"The right questions"

[buffy123]

Everyone says "Ask the right questions". What are "the right questions"?

[ddlovett]

That's a good question!! Kinda hard to know?? :/

[webblarsk]

While preparing for my consultation I came across these questions. A lot of these were answered at the seminar I attended before my consultation. Hope these help

How many years have you been a bariatric surgeon?
What training have you had in bariatric surgery?
Are you a board-certified surgeon?
Are you a member of ASBS (American Society of Bariatric Surgery)?
How many and what type of weight loss surgeries do you perform each year? (Shows overall skill level)
What are the risks of weight loss surgery?
What are the risks of this procedure?
How many of my type of surgery (lap-band, gastric bypass, DS) have you performed?
Do you perform the surgery laparoscopically or open? (If possible, laparoscopic surgery has a quicker recovery)
Will you perform the procedure, or an assistant?
Will you be in the operation room during the entire procedure?
Where will the surgery be performed?
How many people on the entire medical team?
Is everyone of the medical team licensed?
What pre-op testing will be done?
What post-op testing will be done?
What changes will I be expected to make with regards to diet and exercise?
Do you have an insurance and/or financial coordinator available to patients?
Do you have a nutritionist available to patients?
Do you have a psychologist available to patients?
Do you have a support group for patients?
Do you have someone I can call if I have a question during non-office hours?
What is expected weight loss?
Ask for specific statistics regarding complications and outcomes with your particular type of surgery.
Do you have patients who are willing to share their experiences with me?

[buffy123]

Thank you very much this is very helpful. Good luck!

[zmdh39]

Ask as many questions that you can think of to make you feel at ease for your surgery. Some of mine where:

How much of the stomach do you remove?
How many surgeries do you perform a day?
Do you give you patients narcotic, or non-narcotic pain killers after the surgery?
What size bougie do you use?
How many incisions?
How do you secure the portion of the stomach that is left?
What warning signs should I look for for both my incision and stomach post op?
What kind of leak test do you perform?
Do you use a drain, if so what kind?
What do you use to secure the incisions?
How long before the stitches can come out?
What vitamins will I need post op?
What check ups will I need post op?
Can I get a copy of my leak test and or operation video?
Are their any extra costs?
How much are the prescriptions after surgery?
When can I go back to work?
Is their any medications I should avoid after surgery, and how long should I avoid them?
And if you are one who is having surgery in Mexico, be sure to ask if the staff speaks english.

That is all I can think of at the moment, but I hope that helps.