surgery is not a one-time event. It’s the beginning of a lifelong journey, and your success depends heavily on the support system your surgeon provides afterward.

I’ve consulted with patients who had their surgery, attended one or two follow-up appointments, and then were essentially on their own. Years later, they’re struggling with weight regain, nutritional deficiencies, or complications that could have been prevented with proper follow-up. This breaks my heart because it’s entirely preventable.

When you ask about follow-up care, you should hear about a comprehensive program that includes long term support. Learn more about Valley Bariatric’s comprehensive follow-up program.

Regular post-operative visits extending for years, not just months. In my practice, I see patients at specific intervals during the first year, then annually for life. These aren’t optional—they’re essential for monitoring your progress and catching problems early.

Access to a multidisciplinary team including a registered dietitian who specializes in bariatric nutrition, a psychologist or counselor who understands the emotional aspects of weight loss, and support group meetings where you can connect with others on the same journey. I work closely with nutritionists and mental health professionals because I know that surgery addresses only one aspect of obesity.

Nutritional monitoring and supplementation guidance. After bariatric surgery, you’ll need specific vitamin and mineral supplements for life. Your surgeon’s program should include regular lab work and adjustment of your supplement regimen based on your results.

Red flags in this area include surgeons who say “You’ll just see your primary care doctor for follow-up” or practices that don’t have in-house nutritional support. I wish every patient knew that the surgeon who performs your operation should be committed to your care for life, not just until your incisions heal.

I also want to address something I see too often in the Phoenix and Tucson market: surgeons who perform surgery and then move on to the next patient without establishing real relationships. In my practice, I know my patients. I celebrate their victories, and I’m there when they struggle. That’s what comprehensive care looks like.

4. Are You Board-Certified, and What Is Your Hospital’s Accreditation Status?

Board certification and hospital accreditation might sound like bureaucratic details, but they’re actually critical indicators of quality and safety. Let me break down what you need to know.

First, your surgeon should be board-certified by the American Board of Surgery. This means they’ve completed the required training, passed rigorous examinations, and maintain their certification through ongoing education. But here’s what many patients don’t know: board certification can lapse. Ask not just whether your surgeon is board-certified, but when they last recertified.

Beyond basic board certification, many bariatric surgeons (myself included) are Fellows of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and members of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). These affiliations indicate a commitment to the specialty and adherence to the highest standards of care.

Now, let’s talk about hospital accreditation, which is arguably even more important. I exclusively operate at facilities that have achieved MBSAQIP accreditation—that stands for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program. This is the gold standard for bariatric surgery centers. At Valley Bariatric, my practice, I perform procedures at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center and Banner Gateway Medical Center, both MBSAQIP-accredited Centers of Excellence that meet the highest standards for bariatric care. Mercy Gilbert also holds Blue Distinction designation, recognizing superior quality and outcomes in bariatric surgery.

Here’s why this matters: MBSAQIP-accredited centers must meet stringent criteria for equipment, staff training, support services, and patient outcomes. They’re required to track complications and participate in a national database that allows for quality benchmarking. Not every hospital in Phoenix or Tucson has this accreditation, and that should factor heavily into your decision.

I’ve seen surgeons who perform bariatric procedures at facilities that lack proper accreditation. They might have operating rooms and basic surgical capabilities, but they don’t have the specialized protocols, trained staff, and comprehensive support systems that accredited centers maintain. If something goes wrong during or after your surgery, you want to be at a facility where everyone—from the anesthesiologist to the nursing staff to the respiratory therapists—has specific training in caring for bariatric patients.

For certain outpatient procedures with appropriate patients, I also work with Ocotillo Surgery Center, which maintains the same high standards of care and safety protocols essential for bariatric surgery.

Ask your potential surgeon directly: “What facility do you operate at, and is it MBSAQIP-accredited?” If the answer is no, ask why not. There may be valid reasons (the facility might be in the accreditation process), but you deserve a clear explanation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bariatric Surgery Accreditation

What is MBSAQIP accreditation?

MBSAQIP (Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program) is a joint program of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. It sets the national standard for bariatric surgery centers, requiring facilities to meet strict criteria for equipment, staff training, support services, and patient outcomes.

Do all bariatric surgery centers need MBSAQIP accreditation?

No, it’s not legally required—but it should be a priority in your decision. MBSAQIP-accredited centers have proven they meet rigorous quality and safety standards. They track outcomes, participate in national quality benchmarking, and maintain specialized protocols specifically for bariatric patients.

How can I verify a surgeon’s board certification?

You can verify any surgeon’s board certification through the American Board of Surgery’s website at absurgery.org. Look for board certification in general surgery, and ask about additional fellowship training in bariatric surgery specifically.

