How to Be Bariatric Surgeon - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 11, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Bariatric surgery is a procedure that can help people who are obese to achieve long-term weight loss. It is considered a safe and effective way to reduce the risks associated with obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. The procedure works by restricting the amount of food a person can eat and by reducing the absorption of calories from food.

This causes the person to feel fuller sooner and to eat less, thereby helping them to lose weight. The effects of bariatric surgery can be seen immediately, with people typically losing between 15-20% of their excess body weight in the first year after surgery. Over time, this can add up to significant health benefits, such as improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reduction of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and improved overall quality of life.

Steps How to Become

Complete a bachelors degree. In order to become a bariatric surgeon, you must first complete a bachelors degree in a related field such as biology or chemistry.
Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). After completing your bachelors degree, you must then take the MCAT and score well in order to be accepted into medical school.
Attend a medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). Once accepted into medical school, you must then complete your medical education at an accredited institution.
Complete a residency in general surgery. After graduating from medical school, you must then complete a residency in general surgery in order to become board certified in general surgery.
Become board certified in general surgery. Once you have completed your residency, you must then take and pass the American Board of Surgery examination in order to become board certified in general surgery.
Complete a fellowship in bariatric and metabolic surgery. After becoming board certified in general surgery, you must then complete a fellowship in bariatric and metabolic surgery in order to become a bariatric surgeon.
Become board certified in bariatric and metabolic surgery. Once you have completed your fellowship, you must then take and pass the American Board of Surgery examination in order to become board certified in bariatric and metabolic surgery.

In order to keep a bariatric surgeon updated and efficient, it is important to keep up with the latest advances in technology, research, and protocols. Keeping up with the latest research and developments can help bariatric surgeons stay ahead of the curve and plan for successful outcomes. investing in relevant technology can help make operations more efficient, such as the use of robotic-assisted surgery for minimally invasive procedures.

Furthermore, staying up to date on best practices and protocols is essential for providing safe and effective treatments. By regularly attending conferences, seminars, and completing continuing education courses, bariatric surgeons can ensure that they are providing the highest quality care to their patients.

You may want to check General Surgeon, Vascular Surgeon, and Cardiac Surgeon for alternative.

Job Description

Examine patients to assess their health and determine the best course of action for performing bariatric surgery
Explain the risks and benefits of bariatric surgery to patients
Develop treatment plans to reduce a patients risk during a bariatric surgery procedure
Perform bariatric surgeries, such as gastric bypass, gastric banding, and sleeve gastrectomy
Monitor patients before, during, and after bariatric surgery to ensure their safety
Coordinate with other healthcare professionals to ensure that the patient has proper follow-up care and support
Prescribe medication to manage a patients symptoms before and after surgery
Analyze patient data to determine the best type of bariatric surgery for each individual
Educate patients and their families about diets, nutrition, and other lifestyle changes to support their recovery
Provide emotional support to patients before and after bariatric surgeries

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy
Knowledge of physiology
Knowledge of endocrinology
Knowledge of nutrition
Understanding of psychological aspects of obesity
Skill in laparoscopic and open surgery
Ability to work with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals
Ability to communicate effectively with patients and their families
Understanding of the risks and benefits of bariatric surgery
Knowledge of pre-operative and post-operative care
Ability to assess a patient's suitability for bariatric surgery
Knowledge of advanced minimally-invasive surgical techniques
Knowledge of endoscopic procedures
Ability to use specialized instrumentation
Understanding of post-operative nutritional needs
Ability to provide long-term follow-up care

Bariatric surgery is a highly specialized field of medicine, requiring a surgeon to have a variety of skills, both technical and interpersonal, in order to achieve successful outcomes. One of the most important skills a bariatric surgeon must possess is excellent communication. They must be able to clearly explain the procedure and its risks and benefits to patients, while also being able to listen to their concerns and questions.

bariatric surgeons must have excellent surgical skills, as they are responsible for performing complex procedures with precision and accuracy. Another equally important skill is being able to assess a patients suitability for bariatric surgery, as it is an invasive procedure and not every patient is a candidate. Lastly, bariatric surgeons must be able to provide emotional support to patients before, during, and after the procedure, as this is a difficult and emotional experience for many individuals.

All of these skills combined make a bariatric surgeon a highly skilled professional who can help patients achieve their weight loss goals.

Pediatric Surgeon, Thoracic Surgeon, and Gynecologic Surgeon are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in Bariatric Surgery?
What experience do you have in performing bariatric surgeries?
How do you feel about the risks associated with bariatric surgery?
Can you explain the different types of bariatric surgery procedures?
How do you handle difficult or challenging cases?
What is your approach to patient education and counseling prior to surgery?
How do you ensure optimal outcomes for your patients?
What have been some of your most successful bariatric surgeries?
What is your opinion on the current research trends in bariatric surgery?
What strategies do you use to stay up to date on developments in the field of bariatric surgery?

Common Tools in Industry

Laparoscopic Surgical Instruments. These instruments are used to perform minimally invasive procedures. Examples include scissors, retractors, forceps, and staplers. (eg: Laparoscopic Scissors)
Endoscopes. These are specialized cameras used for visualizing and operating within the body. Examples include gastroscopes and colonoscopes. (eg: Gastroscope)
Sutures and Staplers. These are used to close incisions and wounds. Examples include absorbable sutures and surgical staple guns. (eg: Absorbable Sutures)
Endoscopic Band Ligators. These are medical devices used to place bands around blood vessels and other organs to restrict their flow or remove them from the body. (eg: Endoscopic Band Ligator)
Robotic Surgery Systems. These are computer-controlled systems used to perform surgical procedures with greater accuracy and less invasiveness than traditional surgery. (eg: Da Vinci Surgical System)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS)
International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO)
Obesity Medicine Association (OMA)
American College of Surgeons (ACS)
Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)
American Association of Endocrine Surgeons (AAES)
American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)
International Association for the Study of Obesity (IASO)
International Society for the Study of Obesity (ISSO)
American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP)

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Common Important Terms

Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery. A minimally invasive form of bariatric surgery that uses small incisions and specialized instruments to perform the procedure.
Gastric Bypass Surgery. A surgical weight loss procedure that reduces the size of the stomach and reroutes the digestive system so that food bypasses part of the small intestine.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery. A weight-loss procedure which involves removing part of the stomach to reduce its capacity.
Gastric Band Surgery. A weight-loss surgery in which an adjustable band is placed around the stomach to reduce its size.
Metabolic Surgery. A type of bariatric surgery that aims to improve diabetes symptoms by changing the hormones and enzymes released by the digestive system.
Endoscopic Bariatric Surgery. A type of bariatric surgery that uses a tiny camera and specialized instruments to perform the procedure.
Nutritional Counseling. An individualized program of advice and support from a health professional that helps people understand and improve their eating habits.
Exercise Therapy. A form of physical therapy designed to improve movement, strength, and range of motion.