Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

List of questions to ask? Surgeon Consult



Recommended Posts

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 by Band_Groupie

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Alisa_S

      Gearing up for my consult 01/14! Starting to get a little nervous.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Goyafigs

      I had VSG 11.20.24 with Miguel Burch, MD Cedars-Sinai and I am 1 month post-op. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • DaisyChainOz

      🥳 Jan 1 2025 - Day 1 of Pre Op, surgery on the 16th! 😬😅
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Alisa_S

      Just been waiting until time for my consult with my bariatric surgeon. It's scheduled for Jan 9th. Turns out I won't actually be seeing him. Apparently it'll be with his P.A.             Not sure what to expect. I thought this is where the surgeon would discuss the best surgery option for me. For years I had my heart set on the sleeve, but I've read so many people have issues with reflux - even if they've never had it before - that they've had to be revised to the bypass. I already deal with GERD & take 40 mg of Omeprazole daily, so I started studying about bypass and honestly, it seems like it might be the better choice for me. How can we discuss surgery options if the surgeon is not there?
      What happened at your first consult? Trying to get an idea of what to expect, or maybe I should say, what NOT to expect.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • rinabobina

      I would like to know what questions you wish you had asked prior to your duodenal switch surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×