Program Steps

Attending an informational seminar

This seminar is an overview of our program. We thoroughly review Lap Band and gastric bypass specifics including medical problems of obesity, changes of surgery and a question and answer period. The seminars are free. To see a list of scheduled seminars click here.

Choosing a weight loss surgeon

One of the most critical factors in your success is the surgeon you choose. While this surgery does involve risk, our three board-certified surgeons have extensive experience in weight loss surgery and stay current with the latest and safest techniques. Our surgeons understand that surgery is a huge decision for you. They will be clear and honest with you about the potential risks and complications involved. And their decision to proceed towards surgery, made in consultation with the rest of the team, will only be made if it is the best option for you.

Getting a surgical evaluation

The screening process gives you a clearer understanding of bariatric surgery and its risks, and determines whether you meet the criteria for surgery and success with our program. After attending an informational seminar, you can be scheduled for initial screening appointments, during which you will see the following bariatric professionals:

Bariatric nurse clinician. The nurse weighs you, confirms your Body Mass Index (BMI), and talks with you about your medical and surgical history, as well as your past weight loss attempts. You will proceed toward surgery if you meet the criteria outlined by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Dietitian. The dietitian records your diet and weight loss history (eating habits, cooking habits, etc.), and discusses your weight loss goals, any barriers to change, and educate for the dietary changes you will need to make long term.
Your primary care doctor or practitioner. Your doctor will do a thorough medical exam to assess your medical condition.
Clinical psychologist. The psychologist assesses your ability to adhere to the required lifestyle changes long term, and your coping ability and emotional resilience (which are needed after surgery). The psychologist also provides education on the emotional changes that follow surgery, and can help you identify behaviors that may interfere with the long-term success of the surgery.
Bariatric surgeon and Physician Assistant. The surgeon will discuss the actual procedure with you and review your individual risks, benefits, and alternatives. You may also need to see other types of specialists to help with medical conditions prior to surgery.

When you have completed these appointments, our team reviews your individual health profile. If you meet the criteria, you proceed on to a scheduled date for surgery (once insurance authorization is complete). If for whatever reason you do not qualify for surgery initially, we recommend ways that you can treat your condition non-surgically or improve your chances of being approved for surgery.

Moving towards surgery

You should plan on preparation time for surgery taking several weeks to even months. It is important during this time that you keep your scheduled appointments, follow through with recommendations made by your health care team, and carry out their recommended lifestyle changes for diet and exercise. (For example, if you smoke, you must quit smoking before surgery is scheduled).

Surgery may (rarely) be postponed or canceled if you are not psychologically or medically ready.

Preparing for surgery

Three weeks before the surgery date, you will review the nutrition materials again with the dietitian. Two weeks before surgery, you begin a nutritionally complete, high protein liquid diet. This diet facilitates mild weight loss that shrinks the liver to allow the surgeon to reach important areas, and to help your body better cope with the stress of a procedure.

Then it’s on to surgery!

Getting support after surgery
We feel that aftercare is just as important to your success as the surgery itself. Lifetime follow up, in partnership with our team and your primary care physician, leads to long-term success.

Attending support groups
We also sponsor two free support groups and coordinate with many others, including Virginia, Minnesota and Thunder Bay, Canada, where you can find sympathy, encouragement, and friendship with others who are on the same path. Through our Angel Program, you can ask for someone from the support group who has been through the process already to accompany you on your journey.

All of this adds up to care giving you can depend on. As one patient summed up her experience with our program: "Life saving, life giving, support and very prepared."