What should I be asking the dr?

I have my first appt to see my surgeon on Friday. I know I"m going to forget to ask him some questions due to nerves. So I thought maybe you guys can give me some pointers. I'm leaning more towards the band surgery than the RnY. Thanks in advance. Tabby

Hi Tabby~~ Good Luck on Friday! It's a good idea to write down all your concerns and questions. Sometimes when the nerves take over, we forget! Hope this helps you. \ ********** Questions to ask your Surgeon ********* ~~~ How many surgeries have you performed? ~~~ Success rate? ~~~ What type of surgery is best for me...VBG...RNY (Gastric Bypass) Distal or Proximal ~~~ Why do you suggest this type for me? ~~~ Will my Insurance Co cover the type of surgery I have chosen? ~~~ How long will it take to get Insurance Approval? ~~~ How does the insurance billing work? ~~~ How soon can we schedule surgery?... Can I choose a specific date? ~~~ How long will I be in surgery? ~~~ Do you staple or suture the stomach? ~~~ How can I prepare for surgery...Mentally... Physically!! ~~~ Do you require me to stop smoking before surgery? If yes, why and when? ~~~ If your are a smoker how will that affect my recovery time. ~~~ What are your Special instructions 2 - 3 days before surgery? ~~~ Does the hospital allow my husband to spend the night? ~~~ Does the hospital have a Weight Loss Surgery Ward? ~~~ Do you visit my loved ones after the surgery to tell them how it went? ~~~ Reasons the surgery may not happen after you open me? ~~~ How long is the average recovery time for...open...lap surgery ~~~ How soon can I...Shower...Do Water aerobics...Exercise...Have Sex...Drive a car? ~~~ What types of pain management do you provide...at the hospital...at home? Ask for Sugar-Free meds. ~~~ How many follow up appointments will I have? ~~~ Do You have support group meetings? If not....where do you send your patients as they are very important to attend..Before and After surgery! ~~~ Will I have an opportunity to meet with the anesthesiologist before surgery? ~~~ Does he/she have experience with obese people? ~~~ Will I be on a ventilator? ~~~ Will I have a tube down my nose or throat, when I wake up? ~~~ Will I need a catheter? ~~~ Will I have drainage tubes in my incision...how many...for how long? ~~~ How long will I stay in the hospital...barring NO complications? ~~~ Do you suggest that I wear a binder? ~~~ Will I be experiencing hair loss....if so, what do you suggest I do. ~~~ What do you recommend to avoid vitamin deficiencies? ~~~ How many grams of Protein do you recommend daily? ~~~ What do you recommend regarding the amount of Sugar per food item? ~~~ How common is vomiting?...how can I try to avoid it? ~~~ What is your Food Plan for the first few months post op? And at 1 year!! ~~~ What Medications will I have to avoid after WLS...Why...Is this temporary or permanent? ~~~ What else will I need to avoid? ~~~ How much weight can I expect to lose with this surgery? ~~~ Do you have a list of everything printed up, so I can take it home today and make sure I understand everything? ~~~ Do you have a doctor on call 24 hours, in case I need to have a question answered immediatly after WLS? Alice