Eek! Had a voicemail left from the Bariatric team saying that they had been notified by the dietitian that I would be happy to take a cancellation and that they have one on Friday 6th September at 4pm ??? They have booked me in for it but would appreciate a call back to confirm. I’ve called back and left them a voicemail saying yes please. I’ve had to rearrange some family plans but I have to be selfish and think of me. I’ve called the family and explained and they understand so I’m happy about that.

So, what questions do I need to be asking of the surgeon? Any advice? This has thrown me and I don’t know why - strange huh??

That is great news, another step forward.

First question..... when do you have availability for the surgery?

I think most questions I can think of would possibly be covered by the bariatric team you may want answers to such as what follow up/after care is given with frequency and number of appointments. what is his/her history of surgery with regards to complications, can you take anything (like wind-eze) to help with the gas that you may have after the surgery, can you stay longer an extra night in hospital if you needed (just in case you would prefer to stay under their care instead of trusting hubby )

My questions were:

How long are we looking at for the actual surgery time and time in recovery before getting to the actual room?

How long is the recovery and what can I expect during it?

How long will I be in the hospital and how soon after the surgery will I be up and walking?

Should I use a stomach binder the first 2 weeks to help with the pain after the surgery?

What is the recommended time for each stage of eating post surgery, how many calories and carbs should I be getting in, and what are my fluid and protein goals at each stage?

When will I be getting follow up blood work (I personally had it at 2 months, 6 months, and 1 year post op)?

Is there a list of acceptable exercises to do at each stage of healing until I get my final complete clearance, and at what stage will I get that?

What pain meds will I be given and how long will I be able/expected to take them?

What, specifically, is dumping and what has been known to trigger it and how do we get through it if it happens?

What hormonal changes are to be expected as the weight drops off, especially during the first 3 months?

Please tell me EVERYTHING you can about stalls, in as much detail as possible.

What medications are affected by the malabsorption that comes with bypass (typically it's extended release, but there could be others).

That's all I can remember that I asked, but I hope this at least gives you a good start!!!

OH!!! And CONGRATULATIONS!!!! You're getting closer, and I know you're nervous and excited and freaking out, but this is what you've been working so hard for. You're almost there!!! WooHoo!!!!

1 hour ago, MrsFitz said:

Eek! Had a voicemail left from the Bariatric team saying that they had been notified by the dietitian that I would be happy to take a cancellation and that they have one on Friday 6th September at 4pm ??? They have booked me in for it but would appreciate a call back to confirm. I’ve called back and left them a voicemail saying yes please. I’ve had to rearrange some family plans but I have to be selfish and think of me. I’ve called the family and explained and they understand so I’m happy about that.

So, what questions do I need to be asking of the surgeon? Any advice? This has thrown me and I don’t know why - strange huh??

Oh that's really soon! Congrats!

I felt the same way when I got called to arrange the surgery date so soon! I think I felt really thrown is becaus the first thing they did was out me on a 12 week diet very suddenly and I didn't have time to prepare and had to throw out good food and buy new things for the diet. I think also it was the fact that getting that call means it's finally happening! Especially as you've been on the NHs waiting list for a long time. It's not just a vague idea of soothing that will happen on the future anymore but a real thing that you have to prepare for. It's scary and exciting!

I didn't think to ask any questions, but since my mother went through it back in 2008, I knew already about the surgery and the complications.

Thanks @FifiLux, @SleeveToBypass2023and @NeonRaven8919 for your posts. Some excellent questions which I will note down because I have a mind like a sieve at the moment and information falls out of my head as soon as it enters it! As you said @FifiLuxI have a lot of information from the team already so it’s putting it in to some sort of sense for me now - LOL!

I’ve received an electronic copy of my appointment letter with the name of the surgeon I will be seeing and so no hesitation - straight on t’internet to find out what I could. From what I’ve read, he is experienced in all things gastric and Bariatric. Hubby seems to think that he whipped out my gall bladder last year (same surgeon team) but I honestly cannot remember, what with writhing around in pain at the time of seeing him ? Anyway, his CV seems very impressive so that’s reassuring.

@SleeveToBypass2023- exactly that - nervous, excited and freaking out a little!

@FifiLux- my new, pretty scales are here. I’ve got the basics set up but not the all-signing, all-dancing bits to them just yet. I definitely like the bigger, light-up numbers on them, saves squinting while trying to make out the numbers (don’t wear my glasses obviously because that 50gms or so that they weigh will make all the difference when weighing in ?)

@NeonRaven8919 the LRD I have to do is 3 weeks. I did tell the dietitian that as long as I had 3 weeks plus 1 days notice of any last minute cancellations for surgery then I was good to go. Thankfully hubby will hoover up any foods that I won’t be eating so there won’t be any waste. I’m just hoping that the surgeon is happy, the MDT all agree and (a bit of wishful thinking I know) I’m able to have surgery this side of Christmas.

This all takes a minute to wrap your mine around and I think for you getting the appointment with the surgeon just made it real. Like others have said this is what you have been working towards. It’s a good thing. I suggest using the notes app in your phone if you have one to jot down your notes questions. This way if you think of something else your notepad is always with you and you can add it right away. I printed out my questions and took them with me. One thing my friend told me she does when she has a lot of questions is to sort of go over them against at the end by sayin just to recap, I can expect this and if this happens we will do that, etc. Just to make sure that you do remember everything and understood correctly. I didn’t do it this time but it seems like a good idea. One thing that you may want to ask is if they have a patient portal and if you do have questions if that’s a good way to ask or is it better to call or what.

Edited August 23, 20242 yr by ShoppGirl

Congratulations! I am so excited for you!!! ❤️