5 Lifesaving Questions to ask...

kellymoos · February 9, 2005

In the November 4-2003 issue of Family Circle they have an article about Weight Loss surgery and the Lap-Band is mentioned...but here is some advice they gave when looking for a Dr. I will post what they said about the lap-band in another post.

Since all bariatric surgeries involve considerable risks, it is vialt to ask as many questions as possible, including the following, before deciding if a procedure is right for you:

1. Does the surgeon work with a team? Will a doctor, nutritionist and therapist screen you? Be wary of those planning little presurgery evaluation and follow-up.

2. Does the Doctor keep data on patients? Don't be concerned solely with how many pounds patients lose; complications and death rates are more important.

3. Are support groups available? Are there meetings, where, before opting for it, you can talk to people who have had the surgery? Are both medical and psychological issues related to the procedure addressed safisfactorily?

4. Check out the hospital where your operation would be performed. Does it have proper safety procedures for bariatric patients?

5. Does the surgeon follow patients longterm? Avoid those who dismiss patients after 3-6 months.

Hope this helps all of the newbies out there!!