List of questions to ask? Surgeon Consult

[Band_Groupie 3]

Is there a list of questions for your first surgeon consult anywhere on here (I'm anal, I know-have another list for the insurance lady)? I realize that some of these may get answered at the initial seminars (been to mine already), but I still have lots of details to ask. I'm hoping the Dr. will cover most of this when I get there. Here's what I have so far, PLEASE help me add to this (going in a few weeks, thanks!):

PRE-OP

- Pre-Op Diet- how long, what/when? Night before-what/when?

- Bowel Prep- or not, what/when?

- My Meds.- continue reg. meds, Vitamins, up until when?

WHICH BAND (I have a choice)

- Realize- Want to see this one filled/crease concern, and the bend back lock

- Lap-Band APS or APL- How much fill is in it immediately, and is this all in the port/tube (zero band fill)? See it filled.

- Low profile port- Which has? option for me now or later?

SURGERY/IN HOSPITAL

- When does surgery get scheduled/criteria? Tentative date or wait for insurance approval?

- Allergies- Mine-soaps/sheets, adhesive tape (fine with the hypo-allergenic kind), all environmental (asthma)

- Anesthesia-preventatives for nausea possible (I get easily nauseated, was given 2 things for nausea by anesthesiologist last surgery)?

- Catheter- used? out when?

- Oxygen/IV- confirm yes- also?

- Clot Preventatives- leg sleeves? meds, other?

- Band- Attachment-How-lower stomach folds up and sutured (2-5) on one side? How long until it is secure/fused How can slippage occur? Is it tested during surgery, blue dye or how?

- Port (I can chose where) Determine best position, attached how? How long until it is secure/fused? How can flips occur?

- CO2- What do you do to minimize gas pains? Remove excess? Is it heated/humidified? Meds after?

- Incisions- Confirm 5/locations? Use staples, stitches, glue? Protected with what/coverings?

- Complications- should I expect any with my history?

- Timing- (Mainly for DH)What is approx. timing/process of surgery (arival, prep, surgery, recovery, etc.)

- Pain Meds- after, what, how often, side effects/nausea?

- My Meds- Can I take my reg. meds in hospital, when?

- Nausea- Meds available immediately after if needed?

- Coughing- (some wake up and cough, I have asthma and easily cough) are meds available for this immediately? Can I also take inhaler immediately?

- Length of stay- 1 night? What is the criteria for release?

- Tests- Barium swallow? X-ray? Urine test? Other?

- Expectations- Up and walking when? Shower? etc.

HOME/POST-OP

- Incisions- What to expect, treat them, buy anything, timing?

- Expectations/Instructions- sleeping (propped up?), lifting, work, pain-when to call, etc.

- Pain Meds- What, how often? Can I pre-fill Rx?

- Other Meds- Nausea/Vomiting (get Rx for Phenergan), Diarrhea/Constipation, Coughing, Gas pains? Get Rx or OK list for OTC, and when it's OK. Call at what point?

- My Meds.- If not started in hospital, when is it OK to start regular meds., vitamins?

- Card- LB card to carry in wallet available, info. on limitations, loc. of port, surgeon info?

- Diet- Phases what/when? Vitamin supplements? What to buy?

- Exercise- What, when?

LONG TERM

- Dr. Visits- What is normal schedule for post-op visits, for what, testing, or only see at fills?

- Fills- What is normal schedule/Normal amounts? Criteria? Who does? How are they done- xray, fluroscope, barium swallow, local anesthetic? Unfills the same?

- Complications- Fill/restriction issues, Port/Band Pain, When to call?

- Support Group- Schedule

Edited December 2, 2008 by Band_Groupie

[plain 12]

Wow, that's an impressive list. I can't think of anything else to add to that.

[Band_Groupie 3]

All compiled from everyone's posts/research here...I'm sure I'm missing something though...