Choosing a surgeon is one of the most important healthcare decisions you'll ever make. Whether you need a hernia repair, weight loss surgery, gallbladder removal, or any other procedure — the surgeon you choose directly impacts your outcome, your recovery, and your safety.
As a board-certified general surgeon who has practiced in San Jose and Los Gatos for over 20 years, I've seen what happens when patients choose based on the wrong criteria. Here are the five questions that actually matter.
This is the single most important question — and most patients never ask it.
Surgical volume matters. Research consistently shows that surgeons who perform higher volumes of a specific procedure have better outcomes, fewer complications, and lower readmission rates. This isn't opinion — it's data.
Don't just ask if they "do" the procedure. Ask how many they've done in the last year. In the last five years. Over their career. A surgeon who performs 200 hernia repairs a year will almost certainly deliver a better result than one who does 20.
At Lifetime Surgical, Dr. Richard Nguyen has performed over 10,000 surgeries and more than 5,000 weight loss procedures alone. That's the kind of volume that builds genuine expertise.
This question matters more than most patients realize. Minimally invasive and robotic surgery — using systems like the da Vinci Surgical System — offer significant advantages over traditional open surgery:
Not every surgeon is trained in robotic surgery. Not every hospital has the equipment. If your surgeon isn't offering minimally invasive options, ask why — and consider seeking a second opinion from someone who does.
At Lifetime Surgical, virtually every procedure is performed using robotic or laparoscopic techniques whenever clinically appropriate.
Every surgery carries risk. A good surgeon acknowledges this openly. A great surgeon can tell you their own complication rates — not just national averages.
Ask specifically:
A surgeon who gets defensive about these questions is a surgeon you should think twice about. Transparency about outcomes is a sign of confidence and integrity.
No one wants to think about complications before surgery. But responsible patients and responsible surgeons plan for them.
Ask your surgeon:
The answer should be specific and reassuring — not vague. At Lifetime Surgical, our team remains accessible throughout your recovery, and we are affiliated with Good Samaritan Hospital, El Camino Los Gatos, and Silicon Valley Surgery Center for comprehensive post-operative support.
Online reviews are helpful but limited. If possible, ask whether the surgeon can connect you with a previous patient who had the same procedure. Hearing a firsthand account of what the experience was actually like — the consultation, the surgery, the recovery — is invaluable.
If a surgeon can't (or won't) provide references, check their Google reviews, Healthgrades profile, and Yelp reviews. Look for patterns — not just individual reviews. Does the surgeon consistently receive praise for their bedside manner, communication, and outcomes?
The South Bay has many excellent surgeons. But "excellent" means different things depending on what you need. A surgeon who is world-class for cardiac surgery may not be the right choice for your hernia. Focus on finding someone who:
If you're exploring surgical options in San Jose or Los Gatos, we invite you to meet our team. Dr. Richard Nguyen and Dr. Avery Joseph are both accepting new patients and happy to answer every question on this list — and then some.
Call 408-850-0176 or request a consultation online.
Wondering which surgical procedure might be right for your condition? We're here to help you understand your treatment options and develop a personalized surgical plan. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
Your path to improved health may be more achievable than you think—with advanced surgical techniques leading to faster recovery, reduced complications, and a significantly enhanced quality of life.
.png)
