On this month's IMA Doctor's Show, Dr. Tim Mahoney focuses on general, vascular and advanced laparoscopic procedures. 

He offered tips to help us decide if surgery is right for us.

Will the surgery take the pain away?  Will it improve how the body works? Will it keep the condition from getting worse?

What are the risks?  Are there other treatment options?  How long does it take to recover?  How much will it cost?