Hello - This is all new

msks · April 3, 2004

I am a new member and not sure what I am doing. I am meeting with my doctor on 4-9. Any suggestions for what questions I need to ask him? I am just starting the process of getting approved for the band.

Chris S. - L.I. · April 3, 2004

First thing I would ask is how many bands has he placed and then I would ask if he has a support group. The support group is very important as far as I am concerned.

Alexandra · April 4, 2004

Chris has a very good suggestion. If I were choosing a doctor now I'd be interested in what the doctor's POV is on this procedure and, especially, the followup.

But if you're already in with this doctor and don't want to change, for whatever reason, then you should ask for WRITTEN instructions on eating in the postop period. Ask for a rundown of danger signs--as well as what is NOT a sign of something being wrong. (For instance, lots of people think the post-op gas pain is the band slipping, or pulling a stitch, or a heart attack, or whatever.)

And ask him how you and he will decide when a fill is indicated. It just kills me when doctors put pressure on their patients to lose weight before or without a fill--as though the band itself should be enough to help. The doctor should always be willing to discuss a fill if you think it's needed (after the first six weeks, that is), and not be married to some sort of predetermined schedule.

Good luck!

msks · April 6, 2004

Thanks for the input. I am not willing to change doctors at this time because he is local and my ob-gyn recommended him.

What is the minimum amount of lapband surgeries should he have done to be confortable in doing the operation and follow-up? I have read any where from 30 to 50. I know that he has do approximately 10 to 12.

My other question is - Do all doctors require the full gamate of testing? I just went through back surgery in Feb. and really don't want to go through everything again.

Again, thanks for everyone's input. This has helped me understand more about the band.

MSKS

not2big42long · April 6, 2004

Hi MSKS,

Here are some questions I found online and asked my surgeon on the first appointment:

1. What types of obesity surgery procedures have you performed?

2. How many of each weight loss procedure have you performed?

3. Do you perform this surgery using minimally invasive techniques? (laparoscopic)

4. Can I be considered a candidate for surgery even though I have one or more associated health conditions related to my obesity?

5. Which weight loss procedure is best for me? Why? What are the risks involved?

6. How long will I be in surgery?

7. What is the length of my anticipated hospital stay?

8. How long will it be before I can return to pre-surgery levels of activity?

9. How will my eating habits change?

10. Do you have information about obesity surgery costs and payment options?

11. What is the typical excess weight loss and improvement of associated health conditions for your other patients?

12. Do you have patients who are willing to share their experiences, both positive and negative?

13. What information can you give me to help family and friends better understand this surgery?

14. What type of long-term, after-care services (such as support groups and counseling) can you provide for me?

15. What do you expect from me if I decide to choose a surgical solution?

Then you could ask him about the testing that needs to be done before the band. My surgeon requested an EKG, CBC(blood test), Psych eval, and a visit with a nutritionist but they all are a little different. If your surgeon has not done the usual required 50 cases, it might be that he has just started doing them. That doesn't necessarily mean he won't do a good job(from what I've seen, what is really necessary for the surgeon is that he/she be a good laparoscopic surgeon), you may instead ask him how long he has been doing laparoscopic surgery. Hope all this helps.

Take Care and Good Luck,

msks · April 18, 2004

I just wanted to thank everyone for their input. The first appointment with my dr. went well and now the waiting game for approval for my insurance has started. The suggested questions were VERY helpful.

Thanks,

msks