i could use some help with questios i should ask dr at first meeting
so i have been reading weight loss surgery for dummies. i am trying to figure out. would it be rude to ask the doctor if anyone ever died during surgery with them, or even after like 30 or 60 days out? or things like how many surgeries have you performed.
i asked one friend who is a Dr but in another area. he said it could come across as negative asking. but heck, this is my life i am wondering about lol. just wondered what you may think about that. i know the % is very low but still good questions i would think.
also if anyone can suggest any questions i should ask that i might not be thinking of i would appreciate it
i asked one friend who is a Dr but in another area. he said it could come across as negative asking. but heck, this is my life i am wondering about lol. just wondered what you may think about that. i know the % is very low but still good questions i would think.
also if anyone can suggest any questions i should ask that i might not be thinking of i would appreciate it
When you're looking for a Bariatric surgeon/points to ponder:
http://www.amylhwilliams.com/questionsforsurgeon.html good link also
1) Check out info on this site: http://www.nydoctorprofile.com/ (*search under his name & look for any malpractice suits, payouts etc. You can ask about that). There must be a site for each state look up Doctor Profile + your state and google for a site!
2) Is he board-certified by the American Board of Surgery?
www.absurgery.org
American College of Surgeons?
http://web3.facs.org/acsdir/public/Detail.cfm?CHKDGTS=00299031800
3) Is he a member of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons? http://www.asbs.org/html/about/membersearch2.html
4) What is the mortality rate (is the number of deaths) of the surgeon, the success rate (those losing > 50% of their excess wt at 5 yrs out)? Complication rates (wound infections, hernias, strictures, leaks, reoperation etc)? Average length of time in hospital.
5) The surgeon you find should be well experienced in the area of weight loss surgery (BARIATRICS). It's clear that the more experienced the surgeon, the lower the risk of mortality. Ideally, you would prefer to find a surgeon who has performed at least 100 of these procedures. (I say over 500!). I also recommend a surgeon who dedicates his practice to WLS, not one who does a case a week....
6) What you are looking for doesn't stop with numbers and statistics -- you will also need a multidisciplinary team one that includes: Surgeon, nutritionist, exercise physiologists, psychological support & support groups, that can be utilized pre- and post-operatively.
7) Look for a center or hospital that offers educational seminars to those who are just beginning the process so you can learn more about the actual procedure, the benefits, and the risks.
8) Is the hospital a Bariatric Center of Excellence? MOST insurances won't pay unless it is (I wouldn't go if it weren't!!!)
http://www.asbs.org/html/about/coe.html or http://www.surgicalreview.org/locate.aspx
http://www.facs.org/viewing/cqi/bscn/fullapproval.html
9) The preparation, both physical and mental, comes next, and is as crucial to the entire process as the actual procedure. Look to a surgeon that requires clearance from (what is indicated w/ your particular medical status) various doctors (psych/endocrine/hemotology/pulmonary/cardiology/nutrition etc). No this is not @ hoops this is making sure your health status is optimized before surgery. Preop smoking cessation, preop wt loss..etc.
10) What procedures does he do? Open or Lap? What is his follow up plan? Recovery time?
Education is a tremendously important part of the preoperative process & there is no question that there are major risks associated with the operation. However, those risks can be minimized by having a thorough preoperative workup so there aren't surprises during the procedure, and by making sure the surgeon is experienced and qualified. This is a courageous step for people to take, and it's not just about weight changing -- it's about life changing. SO take your time, find the right surgeon/surgical program for you for your life and your health and success long-term! WLS is a decision many of us make, but should not be made impulsively (*the average time one thinks about and has WLS is 2 yrs!) as we as MO people can feel quite desperate and see this as a last resort and can sometimes go with whoever is telling us they will perform, that may not be in our best interest!
EDUCATION IS KEY, AS IS A COMMITMENT & dedication to a healthy diet and exercise regimen, continual follow-up with doctors to monitor progress, and commitment to a new life.
Ask him all these questions or any others think of or you think of, if HE isn't right, find someone who is! After all you're putting your life in his hands and needing someone to care for you for life!!! Be an educated consumer of your own health! HUGS!
http://www.amylhwilliams.com/questionsforsurgeon.html good link also
1) Check out info on this site: http://www.nydoctorprofile.com/ (*search under his name & look for any malpractice suits, payouts etc. You can ask about that). There must be a site for each state look up Doctor Profile + your state and google for a site!
2) Is he board-certified by the American Board of Surgery?
www.absurgery.org
American College of Surgeons?
http://web3.facs.org/acsdir/public/Detail.cfm?CHKDGTS=00299031800
3) Is he a member of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons? http://www.asbs.org/html/about/membersearch2.html
4) What is the mortality rate (is the number of deaths) of the surgeon, the success rate (those losing > 50% of their excess wt at 5 yrs out)? Complication rates (wound infections, hernias, strictures, leaks, reoperation etc)? Average length of time in hospital.
