What to Expect – Weight Loss and Bariatrics
Are you ready to start on the path toward a healthier weight and a healthier life?
From the moment you make this decision to the moment you meet your goal, you can count on us to be there along the way.
Surgical weight loss
Making a decision to go ahead with weight loss surgery to scheduling an actual surgery date can sometimes take up to six months or more. However, each step is important to ensure you have the most successful result from your surgery as possible.
Preparing for bariatric surgery
When you make an appointment to have bariatric surgery, you are making a commitment to change your life. That new life starts as you prepare for your upcoming surgery and continues as you learn to make healthier choices. We encourage a six-step program before surgery, which includes:
- Education and seminars
- Smoking cessation
- Learning about your insurance coverage
- Health screenings and evaluations
- Nutritional evaluations
- Meeting your bariatric surgeon
Learn more about what options you have for bariatric surgery.
Schedule surgery
Once you complete all pre-operative steps and your insurance is approved, you will be scheduled for an initial visit with your bariatric surgeon to determine a surgery date. We accept private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and self-pay. Our team provides a FREE Financial Counseling consultation to determine insurance benefits and qualification for surgery.
Life after surgery
You’ve had your surgery and made your turning point. Now what? Everyone’s recovery is different. Your recovery will go smoothest when you follow the guidelines given to you by your care team.
Diet
You will have a strict diet after surgery to help your body adjust to the changes it’s been through. As you heal, you will be moved from a liquid diet to a soft diet, and eventually to a solid diet. Your goal will be to get to three small, healthy meals each day.
Exercise
You’ll start out slowly as you recover from surgery but will gradually work up to an exercise routine that will help you gain strength and tone as you lose weight. You and your bariatric care team will create this workout routine together.
Vitamins and minerals
Bariatric surgery changes the way your body absorbs nutrients, so you will need to take a regimen of vitamins to keep your body healthy and avoid deficiencies. All procedures will require daily multivitamin and calcium supplements. Your care plan may also require vitamin B12, iron and multivitamin ADEK.
Weight-loss support
Those who take advantage of our support groups are by far the most successful. Meeting regularly with people who are going through the same struggles or successes can be a great help physically and mentally.
