FYI: Questions to ask about Lap Band/Doctor

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Questions to Ask the Lap-Band Surgeon

• Are you the doctor who will be doing the surgery? (You want to talk to the surgeon!)
  
• Are you a Board Certified Surgeon?
  
• Are you a member of any professional organizations that relate to bariatric surgery?
  
• What types of weight loss surgery procedures have you performed?
  
• How many Lap-Band surgeries have you performed?
  
• What percentage of your practice is dedicated to bariatric and/or Lap-Band procedures?
  
• Have you completed any special training in advanced laparoscopic surgery?
  
• Have you completed any special training in bariatric surgery?
  
• Are you a member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS)?
  
• What results have you seen in your other patients?
  
• Do you have other Lap-Band patients who I could talk to about their experiences?
  
• Do you provide any support groups and/or counseling services?
  

Weight loss surgery is complex and should be performed by a surgeon who has appropriate experience and expertise. You can learn much about a doctor by the degrees and/or titles he has earned, if he is a member of any professional organizations related to obesity and weight loss surgery, and his or her reputation in the medical community.

Questions About the Lap-Band Surgery

• Am I a good candidate for weight loss surgery?
  
• Is Lap-Band surgery the best procedure for me?
  
• What happens before surgery? What pre-operative tests or evaluations are done?
  
• Will I have to lose weight before the surgery? Why? How much?
  
• What are the potential risks and potential complications?
  
• Where will the surgery be done?
  
• What takes place during the procedure? Will the surgery be performed laparoscopically?
  
• How long will I be in surgery? How long will I stay in the hospital?
  
• What happens after surgery? What is the recovery time? How will pain be managed?
  
• How is follow-up care (post-op, adjustments, and long-term care) scheduled and billed?
  
• How long after surgery will I be able to drive? Resume sexual activity? Other activities?
  
• Will I be able to take medications and/or oral contraceptives after surgery?
  
• What will my new diet and eating behaviors be with the Lap-Band?
  
• Will I be taking Protein supplements? Vitamins?
  
• Will I be able to smoke?
  
• Will I have to exercise?
  
• What are Lap-Band surgery costs? Insurance coverage? Payment options?
  
• What results can I expect with Lap-Band Surgery?
  
• What will be expected of me as a Lap-Band surgery patients?
  
• http://www.lapband.us/lap-band-questions.html