First appt - questions to ask?

[snowkitten 371]

I finally got my first appointment for eval with the surgeon scheduled for 4/30. I don't want to waste the dr's time with things i can read about myself tho (big into research so i know alot), BUT i don't want to go into the appt thinking i know everything and miss out on learning something very important. What questions would you suggest asking? For those of you who have already had the procedure, what do you WISH you had asked?

[Ginger Snaps 1,323]

I'm pre-op but like you, I had done a lot of research online (WebMD is my favorite website). My two questions were: Am I a good candidate (I'm at a BMI of 35.9 so I'm a lightweight)? Which surgery would be best for me?

I've started the list for my next appointment with him -- I keep a running list on the notepad app on my phone, so when I'm there, I just open it up and start asking. This month's list includes how long would he advise to wait before travelling (I am trying to plan a family vacation to Belize) and will I leave the hospital with external staples and/or a drain.

[snowkitten 371]

Thats a good idea. I think i'll adopt that idea and start writing my questions in my phone too. So far the types of question i have are

"how long before i can lift my son (31lbs)?"

"How long do i HAVE to be out of work? - I have a sit down job, so could i go back sooner rather than later"?

"Are there any medications (such as nsaids) that i should avoid, and if so for how long"?