I just applied for bariatric surgery and was told that someone would be calling me to make an appointment with the surgeon. I am happy and nervous.

I am 54 years old, 5'8" and weigh about 315 now. I am coming off some hardships--caregiver to parents who passed away, dear friend of 30+ years died of cancer, laid off twice in the last 6 years and a major fire 3 years ago, lost everything. I gained weight steady during this period, and coming to my layoff last year I really gained a lot.

I am miserably fat. It hurts to stand up or walk more than 2 minutes. I developed edema, which is painful. Struggle getting in and out of my large car. Steps? Ha! I avoid them like the plague.

I want a gastric sleeve because of my health. I am also diabetic and recently had my baby toe amputated. I am afraid worse things will happen if I get older with this weight.

That's my sad story, but what I would like to know is, what kind of questions did you all ask the doctor before your surgery? I want to sound at least half way intelligent with the doctor. Thanks for any help!

Here are a few questions that are helpful

For the Patient Coordinator:

1. Do you accept my insurance?

2. Will my insurance cover this procedure fully?

3. What is my total out of pocket cost?

4. How long is the process start to finish?

5. How long until approval?

6. What specific rules must i follow to be in the program?

7. What preop clearances/testing is necessary?

For the Nutritionist:

1. What diet plan must I follow preoperatively?

2. What is the post op progression plan?

3. How often should we meet?

4. Can you tailor a diet specifically for me?

5. Are there support groups/meetings?

For the Surgeon:

1. What surgery would you suggest/ why?

2. How much can/will I realistically lose?

3. Which surgery is best for diabetes remission?

4. What is my risks of developing GERD post VSG/ Ulcers post RNY?

5. What are the known risks with each surgery? Know Benefits?

6. How many of your patients never achieve goal/require revisions for any reason?

7. What large are your sleeve commonly made (bougie size)/How long do you commonly make your bypasses?

8. Will the procedure be done laproscopically or open? Robotics?

9. Which methods/tools are used to perform each procedure? Hand sewn? Stapled? Stapler type?

10. How long is my expected recovery?

Good Luck ?

This surgery has been life saving for me. My diabetes (severe before surgery) is now mostly in remission. I'm pretty active and exercise now. Before I was so sedentary and never exercised. I've lost 73 pounds. You can do this and it will be life changing. Best wishes on your journey! Let us know!

Specifically as to the surgeon I asked how many times she had performed the procedure and what her success rate was, I asked what to expect in terms of weight loss and how long, I asked about any complications and side effects. I am 54 and it's been a wonderful experience.

13 hours ago, GreenTealael said:

Here are a few questions that are helpful

For the Patient Coordinator:

1. Do you accept my insurance?

2. Will my insurance cover this procedure fully?

3. What is my total out of pocket cost?

4. How long is the process start to finish?

5. How long until approval?

6. What specific rules must i follow to be in the program?

7. What preop clearances/testing is necessary?

For the Nutritionist:

1. What diet plan must I follow preoperatively?

2. What is the post op progression plan?

3. How often should we meet?

4. Can you tailor a diet specifically for me?

5. Are there support groups/meetings?

For the Surgeon:

1. What surgery would you suggest/ why?

2. How much can/will I realistically lose?

3. Which surgery is best for diabetes remission?

4. What is my risks of developing GERD post VSG/ Ulcers post RNY?

5. What are the known risks with each surgery? Know Benefits?

6. How many of your patients never achieve goal/require revisions for any reason?

7. What *size are your sleeve commonly made (bougie size)/How long do you commonly make your bypasses?

8. Will the procedure be done laproscopically or open? Robotics?

9. Which methods/tools are used to perform each procedure? Hand sewn? Stapled? Stapler type?

10. How long is my expected recovery?

Good Luck ?

On 7/29/2019 at 8:55 PM, GreenTealael said:

Here are a few questions that are helpful

For the Patient Coordinator:

1. Do you accept my insurance?

[...]

Good Luck ?

Wow those are really great questions, I never would have come up with such a list....Thank You!!?

On 7/30/2019 at 12:15 AM, gabybab said:

This surgery has been life saving for me. My diabetes (severe before surgery) is now mostly in remission. I'm pretty active and exercise now. Before I was so sedentary and never exercised. I've lost 73 pounds. You can do this and it will be life changing. Best wishes on your journey! Let us know!

Thank you! This is what I am hoping for, remission of diabetes. This happened for my niece who had a gastric bypass and she is doing great. I know it would change my life if I lost alot of weight but I need help, so I hope my insurance approves! And congrats on your 73!

On 7/30/2019 at 7:18 AM, GradyCat said:

Specifically as to the surgeon I asked how many times she had performed the procedure and what her success rate was, I asked what to expect in terms of weight loss and how long, I asked about any complications and side effects. I am 54 and it's been a wonderful experience.

Good questions, thank you! It's good to see someone my age (not that we're OLD or anything) have success with this. My niece had a successful gastric bypass but she is 20 years younger than me. Still, I am looking forward with hope so that I can start a new life!