Questions to ask your surgeon pre-op

[It’sMe 14]

Hello - I’m scheduled for a gastric sleeve at Blossom Bariatrics later in June. I have done a lot of research and they have a lot of educational materials/videos that they have provided. However, I know I do not know everything, and am trying to prepare.

What questions did you ask your surgeon pre-op? I’m making a list and would love to know what you found helpful to ask. Thanks!

[SummerTimeGirl 582]

I asked a lot of stuff that was pretty much answered in the videos I had to watch (and take tests on) afterwards and in the binder that was sent to me. But these are some of the things I asked (some may seem silly but it was all new to me lol).............

Various types of surgery?
Which is best for me?
How long does it take?
How many days in hospital?
How many holes in stomach?
Medication after surgery?
How many have you performed?
Mortality rate?
What tests need to be done prior?
What makes the surgery work when dieting and exercise never has?
Will it fix my PCOS and Insulin Resistance?
Does insurance cover all the pre-testing as well as the surgery?
Time line of stuff to be done until we get to surgery?
What does my Insurance require?

Recovery questions:
How worried do I need to be about the insides coming undone?
Do the staples inside the stomach stay forever or does the stomach sort of mend itself together?
OK to get future MRI w/staples (if they remain in the stomach)?
How often do I need to worry about getting up and walking as to avoid blood clots?
How long after surgery before you can exercise w/bike, swimming, weights, etc.?
Hair loss?
Will I continue taking my medication as usual?
What pain meds, tylenol, etc can I take afterwards?
How long after until you can have sex?

Post Op
What would be my goal weight? I am personally comfortable with ..... (I gave 180).
How long will digestion take/how long does it take food to empty from stomach afterwards?
What will my stomach capacity be short and long term?
supplements for life?
Alcohol use after?

Fears
Fear of death.
Fear of losing too much/looking older.
Fear of problems down the road.
Right now carbs and sugar stop me from losing weight and whenever I try lose I always know to avoid those foods. Once I have the surgery, will I be able to eat foods that I currently stay away from such as whole wheat, oatmeal, fruits, certain rice, Beans, etc. Things that are normally a part of any other persons normal, healthy diet?