Questions to ask the surgeon

I'm delighted to say that Ben has his appointment with his surgeon upcoming. I'm the list maker in the family and asked him if he had his ready. He said, "No, honey. I know you'll have one that will big enough for both of us." He's right. I thought I'd share it with you and see if you had any additional questions you might ask...

Barb

 Here's the LIST....

• How many years have you been a bariatric surgeon?
• What percentage of your practice is bariatric surgery?
• Are you a board-certified bariatric surgeon?
• Are you a member of ASBS (American Society of Bariatric Surgery)?
• What other certifications or professional memberships do you have?
• How many and what type of weight loss surgeries do you perform each year?
• Based on my personal health and weight, what surgery do you recommend for me?
• What are the advantages of this procedure?
• What are the disadvantages of this procedure?
• What are the risks of weight loss surgery?
• What complications of surgery do you come across most often?
• Is your complication rate greater or less than the national averages and why?
• What are your complication rates for leaks, DVT, stricture, bleeding and infection?
• What is your program and personal mortality rate? Is it greater or less than the national average?
• What are the risks of this procedure?
• How many of my type of surgery (lap-band, gastric bypass, DS) have you performed? (An experienced surgeon should have done at least 250 of your procedure)
• Do you perform the majority surgeries laparoscopically or open?
• What would cause you to switch from a laparoscopic procedure to open?
• Will you perform the procedure, or an assistant?
• Will you be in the operation room during the entire procedure?
• Where will the surgery be performed?
• How many people on the entire medical team?
• Is everyone of the medical team licensed?
• Are the radiologists and anesthesiologists in the program board certified?
• What pre-op testing will be done?
• What post-op testing will be done?
• Do I need to bring my biPAP?
• Why don't you recommend the other procedures for me?
• How long should I expect to be in surgery?
• Will I see you post op?
• What is the length of my anticipated hospital stay?
• How long before I’m likely to be able to return to daily activities?
• How long before I can travel by car or air?
• What changes will I be expected to make with regards to diet and exercise?
• Do you have someone I can call if I have a question during non-office hours?
• What is expected weight loss?
• At what percentage of excess weight will you consider me to be successful?
• What weight range of weight do you expect me to lose?
• What would be considered my “ideal” weight based on my age, sex, height, and build?

 I guess the only one I did not see was this one.. 

Do you staple and suture all the cuts? That was probably the biggest thing for me less leaks and better healing in my opinion. It also means your surgeon has got some great skills. suturing is one of the hardest things to go lap wise. Its like remote control sewing upside down and backwards. 

thanks ... I'll add 'em in.

Barb

Thanks Barb!

This list will be helpful when I meet with Dr. Pryor.