Question:
This list of questions to pose to a surgeon might be useful to preops...

A question has been posed several times recently in the chat room re: what questions do you ask a surgeon. I found this list on another sight and thought it might be useful to many preops. Of course there are lots more questions, but I think this would be a good start and I hope it will help some of you. Good luck!<BR>1. Are you listed with the ASBS (American Society of Bariatric Surgery<BR>2. Which procedure do you prefer to use?<BR>3. Do you offer more than one type of procedure? If so what are they and what is the difference in the results?<BR>4. Is the surgery you have chosen for me reversible?<BR>5. Is there dumping with this particular surgery, and why?<BR>6. Does it include a silastic ring?<BR>7. How common are reversals?<BR>8. How many staple line disruptions have you had?<BR>9. Do you transect the stomach?<BR>10. How often do you see ulcers on the stomach after surgery?<BR>11. Do you offer laps, and how many have you done?<BR>12. How small will my stomach be after surgery?<BR>13. Is any of the intestine bypassed, if so how much?<BR>14. What is the national mortality rate for this surgery?<BR>15. What is the mortality rate for this surgery at this clinic?<BR>16. How common are spleenectomies here?<BR>17. What is your most common complication here?<BR>18. How many of these surgeries do you perform a year, and how long have you been doing it?<BR>19. For the incision, do you use staples, stitches or blind stitches (inside that you can't see?<BR>20. What is the long-term success rate of your patients who have had this particular surgery?<BR>21. Do you have a gall bladder policy? I have noticed that many people have gall bladder problems after surgery.<BR>22. How many days in the hospital? How many, if any, in ICU?<BR>23. How long off solid foods? <BR>24. How long before I can return to work?<BR>25. How long before I can start exercising? <BR>26. What hospital is used and does it handle all of your bariatric patients? <BR>27. How many trips will I make to your clinic before surgery and what for?<BR>28. Do you have a list of post op patients that I can contact for referrals or is there a phone list I can sign up for?<BR>29. Do you run a support group? Do you know of any local support groups? When does it meet?<BR>30. Will I meet with a nutritionist before/after surgery or both, and is it arranged through your office?<BR>31. Can I get a copy of the post op sample diet?    — Martha O. (posted on March 21, 2000)

March 21, 2000
Thank you for posting your list. There is an extensive list that has been posted within the last 3 months. You can obtain it by searching the database for 'questions'; it is alphabetical under "questions to ask the surgeon' in the results of the database search. Please let me know if I can assist in helping anyone learn to search the database.
   — Toni B.

January 2, 2003
Hola, I have about '70' Questions' prepared 4 my Doctor!!! I've done a lot of research, plus I bought an EXCELLENT BOOK, which has everything from: {Benefits & Risks, Selecting your Surgeon, Dealing with your Insurer, Financing your Surgery, Pre-Surgery Preparation, Pre-Surgery Check List, Post-Op Living, Life After Surgery & SO MUCH MUCH MUCH MORE!!!} This BOOK, has been my greatest source of Information, Inspiration, Education & Salvation ;) it truly is a "2nd BIBLE". I HIGHLY recommend it 2 anyone considering any Weight Loss Surgery! I think it should B MANDATORY 4 "EVERY" Doctor 2 have this book. E-mail me at [email protected] & I can send U the Consultation Questions & whatever else I may B able 2 help U with! Best of Luck 2 everyone!!! Happy New Year 2 ALL!!! Johanna
   — Johanna H.