Bariatric Surgery Process

Surgery for weight loss is more than surgery. It is a life-changing process that includes changes to your lifestyle, including making different nutritional choices, exercising regularly and healing yourself psychologically and emotionally. Some of the stages of the bariatric surgery process are as follows:

Are you a candidate?

The bariatric surgery procedure isn’t for everyone. Before your procedure is scheduled, your individual case will be reviewed by one of our highly experienced bariatric doctors to see if you are a candidate for bariatric surgery. They will help you consider all your options and go over the journey ahead, including the hard work and commitment it will take following surgery. Surgery only limits your food intake. It doesn’t result in dramatic weight loss by itself.

Pre-Operative Education and Nutrition Class

Before surgery you will complete an online pre-operative and nutrition class as well as attend a general education class on the day of your pre-operative appointment.  These courses cover various aspects of your upcoming surgery. Topics include pre-operative, day of surgery and post-operative procedures and care as well as how to maintain a healthy and nutritional lifestyle after surgery. Our Care Coordinator and Registered Dietician teach this class.

Financial Considerations

Our Program Coordinator and Insurance Coordinator will help you with any insurance or payment issues, including the need for a Pre-Authorization for the procedure. We will also go over all the costs, the expected coverage your insurance company will provide and any out-of-pocket expenses you may incur. You will want to contact your insurance company to go over your coverage and get your questions answered before scheduling surgery.

Preparing for Surgery

Prior to surgery, your medical history will be reviewed to gain proper clearance for general anesthesia.  Other tests or visits to specialists may be recommended or required. You may also be required to lose some additional weight before surgery to reduce the size of the liver, which can interfere with surgery and possibly increase your risk of complications.

The preparation stage is not only designed to evaluate and optimize your medical health but your mental health as well. Mental preparation includes understanding the process, knowing what to expect afterwards and being ready to do the hard work that lies ahead after your surgery is complete and you begin a lifetime of weight loss and management.

Routine Tests

Before surgery is performed, you will undergo some basic tests to evaluate your blood and urine. A Glucose Tolerance Test is done to evaluate diabetes, which is common in overweight people. A chest X-ray and electrocardiogram are also performed. Other tests may include ultrasounds of the female reproductive system or gallbladder, pulmonary function testing, GI evaluation and a cardiology evaluation.

Surgery

Prior to surgery your doctor will go over last minute details, such as what you shouldn’t eat or drink before surgery, any medications you are taking, and other necessary preparations.