Pre-Op Program

We utilize a multidisciplinary team to care for our patients before and after surgery and believe that patient education is a critical component to achieving success. These are elective surgical procedures and we want to optimize the health of each patient in preparation for surgery. We complete a thorough evaluation that is individualized for each patient. The routine evaluation consists of:

• An appointment with the surgeon’s Physician Assistant for a detailed history and physical. The PA will order lab tests and other diagnostics. Lab tests include a complete blood count, blood chemistry profile, Hemoglobin A1C (for Diabetics), thyroid tests, tests to detect any bleeding abnormalities or blood clotting disorders, and a special test for a stomach bacteria called Helicobacter Pylori. Arterial blood gasses would also be obtained on patients who smoke or who have lung disorders. An EKG to assess your heart and a Chest X-ray to evaluate your heart and lungs would also be ordered. Additional tests may be ordered based on patient history and physical findings, such as: echocardiogram, cardiac stress test (treadmill test), pulmonary function study, upper GI or endoscopy, gallbladder ultrasound, or sleep study.

• You will meet with the dietician who will review your diet intake questionnaire. You will be given information to get you started on a 5 % body weight reduction. You will learn about dietary modifications that are needed after your surgery. Some insurance companies require you to see the dietician twice a month.

• You will meet with the Physical Therapist and will be asked to walk for ten minutes on a treadmill. We will start you on a home walking program, or you may desire to work with a trainer to create an activity plan.

• You will complete some paperwork in preparation for your appointment with our Psychologist. Weight loss surgery will affect you for the rest of your life, and it is a decision that requires a lot of thought. Success with weight loss surgery requires your commitment to long-term lifestyle changes. The psychologist will assess your understanding of the risks and complications related to weight loss surgery and will talk with you about your:

• Social situation – Your family history, current family structure, education level, financial status and employment history.

• Support System – Good social support from family and friends is important for success after surgery. Patients look to their support network for emotional support, help with their physical needs after surgery and assistance with changing life-long habits needed to be successful.

• Substance Abuse History – You will be asked about your history of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug use.

• Mental Health – If you have any mental issues that may complicate your success after surgery, you may be asked to have counseling. A therapist can assist with the emotional issues that can arise when having life-changing surgery.

• Eating Behaviors – You will be asked about your current eating behaviors, and will talk about the changes that you will need to prepare for.

• Internal Medicine Physician – When your test have been completed and the results have been received, you will be scheduled to see one of our Internal Medicine physicians. This doctor will review your test results and will decide if you are healthy enough to undergo anesthesia and surgery or if additional testing is needed.

• Anesthetist – You will be scheduled to meet with one of our anesthetists. The anesthetist is a key member of our tea. He/she will review your history, physical and test results, and will decide what type of anesthesia would be safe for you.

We also have patients attend support group sessions before and after surgery. It is important to connect with other people who have had or who are contemplating weight loss surgery.