Question:
what specific questions should i ask my doctor during our initial consultation?
should i ask about malpractice suits? deaths? abilities? any help would be appreciated! — Gary S. (posted on June 26, 1999)
June 26, 1999
I believe when you choose to have this surgery you need to look at it with
an open mind. I feel you shouldn't look into the bad stuff like law suits
etc. look into the good stuff like how you feel, how your lifestyle can
change etc. This surgery can have complications I am not denying that but
it also can change your life forever.Another tip might be how full is your
MDs waiting room and has any of his staff had the surgery performed on
them. GOOD LUCK.
— Theresa B.
June 26, 1999
Ask EVERYTHING you can think of that will assure you and make you confident
that this is the right surgeon for you! If your surgeon is worth his/her
weight in anything, they'll answer any and all questions you have without
hesitation. Don't dwell on the problems unless this one has an
unbelievably high rate of incident, but you can also call the Medical board
to confirm any problems, investigations, or complaints against the doctor.
I did ... and I believe almost everyone I knew of that had surgery in the
same time frame thoroughly checked out our surgeon before making the
decision! Do what you need to do to be confident!
— Sherrie G.
June 26, 1999
Yes to all of the about. How many of these surgeries has
he performed? How many of his patients have had complications?
— dboat
June 27, 1999
Hi Gary:
Your first visit to your surgeon should put your mind at ease. Your It is
not out of the question to ask how many WLS your surgeon has done. You
should also be able to ask how many deaths he has had, and he should be
more than willing to share with you his abilities. If your surgeon does
not want to talk about these things, FIND ANOTHER SURGEON!!! This is your
life, and since this is a MAJOR surgery, you want to know you are in good
hands. Ask about what kind of after care your surgeon has as well. Does
he/she have a follow up support group? Ask for References! He/she should
be able to give references to you of other happy patients. Do some
checking on your surgeon yourself. The internet is wonderful for this.
Things to take with you on your first visit!
1. A complete list of all the diets that you have been on. List how much
weight you have lost on these diets, and when you went on these diets.
(most surgeons ask for this)
2. A notebook and pen to write down information. Also a list of questions
you want to ask your surgeon. Once you get into the office with the
surgeon, you may forget the questions. (its normal to be nervous or
excited)
3. List all your health problems, and make sure you list in detail all the
problems that your weight is causing. You may be surprised to find some
other problems that you are having are because of your weight.
4. Make sure you take your insurance information. If you don't have
insurance, ask the doctor about a payment plan. Find out what hospital the
doctor works out of, because you will also need to check with them about a
payment plan.
5. Be excited! You are on your way to a new life!
I am more than happy to answer any further questions. Just ask!
Sincerely,
Paula in St.Pete
[email protected]
— Paula D.
June 27, 1999
I have a list of a few questions you might want to ask in addition to the
ones you suggested. Email me if you want 'em. I keep adding to it!
— vitalady
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