List Of Questions For Consultation

Someone suggested that I post my list of questions that I brought to my consultation. Some are redundant, sorry about that.

I hope this helps and please add your questions too.

ABOUT THE DOCTOR:

• How many gastric banding procedures have you done?
  
• Is he a board certified surgeon?
  What types of complications has this doctor personally encountered during lap band surgery and recovery and life with band?
  
• 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?