How many fundo's have you done?

Having visited several surgeons, I have learned to ask the secretary, nurses, PA's, and anyone who listens (affiliated with the surgeons office) how many fundoplications has the doctor done in the past year, week, career-- looking for any kind of answer--to help me judge experience.

I have even asked referring docs the same question when they give me a suggested surgeon name.

The answers I've received most frequently are "you'll have to ask the doctor" or "lots and lots of fundo's" or "he's the most experienced in the area" or "he does more then anyone else", & "plenty".

Yes,-- I've asked the surgeons and the answer is " I've been doing that procedure for 20 years". "More then I can count". No numbers!

Yes, we've even asked about "success rate". Have had a difficult time getting specific numbers. Wonder how the "successful" fundo members have gotten their info before arriving at a decision. I know its important to have an very experienced surgeon that you feel you can trust.

Thanks for your comments and suggestions. I don't think the doctor likes this question and how can they ever do a lot of fundo's if we the patient doesn't let them do it early in their career to build up experience/numbers.