Am I A Candidate?
You may be a candidate for bariatric (weight loss) surgery if you are:
- Between the ages of 18 and 65 (If you're younger or older, your case may be considered; this is just a guideline.).
- Obese with a high body mass index, or BMI.
- Struggling with an obesity-related condition like hypertension, heart disease or sleep apnea.
- Currently trying to or have tried in the past to lose weight through other means, such as diet and exercise.
- Psychologically ready for weight loss surgery and willing to commit to dramatic post-operative lifestyle changes.
Find out if weight loss surgery is right for you.
Take a Bariatric Assessment
Program Requirements
Patients must:
- Visit the center, meet with the coordinator and attend dietary counseling.
- Attend a support group meeting.
- Provide a letter of medical clearance from your primary physician with a three-year history of your weight on file.
- Make appointments with our sleep center, physical therapy department and psychologist as instructed by bariatric coordinator.
- After you complete your appointments, the center will make an appointment with our bariatric surgeon.
Note: You cannot have any weight gain from your initial visit to the center until date of surgery or surgery will be postponed.
What happens next?
Once it's been determined that you are a good candidate for weight loss surgery, you'll collaborate with doctors to get ready for surgery, lifestyle changes and a whole new, healthier life.
Get prepared.
Bariatric surgery requires preparation in three dimensions:
- Physical. Your insurance may require you to follow a three or six-month, medically-supervised weight loss program involving diet and exercise before your surgery. Losing some excess weight before your treatment increases safety and aids in a faster recovery.
- Mental & Emotional. Bariatric surgery patients undergo a psychological evaluation to assess their readiness for surgery and the ways their lifestyles must change for long-term success. These evaluations are conducted by a licensed psychologist who then may coach you on the kinds of adjustments you'll face after surgery.
Attend a seminar.
As part of getting ready for surgery, your doctor may ask you to attend a free bariatric weight loss seminar. Find out more here.
Complete a screening.
Before your surgery, you'll meet with your surgeon, bariatric coordinator and nutritionist to help you better prepare for the procedure and life post-surgery. During this meeting, your surgeon will review your health history and you'll talk in-depth about surgical techniques and risk, the need for further consultations or tests. You'll also get a checklist of pre-operative requirements which must be completed prior to surgery.
Once you have completed all requirements, you'll be notified of your surgery date and whether we need anything additional.
For more information, please call:
(956) 796-2662