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Understanding Bariatric Surgery Process

You may be a good candidate for bariatric surgery if any of the following apply to you:

  • Body mass index (BMI) over 40.
  • BMI over 35 with severe negative health effects such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea or high cholesterol.
  • Understands surgery and risks.
  • Understands surgical options and effects of treatment.
  • No endocrine or metabolic disease-causing obesity.
  • No drug or alcohol problems.
  • No uncontrolled psychological problems.

Step One: Community Educational Seminar

Our informational seminar is designed to teach you about the different weight loss support options we offer, the surgeons that perform them and the lifestyle changes that come with surgery.

Step Two: Your First Appointment

  • Schedule your first visit. You will be contacted by the bariatric surgery team within 5 days of attending your seminar about making this appointment.
  • Meet with the surgeon, registered dietitian and surgery scheduler; the visit will last about 2 to 3 hours.
  • Receive a tentative surgery date.
  • Schedule testing and pre-op requirements. Make sure to bring your calendar!
  • PLEASE NOTE: Most insurance companies require that you complete 6 months of a medically supervised weight loss program. The bariatric surgery team can provide this program for you. Once the program is completed and all of your testing is done, you will proceed to surgery.

Step Three: Pre-Operative Education and Appointment with the Surgeon

  • Occurs 3 to 6 weeks before surgery.
  • Review pre-operative diet routine.
  • What to expect immediately before, during and after surgery.
  • Information on the hospital stay.
  • Instructions for recovery at home.
  • Schedule postoperative visits.
  • Complete consents for surgery; answer questions or concerns.

Step Four: Recovery

  • Visits occur routinely for up to 5 years after surgery and may continue lifelong to ensure the best outcome.
  • Frequent visits for the first year after surgery.
  • Routine but less frequent visits after 1 year.
  • Support groups to offer guidance.
  • Nurses, dietitian and exercise physiologists are available as needed.

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