caretothepeople

Hey @HRHMB - It's great you have a consult with a surgeon coming up to explore options. It's a big decision and there's a lot involved so don't be afraid to ask questions! It's important to feel comfortable with the procedure, what to expect, and the surgeon themselves. Here's some ideas for questions to ask at the consult. Maybe this will help! How many years have you been a bariatric surgeon? What training have you had in bariatric surgery? Are you a board-certified surgeon? Are you a member of ASBS (American Society of Bariatric Surgery)? How many and what type of weight loss surgeries do you perform each year? Based on my personal health and weight, what surgery do you recommend for me? What are the advantages of this procedure? Disadvantages of this procedure? Risks? Do you perform the surgery laparoscopically or open? (If possible, laparoscopic surgery has a quicker recovery) Will you perform the procedure, or an assistant? Will you be in the operation room during the entire procedure? Where will the surgery be performed? Is the hospital or clinic a Center of Excellence? How many people on the entire medical team? Is everyone of the medical team licensed? What pre-op testing will be done? What post-op testing will be done? Why don't you recommend the other procedures for me? What changes will I be expected to make with regards to diet and exercise? Do you have someone I can call if I have a question during non-office hours? What is expected weight loss? -Melody