QUESTIONS AT CONSULT

I have my first consult on Thurs., what are some questions I should be asking? I'm getting nervous that it is so close and feeling brain dead. Please help, Tina

Tina: When you're looking for a Bariatric surgeon/points to ponder: 1) Check out info on this site: http://www.nydoctorprofile.com/ (*I search under his name look for any malpracticeissues or payouts.... You can ask about that). 2) Is he board-certified by the American Board of Surgery? www.absurgery.org American College of Surgeons? (it appears he is) http://web3.facs.org/acsdir/public/Detail.cfm?CHKDGTS=00299031800 3) Is he a member of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons? http://www.asbs.org/html/about/membersearch2.html 4) What is the mortality rate (is the number of deaths) of the surgeon, the success rate (those losing > 50% of their excess wt at 5 yrs out)? Complication rates (wound infections, hernias, strictures, leaks, reoperation etc)? Average length of time in hospital. 5) The surgeon you find should be well experienced in the area of weight loss surgery (BARIATRICS). It's clear that the more experienced the surgeon, the lower the risk of mortality. Ideally, you would prefer to find a surgeon who has performed at least 100 of these procedures. (I say over 500!). I also recommend a surgeon who dedictes his practice to STRICTLY WLS, not one who does a case a week.... 6) What you are looking for doesn't stop with numbers and statistics -- you will also need a multidisciplinary team one that includes: Surgeon, nutritionist, exercise physiologists, psychological support & support groups, that can be utilized pre- and post-operatively. 7) Look for a center or hospital that offers educational seminars to those who are just beginning the process so you can learn more about the actual procedure, the benefits, and the risks. and has support groups! 8) Is the hospital a Bariatric Center of Excellence? http://www.asbs.org/html/about/coe.html or http://www.surgicalreview.org/locate.aspx http://www.facs.org/viewing/cqi/bscn/fullapproval.html 9) The preparation, both physical and mental, comes next, and is as crucial to the entire process as the actual procedure. Look to a surgeon that requires clearance from (what is indicated w/ your particular medical status) various doctors (psych/endocrine/hemotology/pulmonary/cardiology/nutrition etc). No this is not @ hoops this is making sure your health status is optimized before surgery. Preop smoking cessation, preop wt loss..etc. 10) What procedures does he do? Open or Lap? What is his follow up plan? Recovery time? Time out of work? Education is a tremendously important part of the preoperative process & there is no question that there are major risks associated with the operation. However, those risks can be minimized by having a thorough preoperative workup so there aren't surprises during the procedure, and by making sure the surgeon is experienced and qualified. This is a courageous step for people to take, and it's not just about weight changing -- it's about life changing. SO take your time, find the right surgeon/surgical program for you for your life and your health and success long-term! WLS is a decision many of us make, but should not be made impulsively (*the average time one thinks about and has WLS is 2 yrs!) as we as MO people can feel quite desperate and see this as a last resort and can sometimes go with whoever is telling us they will perform, that may not be in our best interest! EDUCATION IS KEY, AS IS A COMMITMENT & dedication to a healthy diet and exercise regimen, continual follow-up with doctors to monitor progress, and commitment to a new life. Ask him all these questions or any others think of or you think of, if HE isn't right, find someone who is! After all you're putting your life in his hands and needing someone to care for you for life!!! Be an educated consumer of your own health! HUGS! PS I bet on OH they have info to ask as well, maybe on the making the journey and preop they would I do not have time this am to search sorry! Be well! Take Care, Jamie Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh 320/163 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery) Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=c1132518510 "Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!"

Amy Williams has almost 100 questions on her website that you might want to ask. Here's the link: http://www.amylhwilliams.com/questionsforsurgeon.html Joanne

Here is the OH link: http://obesityhelp.com/content/choice.html#surgeon But the amy williams link I couldn't get to work??? Is it mistyped> It says error? Jamie

I copied it so it couldn't be mistyped. At any rate, one can just to Amy's site and click the link from there. It's easy to find. http://www.amylhwilliams.com Joanne

Thanks so much, I found this link very helpful Thanks to all the replies and e-mails I received on this topic.It has cleared my mind and I feel I will walk in my consult prepared to come out well informed. Thanks again everyone!

Tina: You are welcome, I got to the Amywilliams link from her home site and this is the link: http://www.amylhwilliams.com/questionsforsurgeon.html I know it is the SAME as Joannes, maybe it wont carryover from here and you have to copy/paste in browser? Dunno! Be well! Take Care, JAMIE