5. Can I Speak with Your Past Patients, and Will You Show Me Your Outcomes Data?

Transparency is everything in medicine. A surgeon who is confident in their outcomes should welcome this question. In fact, they should encourage it.

I maintain a list of past patients who have volunteered to speak with prospective patients. These aren’t cherry-picked success stories—they’re real people who can tell you about their entire experience, from the initial consultation through surgery and recovery. When you speak with them, ask specific questions:

• How accessible was Dr. Brown when you had questions or concerns?
• Did you experience any complications, and if so, how were they handled?
• How satisfied are you with your weight loss results?
• Would you choose the same surgeon again?
• What surprised you about the process?
  

Beyond patient testimonials, ask to see outcomes data. As I mentioned earlier, I track my complication rates, revision rates, and patient outcomes systematically. I’m part of the MBSAQIP database, which means my outcomes are tracked and compared against national benchmarks. I’m happy to discuss these numbers with prospective patients because they reflect my commitment to quality and safety.

Some surgeons might tell you that outcomes data is confidential or proprietary. That’s simply not true. While patient information is certainly confidential, aggregate outcomes data should be available. If a surgeon is unwilling to share their complication rates, excess weight loss percentages, or patient satisfaction scores, you have to ask yourself why.

I’ve also noticed that some practices in the Phoenix and Tucson area heavily market their services with glossy brochures and impressive websites, but they become evasive when you ask for substantive information about outcomes. Marketing materials are no substitute for transparent data.

Here’s a specific question I encourage you to ask: “What percentage of your patients achieve at least 50% excess weight loss at two years post-surgery?” This is a standard benchmark in bariatric surgery. A well-qualified surgeon should be able to answer this without hesitation.

Another important question: “What is your reoperation rate?” Sometimes patients need revision surgery for various reasons, and that’s not necessarily a reflection of poor initial surgery. However, if a surgeon has a high rate of needing to reoperate for complications or technical issues, that’s important information.

Quick Reference: Your 5-Question Checklist

Before booking weight loss surgery with any surgeon, make sure you get clear answers to these questions:

1. Training & Volume: Are they fellowship-trained in bariatric surgery? How many procedures do they perform annually? (Look for 200+ procedures per year)
   
2. Complication Rates: What are their specific complication rates? How do they handle after-hours emergencies? (Expect direct access and clear protocols)
   
3. Follow-Up Program: What does long-term follow-up look like? (Should include regular visits, nutritional support, and psychological counseling for years, not months)
   
4. Accreditation: Are they board-certified in general surgery? Do they operate at MBSAQIP-accredited Centers of Excellence? (Both should be yes)
   
5. Transparency: Will they connect you with past patients? Will they share outcomes data? (A confident surgeon welcomes both)
   

Making Your Decision: Trust Your Instincts, But Verify Everything

After performing hundreds of bariatric procedures and consulting with countless patients, I can tell you that the best patient-surgeon relationships are built on trust, transparency, and open communication. If you ask these five questions and feel like you’re getting defensive, evasive, or vague answers, listen to that feeling.

You deserve a surgeon who:

• Has specialized fellowship training in bariatric surgery
• Performs a high volume of procedures annually
• Tracks and shares their outcomes data openly
• Provides comprehensive, lifelong follow-up care
• Operates at an MBSAQIP-accredited facility
• Welcomes your questions and treats you as a partner in your care
  

Weight loss surgery can be truly life-changing. I see it every day in my practice—patients who regain their health, their confidence, and their quality of life. But achieving those outcomes depends on choosing the right surgeon and the right program.

I encourage every patient considering weight loss surgery in Phoenix or Tucson to interview multiple surgeons. Ask these five questions at every consultation. Take notes. Compare answers. Don’t let anyone rush you into a decision, and don’t choose based solely on price or convenience.

If you’re considering bariatric surgery and want a consultation where no question is off-limits, I’d be honored to meet with you (we made it easy with a Virutal Scheduling Assistant below) . In my practice, we take the time to answer every question thoroughly because I believe that informed patients make the best decisions and achieve the best outcomes.

Your health is too important to leave to chance. Ask the tough questions, demand real answers, and choose a surgeon who sees you as a person, not just a procedure.

—

Dr. Brown is a board-certified general surgeon, fellowship-trained in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery, practicing at Valley Bariatric in Gilbert and Chandler, Arizona. She performs over 300 weight loss procedures annually at MBSAQIP-accredited Centers of Excellence including Mercy Gilbert Medical Center and Banner Gateway Medical Center. For more information or to schedule a consultation, follow Dr. Brown on Instagram @azweightlossdoc or call (602) 603-2458.