Wondering what to ask

Greetings all! I've been lurking around OH for about a month reading your posts and digesting all the knowledge you freely share. I will be inspired by one post and the next one will scare the bejesus out of me. I'm an infant on this journey and need some friends to step along with me that know what I'm experiencing.

My PCP has been talking to me for a couple of years about DS and has made a referral for a consultation next month. I am 56 and have co-morbidities diagnosed about 3 years ago along with 150 extra pounds. This consultation will probably be a big factor in deciding if I want to progress any further. I don't know what I should be prepared to discuss or questions I should ask at this initial step.

Also, what other sites did you find useful in helping you determine WLS was right for you and that DS was the right option? What one factor or incident was your turning point?

Thank you and hoping to connect with some new friends!

DSfacts.com is a good place to start. And, since you are in Texas be sure to check out Dr. Daryl Stewart in Denton. Hes one of the best and the only vetted DS surgeon in Texas.

Thanks, I've perused that site but it never hurts to read it again.

I second for Dr. Daryl Stewart. He is amazing. 

I see your surgery is coming up soon from the date on your post. What was the time frame from your first consultation until your surgery date? I'm also curious as to the hospitals he uses?

Hey, you're really lucky---you already have a PCP who knows about the DS!

What are your co-morbs? The DS is hands-down THE surgery if you have diabetes or high cholesterol. Same thing if you need NSAIDs on a regular basis, insulin resistance, PCOS, etc.

I too recommend you talk with Dr. Stewart. There are some other surgeons in Texas who do the DS, but none of them have Dr. Stewart's excellent track record. (And one in particular has a history of bad aftercare.)

Diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and prescription Aleve daily. Dr. Stewart would be the surgeon if he accepted me.

How do I study up on how many he's performed, complication rate, etc? That's discussed on several threads I've read, but where is everyone finding theses statistics??

You can ask Dr Stewart.  Hes very up front and easy to talk to.