Questions you should ask your gastric sleeve surgeon...

When I started this process I was just so excited to find out that my insurance covered bariatric surgery after researching the process for over a year, that I left out an important piece to the process. It was all kind-of a whirlwind though, when I got my consultation appointment literally for the next morning after trying to get in to see the surgeon that I was set on using. Once that appointment opened up at the last minute, there were so many emotions going on and so much excitement that the ball was FINALLY rolling, I neglected to make a list of questions to take with me to my consult. Now, to be clear, I had been researching this procedure and my surgeon and his center of excellence for a very long time, so I was already very much aware of the process and most of the national statistics, but I didn't make a list and that was a bad idea. Fortunately, the nurses and staff have been great about replying to my questions as I have them, but I wish I had been armed with them so that I could have spent more time with my surgeon in the beginning. If I had it to do over again, this is the one thing I would have changed. So, I have made a list of questions for you, the reader, to use for your consult. You may already have a list, and if so, just take a look at these and see if there is anything you missed. The more information you have in your arsenal the better prepared you will be and the more likely you will be to succeed post op!

How many years have you been performing bariatric surgery?
Do you perform other surgeries or only bariatric surgery?

What type of training have you had in bariatric surgery?

Are you board certified?

Are you FACS? (Fellow, American College of Surgeons)
Do you also do body reconstruction? (loose skin, breast augmentation)

Do you use staples, sutures, or both?

After the stapling of my sleeve, will you over-sew the staples?
Do you use a tissue sealant in addition to staples and/or sutures?

What is your complication rate?

What is your mortality rate?

More specifically, what is your sleeve leak rate?

How many trocars will be used for my surgery?

I have read that most leaks happen at the top, or at the bottom; are there any extra measures taken to protect against this happening?

Will you leave in a drain that will need to be removed a few days later?

Will you put me on Lovenox, Heparin, or other blood thinners after surgery?

What type of compression devices will you use on my legs to prevent blood clots?

If I have a hernia will you repair it at the same time?

Do you remove the gallbladder during surgery?

What size bougie will you use?

Is your center or your hospital a center of excellence?

Are you a member of ASBS? (American Society of Bariatric Surgery)

How many sleeve surgeries have you performed?

How many do you typically do each year?

How many nights will I be in the hospital?

Does your facility offer support after surgery?

When will be my first post op appointment and how often will I check in at the office after that?

Does your bariatric center offer a clothing exchange among other patients?

These are the most important questions that I think need to be asked. Feel free to add your own! Make sure you take a good pen and leave room to write in all your answers.