By Dr. Richard Nguyen, DO, FACS, FACOS | Board-Certified General & Bariatric Surgeon | San Jose & Los Gatos, CA
Choosing the right bariatric surgeon is one of the most important decisions in your weight-loss journey. Experience and support make a real difference in your safety and your long-term results. Here are seven questions to ask any weight-loss surgeon before you commit — and how to know you’re in good hands.
Board certification confirms rigorous training and standards. Fellowship training in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery means added, specialized expertise. Dr. Nguyen is board-certified and completed fellowship training at Vanderbilt University.
Experience matters — studies consistently link higher surgeon volume to better outcomes and fewer complications. Dr. Nguyen has performed more than 15,000 surgeries and 5,000+ weight-loss transformations.
A trustworthy surgeon is transparent about outcomes. Ask how they manage complications and how often revisions are needed, and make sure the answers are clear and honest.
The best surgeon offers options — gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and revision surgery — and recommends the right one for your body and goals, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Laparoscopic and robotic surgery mean smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery. Dr. Nguyen is specially trained on the da Vinci robotic system.
Surgery is the start — ongoing nutrition, monitoring, and support are what keep the weight off. Ask whether the practice stays with you for years, not just weeks. Our team supports patients well beyond the first year.
A good practice verifies your benefits and guides you through approval. See our guide on whether you qualify for weight-loss surgery.
Be cautious of surgeons who pressure you, won’t discuss complications, offer only one procedure, or have no structured follow-up program. Your surgeon should feel like a long-term partner in your health.
Board-certified, Vanderbilt fellowship-trained, robotic-surgery certified, and backed by 20+ years and thousands of transformations — Dr. Nguyen and his team check every box, right here in San Jose and Los Gatos.
What makes a good bariatric surgeon?
Board certification, fellowship training, high procedure volume, minimally invasive expertise, transparency about outcomes, and a strong long-term follow-up program.
How many surgeries should my surgeon have done?
There's no single number, but higher-volume surgeons generally have better outcomes. Dr. Nguyen has performed 15,000+ procedures.
Should I get a second opinion?
Absolutely — a confident, experienced surgeon welcomes questions and second opinions. It's your health and your decision.
Does the surgeon's practice help with insurance?
It should. Our team verifies benefits and manages the authorization process for you.
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.
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