Is there any important questions I should ask at my first consultation appointment.

What pre-op requirements do you have?

How long before surgery should any pre-op tests be done? i(e: chest X-ray, blood, EKG)

What tests does the hospital require and when?

Do I need to get an endoscopy pre-op?

How long is the pre-op diet?

Is the pre-op liquid only?

What meds much be stopped pre-op and when?

Does he require a cleanse the day before? (dulcolax etc)

Does he use a catheter? If so, when does he take it out?

Does he use a drain? If so, when does it come out?

Does he overstitch the staple line?

What size bougie will he use?

Does he staple or glue the incisions?

Does he repair hiatal hernia if found?

Will he remove gallbladder if appears not normal?

How many days in the hospital?

What are meds he uses for pain?

Will I be giving myself blood thinner injections post-op? How long? What type?

When can I resume taking my meds?

When is the leak test done?

What are the time frames for each eating stage post-op?

When is my follow up appointment?

When can I go to the gym and do weight training?

How many calories should I plan on daily after surgery?

How much protein daily after surgery?

Those should get you started. Others will surely chime in. Make a list and don't be nervous about asking. The more you know the more assured you will be.

Edited March 23, 201412 yr by Recycled