Questions for my pre-op visit

Jun 21, 2009

I have started gathering information about the VSG vs RnY.  I hope to get answers to all the questions below and post them here.  I was also considering going to Cali since there is 1 doc who has done over 1500 lap VSGs. My prospective surgeon has not done many.  Not sure about Mexico and traveling there...

Here are the questions:

1. How many VSG’s have you done? According to the Second Annual International Consensus Summit for Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (Vertical Gastrectomy) in Miami, Florida, complication rates were higher and weight loss was less adequate in locations where the experience was less than 300 patients.
2. What would make me want to choose you as a surgeon when there are several in the area?
3. What long-term risks are there with VSG? Any risks of cancer due to removing portions of the stomach (and cells needed for absorption) Does VSG encourage abnormal cell growth in the long term?
4. What other non-bariatric surgeries are comparative to VSG where a portion stomach has been removed? (ie. Ulcer disease) What are its long term effects on:
   1. Digestion
   2. Nutrient absorption
   3. Pregnancy
   4. PCOS
   5. Anemia

 

5. Since I am anemic, I looked at VSG as one of the best options for me. Do you agree? What concerns do you have with someone who is anemic having RNY vs VSG?
6. What can prevent the increased risk of pancreatitis in WLS patients?
7. What are some ways to get protein in other than lean meats? After surgery, I’d like to maintain a vegetarian diet.
8. I am concerned about the long-term effects that the staples could have on my stomach. I am concerned that because these staples are metal objects they can end up hurting the tissue on my stomach. Is this possible? If it happens, what procedures do you have in place? How long do the staples last in the body?
9. What is the difference between the stomach stapling of the 1970’s and VSG?  What long-term studies are there about the stapling?
10. What are some of the recent studies on maintaining weight loss after VSG?
11. Should I need to go on to the DS in addition to the VSG, would I be a candidate, given my medical history?
12. What statistics are there about the VSG outside of the US?
13. Do you do bariatric surgery routinely as a substantial part of your practice?
14. Are you accustomed to doing bariatric procedures on a routine basis?
15. Do you offer a post op leak test? How long after surgery? Will doing a leak test so close to surgery cause unnecessary bleeding?
16. What size pouch do you create for the VSG?
17.  If I have surgery elsewhere, can I utilize the post op care at your location (psychologist, group therapy, medical attention) provided that I give all medical records?
18. Will I have any future issues of absorption of medications unrelated to WLS?
    
19. Does VSG exacerbate any conditions in the body unrelated to the gastrointestinal and digestive systems? (In other words, does it cause undue stress over time)
20.  What types of long term nutritional testing is in place to be certain that in several years my nutritive levels are normal?
21. How will my bowl movements be? Will I have uncontrolled, embarrassing urges?

 

 

2 Comments