Pre-consult jitters and questions

Hi, Everybody: Well, my first consult with Dr. H is October 11th. Needless to say I'm beginning to get nervous about the consult. I'm still debating between the lapband and the rny. Did any of you question what procedure you wanted? I'm trying to get all my "ducks in a row". Have all my medical records, letters from various doctors, psych. eval., diet consult., all completed. Wondering if anyone can give me suggestions on what to bring with me on the first consult. Also, what questions did you all ask? I have started a list of questions and now my mind seems to have went blank. Thank guys, you are the greatest! Debbie D. P.S. Just had to add that my oldest son (age 16) received his Eagle Scout Award this past summer. I'm the middle of planning his Eagle Court of Honor (September 30th). So things have been really hectic around my house! That's part of the reason I seem more scattered that usual! lol

I for some reason dont think i ask him many questions when i had my consult with him . I just wanted to know if he would accept me as a patient then didnt see him again until right after surgery. lol He is a wonderful surgeon and will answer any and all questions you have so what ever you havent studied on and want to know about write it down and ask him. Congradulations on your son being Eagle Scout that is quite an accomplishment. Jan

Debbie: Although I haven't been on the board for a few days (as noted by Jan!), I just happened to scan the postings this afternoon and so this one from you. Because I am extremely anal, I had a typed list of questions that I took to my initial appointment with Dr. Scott (along with my 3-ring binder that had copies of everything I had submitted Dr. Scott's office, including 2 different colored graphs of my weight history... you get the picture. As my grandma would have said, I'm not a well woman!). Couldn't help sending these on when I saw your post. Also, congrats on the new Eagle Scout! My son got his two summers ago. He is in a fairly large troop that really focuses on advancement, so they have one big Eagle Court of Honor every March, with anywhere from 4 or 5 to 10 or 11 boys advancing. Back when my son was still on the way up, I was the Eagle Court of Honor chair person for 3 years, so I completely appreciate what you are going through. Good Luck! Questions for Initial Consultation ? Number of WLS surgeries actually performed, both open and laparoscopic Mortality/morbidity rates - cir****tances ? Number of WLS surgeries per week currently being performed? What is schedule? ? Current length of wait after insurance approval? ? Laparoscopic v. Open - what are determining factors? Chance of change in surgery? ? Additional diagnostics needed? Experience with GEHA approvals ? Gall bladder problems - removal of gall bladder with WLS? Pros/cons. ? Transfusions? Advance donation of own blood? ? Who actually involved in the surgical procedure? ? Are residents part of the care team? ? Anesthesiologist - preference for Dr. Mary Kussman or Dr. Angel Stewart Opportunity to talk with anesthesiologist prior to day of surgery? ? Effect on menstrual cycles. Hormone replacement therapy? ? Post-op visits in hospital - doctor or someone else? ? Post op support groups? ? Post-op care ? ? Revisions necessary? Cir****tances/frequency

Lucky D: Can you tell me what GEHA stands for? I saw it in your post and I'm wondering what it referst to. Thanks again for your help. I've already copied and pasted your questions into my list for Dr. H! Debbie D.

Debbie: GEHA is my insurance company (Government Employees Hospitalization Association). Good Luck!

Thanks, guys! What a great group of people we have on the Missouri Board! I really appreciate your openess to share things with me. Thanks again! Debbie

Dear Debbie, I dont think there is any such thing as bringing "too much" documentation to your consult. I am seeing Dr. Fearing in Columbia, and we are required to fax in a lot of that information ahead of time. I still brought in my medical records from my PCP, GYN and my Orthopedic surgeon, just to share it with them and let them have copies if they desired. I would make your list ahead of time, take advice from people like Lucky- and make sure you are comfortable. Jitters are normal. I actually got sick to my stomach the day I was driving to Columbia as I was so nervous and anxious about the whole thing-and worried that they would turn me down, even though I knew in my heart it would be okay.....as soon as I got settled in my little room, I was fine, still a little nervous, but a lot calmer. I have heard a lot of good things about Dr. H, so I believe you will be in good hands. Good luck in your journey and with your son, I think its best to have a little distraction so that you dont concentrate on the waiting, LOL....Good luck and take care. Jan