Question:
I need some help!

I am seriously considering getting the surgery done. I have read three different books about and I feel like it is the best thing for me to do. What I am having problems with is finding questions to ask the doctor when i go in to see him. Can someone (or anyone) who has gone to see the doctor or had had the surgery give me some of the questions you asked your doctor? I feel like they have all been answered but I know after I go see him I will think of some. Thanks for any help you can give!    — manbandone (posted on January 19, 2004)

January 19, 2004
Mary, It really depends on which surgical procedure you are choosing. Which of the 5 are you leaning toward? Have you checked out: http://www.gr-ds.com/forpatients/Comparison_Html.html http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/m-surgerytypes.phtml Blessings, dina
   — Dina McBride

January 19, 2004
Check out the profile for Sharon Neva. She has a lot of information including a list of questions to ask the doc.
   — saltybichon

January 20, 2004
Some of the most important ones that I recall asking are: 1) How many of (type of surgery) have you done?; 2) What are your statistics on complication rates (including death)?; 3) How will you perform my surgery?; 4) Will you do it or will you have a medical resident performing while you observe/assist?; 5) What is your aftercare plan like? There are many more than this, but I thought they were the most important ones, for me. Good luck.
   — Carlita

January 20, 2004
I would ask whether he transects the stomach when he does an RNY. Frankly, if he didn't, I'd find another surgeon because the risk of staple disruption is too high with a non-transected stomach and why risk gaining weight and having to go in for a second operation? You might want to ask how much he bypasses and whether he tailors that individually to each patient or if he does a standard amount each time.
   — sandsonik