Going To My Consultation Tomorrow. What Should I Ask The Surgeon?

[Kiki Von Moonshine 53]

Im so glad the day is here. So I definitely know I want to do the sleeve as oppose to other surgeries, now what questions should I ask that I might not find here? What questions are a must to ask the surgeon?

[goldenraisin214 142]

Hey there--my consult is tomorrow too! I think people on this site do an excellent job of answering questions, but you may want to ask a few that are specific to your surgeon if you don't already know. Some stuff seems to vary depending on the doctor. Here are a couple of things:

--expected time in hospital

--anticipated length of surgery

--timeline for introducing different foods

--rules about medications/vitamins (size, which are ok, etc)

--post op testing for leaks (some docs do this, some don't)

--what to expect the day you arrive at the hospital (might help soothe some anxiety)

--visitation rules (if there is someone who would like to spend the night in your room--is that allowed?)

--will you be given an on-q pump or drain that you have to remove yourself? (eww!)

I can't think of anything else right now, but I'm sure my mind will be racing tonight! Good luck, and congratulations on making it this far! Do tell us when your date is--we might end up being sleeve twins!

[SKCUNNINGHAM 298]

In addition to the ones above:

- who in his/her office can you call if you have questions after you go home? (Get the phone number).

- what are the symptoms / side effects that IF they occur once you go home, you need to be worried about?

I assume you already know the following:

- How long has he/she been doing the sleeve surgery?

- How many sleeve surgeries did he/she perform in the past 12 months?

- How many sleeve surgeries has he/she performed in total?

- How many of the doctor's sleeve patients developed a leak?

- Has the surgeon had any patients die after sleeve surgery? If so, what was the cause of death?

[Kiki Von Moonshine 53]

I'm just starting the process. At my hospital you see the surgeon first. Tomorrow is the first of everything.

[goldenraisin214 142]

I'm just starting the process. At my hospital you see the surgeon first. Tomorrow is the first of everything.

Oh, sorry--I thought you were at the end of the process--in that case, they'll probably provide a bunch of info up front, but it never hurs to have your own questions ready...good luck anyway!

[Kiki Von Moonshine 53]

In addition to the ones above:

- who in his/her office can you call if you have questions after you go home? (Get the phone number).

- what are the symptoms / side effects that IF they occur once you go home, you need to be worried about?

I assume you already know the following:

- How long has he/she been doing the sleeve surgery?

- How many sleeve surgeries did he/she perform in the past 12 months?

- How many sleeve surgeries has he/she performed in total?

- How many of the doctor's sleeve patients developed a leak?

- Has the surgeon had any patients die after sleeve surgery? If so, what was the cause of death?

What are the right answers to these questions? Is there a link or list of must have questions? Im assuming the doctor will volunteer information, I just want to ask questions that I'd probably only remember to ask when I leave and reach home.