Surgeon and questions..

Hi to all !

What are some important questions to ask your surgeon at your first visit regarding surgery? Specifically questions pertaining to the Roux n y, since that is the procedure I'd like to have done.

What questions did you ask, or wish you had asked prior to your surgery?

Thanks in advanced for all your responses !

We were required to attend an informational seminar, so I didn't have very many questions about the actual surgery. I asked about other issues that were unique to me: I have herniated disks in my neck and was worrying about the surgery aggrevating my pain level. I also have an autoimmune disease and asked about that. I also had severe reflux. Although I was wanting the bypass, my doctor and I discussed the merits of sleeve vs. bypass in light of my health history. So I think it's important to address issues (if any) that are unique to your situation.

Since you have bad reflux  I would not get the sleeve, at least that is what my doctor said.  I also have Barrett's and he said the reflux has a good chance of getting worse with the sleeve.   Do your own research on it, because I found that to be true.

I would ask for his experience. How many years? how many surgeries? success rates? fatalities? Are they a center of excellence. I'd also quiz them a bit on their post op plan. If they suggest things that aren't in line with the ASMBS such as Flinstones vitamins I'd ask them why they feel that way when the asmbs suggests "x" That will also show him you have researched and are an informed patient.

Once he suggests whichever surgery ask him why he/she feels that way? what about your wls surgery of choice etc etc

You should get a booklet of information that covers the surgery, the first 8 weeks of diet, exercise, type of vitamins, how to measure your food, etc.  If you don't then I would consider looking for another surgeon.  Make sure his practice is a Center of Excellence for bariatric surgery.  Ask how often he schedules check ups, and how many years that you will be followed.  Write out a list so you don't forget anything.  It is sort of overwhelming at first.