What are the reasons someone should have weight-loss surgery?

• Why isn’t weight-loss surgery a good choice for everyone who is overweight or obese?
• What is diabetes? High blood pressure? High cholesterol? Sleep apnea? Severe arthritis?

Are there are other ways of losing weight that I should try besides surgery?

• What is a nutritionist or a dietitian?
• What is a weight-loss program? Why should I make an appointment to see one?

What are the different types of weight-loss surgery?

• What is the scar like for each type of surgery?
• Is there a difference in how much pain I will have afterward?
• Is there a difference in how long it will take to get better?

What is the best surgery to help me lose weight and keep it off?

• How much weight will I lose? How fast will I lose it? Will I continue to lose weight?
• What will eating be like after weight-loss surgery?

What can I do before surgery to lower my risk of complications? For which of my medical problems (such as diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure) do I need to see my doctor before the surgery?

How can I get my home ready before I go to the hospital?

• How much help will I need when I come home?
• Will I be able to get out of bed by myself?
• How do I make sure my home will be safe for me?
• What type of supplies will I need when I get home?
• Do I need to rearrange my home?

How can I prepare myself emotionally for the surgery? What types of feelings can I expect to have? Can I talk to people who have had weight-loss surgery?

What medicines should I take the day of the surgery? Are there any medicines that I should not take the day of the surgery?

What will the surgery, and my stay in the hospital, be like?

• How long will the surgery last?
• What type of anesthesia will be used? Are there choices to consider?
• Will I be in a lot of pain after surgery? What will be done to relieve the pain?
• How soon will I be able to get up and move around?

What will my wound be like? How do I take care of it?

How active can I be when I get home? How much can I lift? When will I be able to drive? When will I be able to return to work?

When will my first follow-up appointment be after surgery? How often will I need to see the doctor during the first year after my surgery? Will I need to see doctors other than my surgeon?

Gastric bypass – before – what to ask your doctor; Roux-en-Y gastric bypass – before – what to ask your doctor; Gastric banding – before – what to ask your doctor; What to ask your doctor before weight-loss surgery