I'm still just in the info gathering stage to figure out if the lap band would be a good idea for me...I'm going to my first informational session tonight and was wondering if folks had any suggested questions.

Are there any questions that you would suggest, that you wished you asked at your first session?

Thanks.

Find out about the process itself and how quickly you want to lose the weight. The lap-band isn't the quickest but it's the best way to lose and keep it off.

Always ask the pros and cons of a surgery to make sure it is right for you.

Every doctor handles the diet before and after surgery differently, you might want to know that.

Ask about complications that pertain to your health and just general complications that can happen with a lap-band.

Hope this helped a little....

If you are going to a seminar for all three types of surgery, keep an open mind and learn about those too. Some surgeries work better for some people, so it's good to listen and learn without writing something off. Just carry a pen and paper with you and write down any questions you have. This way you have everything ready and you don't have a mind fart.

Ask about nutritionists availability after surgery.

Here's the list I brought to my consult. Maybe it will help you....

ABOUT THE DOCTOR:

• How many gastric banding procedures have you done?
  
• Is he a board certified surgeon?
  
• What are the most common complications you see with the LAP-BAND^® System procedure?
  
• What types of complications can occur from this procedure and how frequently do they happen? (ie: slipped bands, errosions, infections)
  What types of complications has this doctor personally encountered during lap band surgery?
  
• Is there a difference among the two different adjustable gastric bands?
  
• Do you have other Lap-Band® patients that I can talk to?
  
• Do you have a video or presentation that I can watch that shows the surgery?
  
• Do you specialize in the Lap-Band® or do you perform other procedures as well?
  
• Do you perform other gastric band procedures?
  
• What is the Realize band, pros/cons of each?
  
• What are the short term issues?
  What are the long term issues?
  
• What is the doctor's policy when a complication occurs during a procedure? (ie: does he discuss options with family or immediately convert to bypass or other WLS).
  What qualifications does this doctor have regarding the specific brand of band that will be used? (Lap-Band System, by Allergan or Realize Band by Ethicon/Johnson&Johnson)
  

ABOUT THE PROCEDURE:

• Lap Band vs Realize?
  
• What is the “scarless surgery?”
  
• Do you perform the procedure on an outpatient basis or will it require an overnight stay in the hospital?
  
• What kind of anesthesia will I be getting?
  
• Will an anesthesiologist be present during the entire procedure
  
• Is the surgery being done at a surgery center or at a hospital?
  
• How will you protect me from infection/staff infection during the procedure?
  
• What types of complications has this doctor personally encountered during lap band surgery?
  

PREPARING FOR SURGERY:

• What tests do I have to have prior to surgery?
  
• Will I need to have a special diet before surgery?
  
• Will you notify my primary care doctor about the procedure?
  
• Do you need any of my medical records prior to surgery?
  

AFTER SURGERY CARE AND FOLLOW UP

• When can I resume taking medications?
  
• How soon after surgery do you want to see me for a follow up visit?
  
• How do does the doctor determine whether or not my band will need to be adjusted?
  Is there a direct line in case of Emergencies?
  
• When should I have my first adjustment/ fill?
  
• What will I need to have prepared when I get home in way of food items?
  
• When can I resume exercise?
  
• How will I manage my pain after surgery?
  
• How will I have to change my eating habits after surgery?
  
• How much weight should I expect to lose in the first month?
  

FRIENDS AND FAMILY

• What help can you give me to help educate my family and friends so that they can also support me?
  

LIFE AFTER BAND:

• How do adjustments work and how often will I need adjustments during the first year? Ongoing?
  
• How often will I have to see the doctor over the next year and at what cost?
  
• How is it better than other forms of bariatric surgeries like Gastric c Bypass and Gastric Sleeve?
  
• What is the expected weight loss?
  
• How much time will be required for losing weight?
  
• Is there possibly a better weight surgery for me?
  

First and foremost, thank you everyone who's responded to this. Like I said, I'm in the beginning stages of trying to work this whole thing out so any and all suggestions are appreciated!

Momof3inOC,

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! This list is awesome. The general orientation was last night, and it covered in a very general way the steps they require before getting to surgery--nutrition, psyc eval, starter help with navigating insurance, as well as info about three procedures they do--sleeve, bypass, and band. It was clear that when the surgeon was presenting he favors the procedures in that order too. I'm definately going to take this list with me for my one on one consult (if I get one...still working out the insurance questions) when we discuss which procedure will work best for me.

Woobs, I'm glad it was helpful.

My doc tried to talk me in to the sleeve, but I'm going with the band (in 2 days). I'm at peace with it. I like that it is reversable and adjustable. I did not like the idea of having a large portion of my stomach removed. What if THAT goes wrong?!?!?! If the band does not work for me we can still explore other options. Other questions that I had were:

How much time should I take off of work?

Will my birth control be affected by the band?

What sort of OTC medications should I have one hand?

When can I resume intimacy with my husband?

Will you be doing the procedure or will an "assistant" or intern be involved?

Best of luck to you!

That's why I'm leaning towards the band too. I like the fact that the band and the sleeve don't involve re-routing my intestines which is why I was shying away from bypass, but...like you, what if something goes wrong with the sleeve? That and the "newness" give me pause.

The surgeon who presented did say that he sees some bands that have to be removed after 5+ years because of rejection of the hardware by the body and other complications. I can't help but think that's 5 years of getting some of this weight off, and if there is a problem, I have another procedure (or two) I can fall back on.

I hope your procedure goes well. If you wouldn't mind, I'd appreciate it if you'd let me know how things go.

Sure, I'm happy to let you know.

I'm staying at the hospital on Thursday night and will probably post and up date in the "post-surgery" forum. I'll try to remember to send you a message too (not sure how to do that, but I'll figure it out ).

It may not be right away, but as soon as I can, I will. If I'm feeling good I'll post from the hospital using the Ap, but not sure about that yet.

Momof3inOC...Which hospital are you getting your surgery? I couldnt find anything in Orange County

Well, worry more about your recovery than me! Just when you get a chance. :-) I'm sure you're procedure will go great.

I'm going to Tri-Cities, in Hawaiian Gardens. They have a bariatric center of excellence, which my insurance requires me to go to. I think Saddleback has one too, but my doctor, at The New Program in Newport Beach does not do surgery at that one.