Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Surgeon Questions For Those Who Have Been There...



Recommended Posts

I work for the hospital where I will have my surgery. Went to the seminar and have done many of the preop requirements since I do not have a long diet or waiting period to complete.

It's went along fast...

I will see my surgeon in his office one on one for the first time this week.... Surgery may be in Sept if approved.

What questions should consider asking and was there something you did not ask but wish you did?

Thanks, Chad

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I asked a lot of questions about his experience: How many have you done, any leaks?, complications I can expect, post-surgery support, etc.

I asked about all the meds I was taking and when I could take them again after surgery - if you're on meds that is super important.

I also asked him how people fail. I highly recommend this question because it helps you get things right in your mind and know what pitfalls to watch for.

Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thx, yes I am on few meds daily....

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I already have his pre and post diet plans.

I know since I am on Effexor it is one anti depressant I just can not stop taking without side effects.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I would ask about bougie size. (Do a search for "bougie" on the main page to get an idea of what this is about.) I have a 38, and I am so pleased with it because I never have dehydration issues, and I work outside and sweat a lot and have to get rehydrated quickly many times after a job is done. I can also eat fairly normally and can take more than a few bites of something, and yet I am still losing at an average rate of 2 pounds per week. There are smaller bougie sizes, which would limit your food intake and Fluid intake more, and so you want to discuss with your surgeon which size is right for you.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I asked a lot of questions about his experience: How many have you done, any leaks?, complications I can expect, post-surgery support, etc.

I asked about all the meds I was taking and when I could take them again after surgery - if you're on meds that is super important.

I also asked him how people fail. I highly recommend this question because it helps you get things right in your mind and know what pitfalls to watch for.

Good luck!

You can ask what size bougie they will use on your stomach? ask about h.pylori and the effects of it holding up your surgery date. Hair loss and if it can be prevented? Is the weightloss 50% to 75% of your excess weight which makes you obesse or of your total weight? Hope that helps.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I take more than a few meds daily. I asked about how soon after surgery could I resume meds. (I have a few meds for depression and ptsd. Important to not skip.) I asked about failure rate... about surgery failure and about people continuing to lose weight after surgery, if they continue on plan. There is a difference. Asked about recovery time to get back to normal activities and how long before I could start exercise. I asked if he likes to do surgery, a greatway to get an idea about the guy behind the knives. And every time I see him, even before the actual surgery date, I ask for words of encouragement. He is great about encouraging me. Gives me something new to think about every time I walk away from the appointment.

Good luck. I feared more than was necessary. I've been more pleased with my decision for surgery than I ever imagined.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Make sure that your doc has a good post care program. Ask about complications and ask how he/she will deal with them if they do arise.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Bashbee91

      Hey guys new to the process looking forward to this new life. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Bugg

      Hi everyone! I’m brand new here. I just went through all my pre-op requirements per my insurance company and now everything has been submitted and I’m just waiting for final approval and my surgery date. I’ve been doing research, watching YouTube videos, TikTok’s, ect.. trying to prepare my mind and what to expect so I’ll be ready for the surgery. I was so sure and so set and so ready and excited. However, now that I’ve done everything & it’s almost here, I am sooooooo scared! I know why I want it bc I’ve tried everything and I just don’t feel like I can lose weight by myself. I’m tired of being overweight my entire life. I’m miserable, but I keep psyching myself out afraid of GERD bc I know how that can be and I don’t want to have to get a bypass after already gaining the courage to even get VSG. I’m scared of complications like I’mgoing to regret doing it and be depressed that I didn’t just be more disciplined and try again to lose the weight on my own even sitting here typing this knowing in my mind i just can’t and don’t possess the discipline. I’m also afraid I won’t be able to handle the restrictions of the sleeve. What do I eat? I don’t know how to eat healthy really and don’t enjoy healthy food. I don’t know how to do this! I feel so defeated!Someone tell me they felt anything similar to this or am I not ready? I thought I was. I am so tired of being sick and tired and so tired of myself and so tired of being stuck and stuck in this body and somebody different on the outside from what I feel inside. I just want to ball up and cry.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • buildabetteranna

      over 20 lbs down since4 the pre surgery diet and surgery on the 14th
      · 1 reply
      1. Selina333

        Yay!! Congrats. I know how good that feels. 🤩

    • Jenopolis

      Had a sleeve in 2017, lost over 100 pounds. Had a DS surgery this year (2025) for more sustainable weight loss. 🤞
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • buildabetteranna

      The 14th was my day. I am home and recovery is going pretty smooth. They even let me walk out of the hospital. Picture of me in recovery curtesy of my boyfriend lol. 

      · 3 replies
      1. DaisyChainOz

        Glad it went well!! Wishing you a speedy recovery and wonderful success!! 🤗

      2. buildabetteranna

        Thank you ❤️

      3. Selina333

        Neat you have a pic of this day! I was sooo happy to get my surgery. It was well worth it! And I'm not even near my goal. I had surgery Dec. 2!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×