Just thought I'd throw out there the questions I asked my surgeon today. Surgery is Saturday!

Q: What size bougie do you usually use?

A: (laughing) why does that matter?

Me: It doesn't; on the forum I hang out on, I've seen people talk about the size of the bougie the surgeon uses, and I figured I would ask!

Doc: 34

Q: Do you suture over the staples on the sleeve?

A: Yes and sometimes over the sutures I also use (dang, I can't read my notes. Can't remember if he said a surgical mesh or a surgical glue or what).

Q: Do you close with staples? sutures? glue?

A: Usually I used sutures and/or steristrips, but since you have trouble with tape (it gives me welts), I'm going to use surgical glue and sutures where necessary.

Q: Do you do a leak test before discharge?
A: I do the leak test while you're under anesthesia, by endoscopy. I do everything I can while you're out and I don't see any reason to wait to do a leak test until you're awake (shaking his head).

Q: Do you routinely use catheters on your patients?

A: Sometimes, and I think we will for you.

Me: Good!

Doc: (laughing) Why "good"?? Not having one is an incentive to get up and walk!

Me: Because when I have to pee, especially in the middle of the night, I have to go RIGHT NOW. So I'm picturing me struggling to get out of the bed, not making it, and leaving a pee trail to the bathroom.

Doc: (still laughing) that's why we have linoleum floors.

Me: And then I slip and fall in the pee and break a leg or my hip or something and then you have to operate on THAT!

Doc: Yep, a catheter it is!

Q: Do you usually leave in a drain?

A: No, not routinely. Not usually.

Q: Is anyone else going to be working on me or is it just you?

A: I have assistants and residents, and if a resident is near the end of their training, they'll do much more than if they are at the beginning. I'll be there the whole time.

Me: So I'll always be in your talented hands?

Doc: Yes, until I go to Starbucks for a coffee halfway through! (this is in reference to a local cardiac surgeon who got into serious trouble for leaving patients in the middle of surgery and telling his PA to finish up the surgery - clearly out of the scope of practice for the PA).

Good questions lol!!!

LOL I love that you noted *shaking his head* etc haha makes me laugh ????

GREAT questions!! I have my first appointment with my surgeon on September 9th and am hoping that other people may share some of the questions they asked during their first couple of appointments too!!

Thank you for sharing!

I'm much earlier in my journey (I still have to meet my surgeon - but next week!). However, I've been compiling a list of questions. I'll share these, even though they are for folks a little earlier in the process, as it might help someone when prepping. Some, I know the answer to, others, were just things I was contemplating, but I'll add them all, just in case it might help someone...

Which surgery (sleeve or RNY?), based on current medical issues?

How long will I be in the hospital?

How long will I need to be off of work?

What tests/prep will I need before surgery (ie. other doctors)?

What Vitamins will I need to take post-op? Long-term/short-term?

What can I expect in regards to hair loss?

Is there a specific type of Protein product you require/prefer your patients to use?

What type of pre-op diet do you require?

What type of post-op diet can I expect?

(by the way - I have on my list, as well, about the catheter, drainage tube, etc., lol)

Wow, a 34 bougie seems smaller than usual.

Lucky.

And THAT's how conversations with surgeons should go. Good job!

Babbs, re bougie sizes, my surgeon uses a 36 for most patients.

I've heard of a Mexican surgeon who uses a 32 for all patients.

This was HILARIOUS!! Definitely a great way to start my morning off! Felt like I was watching this all happen on TV! LOL!????