Pre-op appt w/ dr barker

I have my preop appt tomorrow.  I feel that I am very well prepared and have done a ton of research.  I am a mechanical engineer and I tend to be very technical.

The problem is that I don't have anything to ask tomorrow.  Is there any questions that I am over looking?  Do you have suggestions on anything that I could ask?

Is there anyone else that has an appt with dr barker tomorrow?

Thanks,
Mary

Mary I'm tired right now and may come back with additional suggestions but here are a few:

1)  How many surgeries (type you are wanting) has he done.
2)  Do you think (surgery you want) is the best surgery for you, after discussing your weight history, medical history, years of obesity, etc.
3)  What is his complication rate?
4)  How long of a hospital stay?
5)  Suggested follow up plan.
6)  If your insurance gives you trouble, how willing are they to fight your insurance for approval?
7)  What is his pre-op preparations that you need to begin or prepare for?
8)  What is his post-op eating plan?

Dana has some good question suggestions. Bring something to read, because everytime I've been there I've waited an hour or more to see him. Maybe its different now. Do you know what type of surgery you want? Check out his post-op care- do they have a nutritionist, support groups, etc. That's very important. Good luck Mary!

That's what I was going to say..."bring a book."  But, I have to say, my experience was different with his office.  I never waited long......well, except one time when I waited on him for 17 hours in the ER on the brink of death. 

But, he ultimately saved my life so I guess I won't hold it against him.   

Thanks!  I have the answers to most of the questions you asked, except for the insurance one, hadn't thought about that!

I am having the VSG (sleeve).  I think I went it to my first appt with him way too prepared, LOL...now I don't have anymore questions.

My first appt, I waited 6 hrs!  I had prepared for that and brought a book with me and I was fine, I'll do the same tomorrow.  I will pray for only a one hour wait, LOL!!!

Dana,

I have a silly question for you.  Can you eat crawfish after your surgery? 

Mary

I eat crawfish all the time girl......all the time: now i did wait until I could handle seafood, but now I can handle the crawfish......just NO head....I'm not that type of girl...lol

OXOX
Mel

Heehee ok Mary I had to laugh because that was one of my concerns too with the RNY, if the fat from crawfish would make me sick.  YES I can eat them no problem.  The first time though at about 4 months out I managed a whole 3 crawfish and was stuffed.  Now I can eat about a lb if that's all I have, before surgery I'd eat 5-6 lbs by myself.

Yeah!!!  Hubs and I were talking about that last night (over crawfish).  And I don't do the head either.  I am from south, south, south louisiana (lafayette) and I don't ever recall seeing anyone suck the heads unless they were trying to gross out some non-cajun person or just showing off.

I guess I am timing the surgery just right...The end of crawfish season is coming up, I should be ready to go by next season, LOL!!

mary

I hope I'm not to late, but you may want to ask about Dr. Barker's post-op exerciserecommendations. I remember getting the pre-op recommendations, but not the post-op plan.