5) The surgeon you find should be well experienced in the area of weight loss surgery (BARIATRICS). It's clear that the more experienced the surgeon, the lower the risk of mortality. Ideally, you would prefer to find a surgeon who has performed at least 100 of these procedures. (I say over 500!). I also recommend a surgeon who dedicates his practice to WLS, not one who does a case a week....
6) What you are looking for doesn't stop with numbers and statistics -- you will also need a multidisciplinary team one that includes: Surgeon, nutritionist, exercise physiologists, psychological support & support groups, that can be utilized pre- and post-operatively.
7) Look for a center or hospital that offers educational seminars to those who are just beginning the process so you can learn more about the actual procedure, the benefits, and the risks.
8) Is the hospital a Bariatric Center of Excellence? MOST insurances won't pay unless it is (I wouldn't go if it weren't!!!)
http://www.asbs.org/html/about/coe.html or http://www.surgicalreview.org/locate.aspx
http://www.facs.org/viewing/cqi/bscn/fullapproval.html
9) The preparation, both physical and mental, comes next, and is as crucial to the entire process as the actual procedure. Look to a surgeon that requires clearance from (what is indicated w/ your particular medical status) various doctors (psych/endocrine/hemotology/pulmonary/cardiology/nutrition etc). No this is not @ hoops this is making sure your health status is optimized before surgery. Preop smoking cessation, preop wt loss..etc.
10) What procedures does he do? Open or Lap? What is his follow up plan? Recovery time?
Education is a tremendously important part of the preoperative process & there is no question that there are major risks associated with the operation. However, those risks can be minimized by having a thorough preoperative workup so there aren't surprises during the procedure, and by making sure the surgeon is experienced and qualified. This is a courageous step for people to take, and it's not just about weight changing -- it's about life changing. SO take your time, find the right surgeon/surgical program for you for your life and your health and success long-term! WLS is a decision many of us make, but should not be made impulsively (*the average time one thinks about and has WLS is 2 yrs!) as we as MO people can feel quite desperate and see this as a last resort and can sometimes go with whoever is telling us they will perform, that may not be in our best interest!
EDUCATION IS KEY, AS IS A COMMITMENT & dedication to a healthy diet and exercise regimen, continual follow-up with doctors to monitor progress, and commitment to a new life.
Ask him all these questions or any others think of or you think of, if HE isn't right, find someone who is! After all you're putting your life in his hands and needing someone to care for you for life!!! Be an educated consumer of your own health! HUGS!
Take Care, 
Jamie Ellis RN MS NPP
100cm proximal Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh Albany, NY
320(preop)/163(lowest)/185(current) 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery)
Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King www.albanyplasticsurgeons.com
http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/jamiecatlady5/
"Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!"
Jamie Ellis RN MS NPP
100cm proximal Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh Albany, NY
320(preop)/163(lowest)/185(current) 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery)
Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King www.albanyplasticsurgeons.com
http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/jamiecatlady5/
"Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!"
I was actually told the rates of some of these things during my inital meeting without even asking like leak rate/infection rate weight loss percentage hell i didnt even have questions to ask when he was done talking with his explanations i think it depends on previous patients and what they have asked also sometimes the doctor may make it part of his routine talk
I went on many consultations and asked alll the doctors how many surgeries they have performed how many they killed etc.... One guy i went to was noted as a "Sleeve Specialist" when asked how many cleeves he has performed... 14 or 15.... no thanks buddy.... NEXT!!! Never be afraid to ask!
Other questions... depending on what surgery you are asking...
what size band do u typically use, how big will the pouch be, what is the hospitals policy in terms on of putting you out before the or or on the table, how early can you have visitors, what kind of aftercare plan do you offer ie: support groups, events etc.... How long is the stay in the hospital, do u give a surgery date before or after approval.... thats all I can think of for now :-)
goood luck!!
Other questions... depending on what surgery you are asking...
what size band do u typically use, how big will the pouch be, what is the hospitals policy in terms on of putting you out before the or or on the table, how early can you have visitors, what kind of aftercare plan do you offer ie: support groups, events etc.... How long is the stay in the hospital, do u give a surgery date before or after approval.... thats all I can think of for now :-)
goood luck!!
Looking for a great time in NY! Come to the OH Long Island Conference 2011! Use Coupon Code LebowitzNY11 for $30 off and a free t-shirt and tote bag! All proceeds will be donated to the OAC
he answered all my questions without hesitation and i agree, it seemed like he knew i was going to ask everything i did.
i even asked him what happens to the other part of the stomach after its seperated. i was pretty happy with his answer, he told me that chop it up and use it for fishing bait:)
and on the recovery time, i was happy to hear he returns to work the next day lol:)
very nice guy, put me at ease
i even asked him what happens to the other part of the stomach after its seperated. i was pretty happy with his answer, he told me that chop it up and use it for fishing bait:)
and on the recovery time, i was happy to hear he returns to work the next day lol:)
very nice guy, put me at ease
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