What questions to ask at surgical pre-op?

[PamelaAM 16]

I am meeting with my surgeon on Friday, 9/17. I know I have seen alot of things on this wonderful board and have made notes but I just want to make sure that I gather all of the questions that I should be asking.

Would you all be kind enough to share the questions that you asked? Or wished that you had asked?

This board is wonderful, thanks so much!

[educationrulz 18]

I took a list. Here's what I asked.

http://verticalsleevetalk.com/blogs/educationrulz/702-questions-asked-surgeon-preop-appointment.html

[Tiffykins 673]

Pre Op /The Op

If self pay - What does your fee involve?

Is there some follow up care thrown in there, like labs at 3,6,9 and 12 months?

Pre op diet – what to eat/drink and how long for?

Do I get a nutritionist/psychologist?

What size bougie is used? (This is the medical instrument which determines the size of your remaining pouch)

Do you oversew the staple line?

How many incisions do you make?

Do you go in thru previous scars?

How many nights in the hospital – is there facility for someone else to stay in my room as well?

Do they need to be with me 24/ during my hospital stay?

How many leak tests do you do?

How many sleeves have you performed?

Complication/leak stats? How many if any deaths?

Who do I contact if I think I have a problem (most places give out an emergency number)?

Is the hospital equipped an ICU and blood bank in case of complications?

If complications do happen to occur, are these complications/additional surgery/days in hospital covered by the original quoted price of the surgery?

Would you remove my gall bladder at the same time if needed?

Can you give me some patient testimonials or do you have any before/after pictures of your patients that I could read/look at?

Is it standard operation procedure, ie: no nail polish, no body jewellery?

Do I need to stop taking any particular medication pre op? (Take a list of what you take and dosage)

Post Op

How often are the post op check ups?

Where are they? – is price included?

What supplements/anti acid drug would I need to take and for how long?

Do I need labs done post op? – Are these checked with you or my local doctor?

DO I get a dvd of the operation?

Post op diet?

How much weight would I be expected loose?

What if I loose too much, how to maintain?

Do you use heparin? – Will I have to inject it myself?

How soon after the op can I……drive, swim, work out, lift weights, lift my kids?

[PamelaAM 16]

Thank you SO much! This is great! Truly appreciated!