How and when to resume bariatric surgery in the COVID-19 era.

[Alex Brecher 10,515]

The ASMBS held a webinar yesterday for bariatric surgeons discussing the topic of how and when to resume bariatric surgery in the COVID-19 era.

You can watch the webinar at https://asmbs.org/resources/restarting-surgery-issues-to-consider

If your surgeon called you tomorrow to schedule surgery within the next 1-2 months, are you comfortable having your surgery?

[Elizavalle 1]

My procedure was scheduled for April 1 and we pushed 3 weeks to April 22- and DID IT!!! there was some additional screening and more restrictive hospital policy with COVID- but it was an easy choice for me

[Hop_Scotch 1,633]

I had my surgery mid March just as it was ramping up in my country and the state where I had the surgery. I was certainly happy at the time that I went through with it and I had my surgery a little under a week before all elective surgeries were cancelled.

Now if I was waiting for WLS, I would be undecided and whether I went ahead with it would be dependent on a few things: number of recent new cases in the state/location, number of recent deaths in the state, number of community transfers still ongoing, how the hospital was/is still being impacted are some of the first things that come to mind that I would consider.

[PuddinJasper 100]

I was scheduled on Friday for 5/15. I was okay with going through with it until they said I can only have my husband drop me off and pick me up. Now...I'm on the fence.

It's MY time!

[Hop_Scotch 1,633]

30 minutes ago, PuddinJasper said:

I was scheduled on Friday for 5/15. I was okay with going through with it until they said I can only have my husband drop me off and pick me up. Now...I'm on the fence.

It's MY time!

I travelled out of state for my surgery and I was by myself, I was fine by myself, in fact I preferred it. If that is the only thing that is holding you back, you will be in hospital two or three nights? Time will go fast, the first day you probably won't feel like company, second day you will be walking, walking (hopefully), before you know it you are ready to go home.

[A New Day is coming! 4]

I think scheduling surgery in the next couple of months is completely safe for the majority. There are a few areas were the virus was more pronounced and still have a heavy load. If you really want to know if your area hospital is overloaded simply ask what their census is in both the general patient and the ICU. Most have available space to care as many are not pursuing elective procedures. It really is dependent upon each areas impact or concentration of the pandemic. I am scheduled for a hernia repair in May here in Nashville, TN. My WLS won’t be until August or September. My confidence in this area is strong.

[PuddinJasper 100]

My surgery is actually at a private Surgery Center so it is technically outpatient at a 23 hour facility here in Delaware. My doctor is affiliated with the major hospitals here as well.

It's MY time!

[SmsShelton 1]

Im so ready for mine. If they called tomorrow i would be ready to go! I can submit to ins for approval on may 11th.

[Mokitty87 2]

I live in NJ,I was originally scheduled for Apr 14th, then cancelled in March, they just called last week, I’m rescheduled for June 2nd. I’m nervous and excited, and hoping that everything settles down so I don’t get postponed again.

[over65 133]

My hospital requiring Covid-19 testing 48 hours before surgery. OK with me. I can feel confident that there are no infected patients roaming hall.

[It's time. 145]

I'm so jealous that you guys are getting new dates. I was scheduled for April 15. Michigan is still on lockdown.

[PuddinJasper 100]

No worries...delay is NOT denial. It's coming! And I can't wait for you to get your new date!

It's MY time!