Our Weight-Loss Surgery Process

Our Process

Step 1: New patient orientation

New patient orientation is a mandatory class for all weight-loss surgery candidates. You must attend an orientation prior to your first visit with our medical providers. You will hear more about the program criteria/requirements, learn more about the surgical options offered, and learn about the post-operative guidelines/lifestyle.

Step 2: Complete new patient information packet

If you have attended a seminar and are ready to move onto the next step, please download the attached information packet, complete it, and send it back to our team.

Other steps within our comprehensive program

• Medical screening – Discussion, evaluation, and education with each candidate by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner. A history and physical examination will be done.
• Dietary evaluation and treatment – Have an initial visit to assess patient and begin weight-loss program for the mandatory five percent weight-loss. The goal is to educate and evaluate the patient's understanding of the strict post-op diet. Anticipate one to two visits pre-op and one to two visits post-op.
• Physical therapy evaluation and treatment, as needed – An initial evaluation to assess patients' current activity tolerance and works with the patient to design a map that will lead them to incorporating 30 minutes of exercise into their day, five to seven days per week.
• Psychologist evaluations – Screening for alcohol or substance abuses, psychopathology, and evaluates the candidates' expectations and ability to conform to the strict post-op diet. 
• Surgical evaluation and discussion – A candidate must meet with a surgeon to be evaluated and educated for surgery.
• Pre-op education class – This is a mandatory class that all candidates must attend prior to surgery. We will review post-op guidelines, diet progression; potential complications and side effects of weight-loss surgery and your hospital experience/role in recovery.
• Free Support groups – Mandatory attendance for at least two support group sessions pre-operatively and ongoing involvement post-operatively. Provides ongoing support, education, and answers to people who have had or will have obesity surgery. Patients are encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible.