How to Prepare for a Lobotomy

A lobotomy involves cutting the connections to and from the frontal lobe of the brain, or destroying the frontal lobe completely. This procedure was thought to be a solution to mental illnesses like schizophrenia and depression. Lobotomy gained a bad reputation because it was found that most of the patients ended up with a personality change, severe mental incapacitation or died. Its popularity faded with the advent of anti-depressants and other non-surgical ways to treat mental illnesses.

Instructions

Prepare for a Lobotomy

• 1

  Discuss your plan to have a lobotomy with your doctor. Be sure you have exhausted all other possible means of treatment prior to your procedure.

• 2

  Find a doctor who will perform a lobotomy. Talk with your own doctor and other members of the medical field for a possible referral.

• 3

  Ask your physician of choice for references or testimonials. You may want to talk with former patients to see what effect this procedure has had on their lives. Look into the possibility of contacting these patients if there is no privacy clause in place.

• 4

  Speak with a representative at your insurance company. Check to see if such a procedure is covered and, if so, ask for details of coverage

• 5

  Ask your doctor for details of the operation. Find out how it will be done, how long it will last and where it will be done. When lobotomies were popular, it could be done either in the doctor's office or in the hospital.

• 6

  Consider that you will need help after your operation. Make arrangements with a friend or relative to take you to your appointment and drive you back home.

• 7

  Make further arrangements with your friend or relative for decision-making. During the procedure, and maybe after, you will be unable to make decisions for yourself. Tell your trusted party what your expectations are, what your preferences are, what you want done and what you don't want done. This way, your friend can speak for you when you are incapacitated.

• 8

  Be sure to let your doctor know that your friend or relative has authority to act on your behalf so he can honor it.

• 9

  Find out from your doctor how long your recovery time will be. With this information, take some time of work or school.

• 10

  Prepare your home for your recovery. Make sure your bedroom will be comfortable enough for you. Make sure that the things you need on a regular basis, like your medication, are within easy reach of your bed. Make sure you have enough groceries to last during your recuperation.