Question:
Need a list of questions to ask surgeon & a candid way of asking about any pt. deaths

I am going for my first appointment with my surgeon in 2 weeks. I have a few questions written down to ask him, such as his aftercare plan, epidural or no epidural, how many days in hospital, but I have drawn a blank about anything else. I know there's more I should be asking. Can anyone help me with this? I want to take a list when I go so I won't get back home & forget something. And, how do I go about asking if he's lost any patients & if so, then how many, in the proper way? Thanks.    — Lori M. (posted on August 7, 2001)

August 6, 2001
I will e-mail you what someone sent to me when i needed questions. I just had my first appointment on the 3 of August and to ask the death question was hard but i just asked and he happily answered. Hope this helps.
   — Amanda P.

August 6, 2001
Surgeons are so appreciative of patients who have been thinking ahead and come prepared with a list of questions! What are the different surgical options that this surgeon can offer: lap versus open...RNY, VBG, lap banding, DS? What are the pros and cons of each procedure? Which procedure, in this surgeon's experience, has the best overall, long-term success rate? What is his/her average operating time for the procedure you have chosen? What is his/her approach to pain management?...epidural, PCA pump, IV medications or intramuscular injections? What precautionary measures does he/she take regarding blood clots post-op? What would be your expected length of stay in the hospital? Does he/she routinely utilize the ICU immediately post-op? Should you expect to have any tubes or drains following the surgery, and when are these routinely removed? Aftercare: how often are patients rechecked post-op?...what lab work is ordered and how often?...who is available for nutritional counseling and assistance?...are any support groups offered?...how available is the surgeon to his patients post-op (email, answering service, etc..)?... Is a copy of the surgeon's "curriculum vitae" (education, training, experience) available to his/her patients?...How long have they been performing WLS and how many cases have they done to-date?...What is his/her personal mortality statistics with this type of surgery? Most patients are fairly reluctant to ask the last three questions, but it's critical to remember that you ARE the consumer...this is YOUR body on the operating table...you have a responsibility not only to yourself, but to all who love you, to determine that you have placed yourself in the hands of a surgeon with optimal experience and expertise in the field of WLS....anything less than that is simply not acceptable. Don't settle for the first surgeon who can promise you a "speedy" date...remember that skill and experience are truly more important than bedside manner...be critically aware that any surgeon who is reluctant to provide his/her curriculum vitae or to answer any of your questions openly is NOT the surgeon that you want to use. Most of us have struggled with our obesity for many years, yet once we make a decision to have WLS, we want everything to fall in place in a matter of days or weeks. Please take the time to research the subject thoroughly...this is a life-altering decision...and also, talk with more than one surgeon if possible before making a final decision. Best wishes!
   — Diana T.

August 7, 2001
You don't have to 'beat around the bush' with a doctor. Just simply ask your questions. Say "How long have you been doing this surgery? How many have you done? Have any of your patients died and if so, what happened? Do you have some former patients that I could speak with? (some have granted permission to be contacted) What types of complications have your patients experienced and what was done for them?" etc. Best wishes!
   — Cindy H.

August 7, 2001
I'll send you a list if you email me privately--more of a long term perspective, I think.
   — vitalady