Question:
Does anyone have a variety of questions to ask at my consultation?

I have a few questions but know there are many more to ask. Can anyone PLEASE send me some ?? to ask. Also, what to expect once I have my consultation? Any one in the VA area willing to be my angel??? THANKS A WHOLE BUNCH!    — chatterbox213704 (posted on April 20, 2002)

April 20, 2002
You can email me privately for a list of long term oriented questions.
   — vitalady

April 20, 2002
Here are some questions that were helpful when I first saw my dotor. I never even had to ask most of them because he had a consultation that was open to the public where they answered most of my questions. If your doc has something like that you'll want to be there. Hope this helps.... 1) Do you usually do surgery open or lap? 2) Do you have an after care program? 3) Support group? 4) What are my WLS options ( lap band?, Gastric bypass?) 5) Do I need to diet before surgery? 6) Surgery prep requirements (sleep study, blood work?) 7) What is the current waiting period to schedule surgery? 8) What info do you need for my ins. company? 9) What can I expect after surgery (liquids for how long)? 10) Cost's? I know these may seem like simple questions, but it's importannt to find out all you can. After my consulation I had to make another appoinment to see the nurse so she could screen me and make sure I was okay for surgery. After that she sent me for more blood work and tests. Then my claim was sent to my ins. It took 3 months for them to approve me. Good luck to you!
   — Sarah K.

April 21, 2002
Along with the questions from the first post I asked how many of these procedures have you done, how many people have you lost and why. Does he work with the same OR team for every surgery? I wanted to know if he specialized in this or was just something he also did as a surgeon. My insurance co. approved in a week. Aetna HMO. Good Luck.
   — SAMANTHA B.

April 21, 2002
Check out my profile for a list of q's for the first consult. (Scroll down to the 6 month anniversary). My first consultation was wonderful with Dr. Herron. He explained things so clearly and slowly. Then he examined me briefly. The whole consult took well over an hour. By the time he finished his explanation, he'd already answered all my questions. I felt totally confident in this man; I had no reservations about having him as my surgeon. I'm not in VA, so I can't help you with the angel part of your question, but I wish you the best of luck!
   — Jeannet

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.