HELP..........

Hey everyone! I am driving to Decatur tomorrow. My appointment is at 11:00 and we are leaving here at 5AM. Please give me ideas of questions to ask my doctor tomorrow!  He has done the surgery before when he practiced in North Carolina but the hospital he is practicing at hasn't done any yet. So I know I need to ask the hospital questions as well as the doctor. I also see the nutritionist tomorrow so I will ask how well prepared they are for the dietary needs of a WLS patient. So anyone and everyone please give me ideas on what to ask him. Thank you so much everyone! Angie

Ask how it is going to work with a new hospital. Ask about any concerns you may have.

Thanks for your help Melissa!! I really had no idea when I first asked this question but in the last few hours I have put together some questions with the help of you and a lady from the MO board and also from other posts on here and by calling a friend who had WLS 4years ago. Here is my list in case anyone can use it to help them when they wonder what to ask!  I know some of my questions may be worded wrong or even dumb but HEY it's a list so I am happy now. Thanks again so much. Angie

How many weight loss surgeries have you done? Open?        Laparoscopic? Number of WLS surgeries per week currently being performed? What is schedule?
Are you board certified?

Why did you choose this hospital? Laparoscopic v. Open – what are determining factors? Chance of change in surgery?  How many serious complications have there been?

How many deaths? What are the top reasons for these complications? What is the average time of surgery? Additional diagnostics needed?

Do you have detailed pre-op & post-op recommendations?

Do you insert and or leave in:

• Catheters
• Drain tubes
• Breathing tubes
• NG tube
• Other:

Will I be in ICU the 1^st night? (due to sleep apnea) How prepared is the staff for after-care of WLS patients?

• Over-sized equipment
• Sugar-free liquids?
• Other:

 

 

 

Who actually involved in the surgical procedure?

 

 

 

 

Anesthesiologist – Opportunity to talk with anesthesiologist prior to day of surgery?

 

 

 

Transfusions? Advance donation of own blood?

 

 

 

Post-op visits in hospital – doctor or someone else?

 

 

 

Who decides about my medications (ie. when to stop them, etc.) Post-op do I call my primary care doc or you for any follow-ups or problems during the 1^st year?

 

 

 

Effect on menstrual cycles. Hormone replacement therapy?

 

 

 

Revisions necessary? Cir****tances/frequency

 

 

 

What are some unrealistic expectations people have? Am I on a liquid diet before surgery? How long after surgery until I have soft food?

How long after surgery until I have regular food?

 

 

Current length of wait after insurance approval?

How soon can surgery be scheduled? What can I do to have a successful surgery?

Do you or the hospital support or recommend any WLS support groups?

That sure looks good to me