Meeting with the surgeon... What questions to ask?

[MzGee 65]

I'm meeting with the surgeon this Friday and I'm looking for advice or suggestions about what questions to ask and inquire about. I'm so anxious that will probably not ask a thing... and leave without answers I probably really need. Anyone with thoughts or experience please respond thanks.

[630racoon 30]

MzGee,

I am meeting with my surgeon tomorrow, having read so many posts here about others concerns and experiences I was able to make a list of questions and concerns that I have, hope they will help you.

1. what are the chances of leeks? and what causes them

2. how many incisions will I have?

3. Are there any heavy lifting restrictions, how long?

4. Will I have a drain after surgery? if yes why?

5. Pain management after surgery and when I go home. (I have a very low tolerance for

pain, but I am a total wimp lol)

6 Gas pains after surgery, how long and is there anything you can do to minimize

them?

7. What have you heard about hair loss, and why?

8. Will I be nauseous after surgery? meds to stop it?

I keep adding as I read something else and or something else comes to mind. keep in touch. Pamela

[Bufflehead 6,358]

I asked a lot of questions about the surgery and hospitalization and aftercare, just so I would know what to expect. Not because I would choose a surgeon based on the answers -- I was pretty settled on my choice of surgeon before I met him! I just wanted a lot of information beforehand so I could prepare and be mentally ready for everything coming my way. Some questions I asked:

--do you use a drain and/or catheter?

--how do you test for leaks?

--how long will I be in the hospital? What would cause you to keep me longer than that? Is there anything you need to see from me (i.e., drinking a certain amount) before you release me from the hospital?

--what measures do you take to prevent blood clots?

--lifting restrictions post-surgery?

--exercise restrictions post surgery?

--how often and when will I meet with you/your team after surgery?

--how strict is your post-operative eating progression? (btw: I was looking for something very strict, not "eat whatever you want in moderation" which absolutely is proven not to work for me!)

--what medications (otc and prescription) do I need to stop prior to surgery? How will I take meds after surgery and who is responsible for making sure I have detailed instructions about that?

--what tests do you (not the insurance company) require before surgery and what are some possible results that would cause you to delay surgery or not do it at all?

--how often will I see you in the hospital after my surgery? What will you be checking me for?

--what do you think are the biggest factors leading to either successful weight loss and maintenance of weight loss, or lack of success in losing weight/maintaining weight loss?

[mochax 50]

<p>I asked a lot of questions about the surgery and hospitalization and aftercare, just so I would know what to expect. Not because I would choose a surgeon based on the answers -- I was pretty settled on my choice of surgeon before I met him! I just wanted a lot of information beforehand so I could prepare and be mentally ready for everything coming my way. Some questions I asked:</p> <p>--do you use a drain and/or catheter?</p> <p>--how do you test for leaks?</p> <p>--how long will I be in the hospital? What would cause you to keep me longer than that? Is there anything you need to see from me (i.e., drinking a certain amount) before you release me from the hospital?</p> <p>--what measures do you take to prevent blood clots?</p> <p>--lifting restrictions post-surgery?</p> <p>--exercise restrictions post surgery?</p> <p>--how often and when will I meet with you/your team after surgery?</p> <p>--how strict is your post-operative eating progression? (btw: I was looking for something very strict, not "eat whatever you want in moderation" which absolutely is proven not to work for me!)</p> <p>--what medications (otc and prescription) do I need to stop prior to surgery? How will I take meds after surgery and who is responsible for making sure I have detailed instructions about that?</p> <p>--what tests do you (not the insurance company) require before surgery and what are some possible results that would cause you to delay surgery or not do it at all?</p> <p>--how often will I see you in the hospital after my surgery? What will you be checking me for?</p> <p>--what do you think are the biggest factors leading to either successful weight loss and maintenance of weight loss, or lack of success in losing weight/maintaining weight loss?</p>

Thanks for sharing this. I will be asking the same exact questions as well.

[jenniferx25 10]

I asked a lot of questions about the surgery and hospitalization and aftercare, just so I would know what to expect. Not because I would choose a surgeon based on the answers -- I was pretty settled on my choice of surgeon before I met him! I just wanted a lot of information beforehand so I could prepare and be mentally ready for everything coming my way. Some questions I asked: --do you use a drain and/or catheter? --how do you test for leaks? --how long will I be in the hospital? What would cause you to keep me longer than that? Is there anything you need to see from me (i.e., drinking a certain amount) before you release me from the hospital? --what measures do you take to prevent blood clots? --lifting restrictions post-surgery? --exercise restrictions post surgery? --how often and when will I meet with you/your team after surgery? --how strict is your post-operative eating progression? (btw: I was looking for something very strict, not "eat whatever you want in moderation" which absolutely is proven not to work for me!) --what medications (otc and prescription) do I need to stop prior to surgery? How will I take meds after surgery and who is responsible for making sure I have detailed instructions about that? --what tests do you (not the insurance company) require before surgery and what are some possible results that would cause you to delay surgery or not do it at all? --how often will I see you in the hospital after my surgery? What will you be checking me for? --what do you think are the biggest factors leading to either successful weight loss and maintenance of weight loss, or lack of success in losing weight/maintaining weight loss?

I'm meeting my surgeon tommorrow! I'm excited and your questions are pretty important and will be asking some of them thanks

[MzGee 65]

Thank you both SO MUCH !!! I am literally sitting in the office waiting in the surgeon now looking at these awesome questions & concerns thank you again I'll let you know how it goes