What to Expect

Our expert weight loss surgeons work with you to determine the best type of surgery for your needs. Ensuring you understand the risks and expected outcome with each type of surgery, so you are able to make the best choice for your situation.

Deciding on Surgery

If you’re considering weight loss surgery and have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 35, the first step is to watch our free informational seminar to find out if weight loss surgery is right for you. You will learn about the different types of weight loss surgeries, qualifications and what to expect. 

Choose Your Surgeon

If you decide that weight loss surgery is a good option for you, the next step is to choose your surgeon. Many health insurance plans offer coverage for weight loss surgery, if you meet certain criteria. We recommend that you first contact your health insurance plan to find out which of our surgeons and types of procedures are covered. Our surgeons perform minimally invasive gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and revision procedures.

Initial Consultation

When you are ready to move forward, contact your selected surgeon’s office to set up an initial consultation. At this meeting, your surgeon will do a complete evaluation of your health history, as well as discuss your surgery options and which procedure is specifically recommended for your situation. Your surgeon will also review short- and long-term risks, as well as side effects and potential lifestyle impacts.

Preparing For Surgery

Prior to surgery, you’ll have office visits with a psychologist and a dietician to confirm that you’re a good candidate for weight loss surgery. Then depending on your surgeon, you will need to do some pre-surgery blood tests, endoscopy, and an upper GI series. Your surgeon’s office will order these consults and blood tests. Some surgeons will require you to view the seminar and/or attend support group.

Once your surgeon has reviewed your lab results, you will be contacted to set up your surgery date and will be given detailed pre-surgery instructions. Most of our surgeries are done using minimally invasive techniques, which means our patients experience faster recoveries and typically go home the next day. Once surgery is scheduled you will be enrolled in our free *Pre-op Weight Loss Surgery class, where we will review diet, what to expect day of surgery, after surgery and when to contact your surgeon.  

*Pre-Operative Weight Loss Surgery Class Overview

Our pre-operative bariatric education class is a video visit designed to prepare you for a safe and successful weight loss surgery journey. This class provides essential guidance on what to expect before, during, and after surgery, and helps you build lifelong habits for success.

What You Will Learn:                             

  • Before Surgery - Steps to optimize safety and outcomes
  • Lifestyle Changes - Nutrition, physical activity and long-term habit changes
  • Day of Surgery - What to expect
  • Post-Operative Diet (Stages 1–4) - Protein and fluid requirements
  • Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation
  • After Surgery Warning Signs - Symptoms that require attention and steps to take
  • When to Contact Your Provider or Visit the Emergency Room
Recovery

The key to successful recovery is adjusting how you eat after the surgery and remaining committed to lifestyle changes to keep the weight off. This is why we provide a free Pre-op class to better prepare you for surgery. We also offer ongoing, free monthly Weight Loss Surgery Support Group to help you through this lifelong journey.

After surgery follow ups visits with your surgeon will take place at: 2 weeks, 3-4 months, 1 year and then yearly for life. Your surgeons will order labs to check your nutrient levels prior to each post-op appointment. We want to ensure you do well long term, connect you with resources along the way and address any concerns. 

Patient Resources