Deciding to have weight loss surgery can be very
difficult. The most important step in deciding whether to have
weight loss surgery is getting all of the information you need
about the different surgical options so that you can make an
informed decision. Our team of dedicated surgeons, physicians,
physician assistants, psychologists, and dietitians understand that
weight loss surgery is a very serious decision and we will help you
obtain all of the information you need
The surgeon will review your medical history and help you
to determine if you are a candidate for weight loss surgery at
Lourdes. Take a moment to review some of the criteria that must be
met before weight loss surgery can take place:
- You must have a BMI of 40 or above OR
you must have a BMI of 35 or above, along with obesity-related
medical problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or sleep
apnea.
- You must be able to demonstrate that you have been unable
to lose weight with long-term non-surgical approaches.
- You must be well informed about the surgical
procedure.
- You must be aware of the possibility of serious
complications.
- You must be aware of how your eating habits and lifestyle
will change permanently after weight loss surgery.
- You must attend all required appointments with the
nutritionist, psychologist, surgeon, physician's assistant, and all
other recommended health care providers.
- You must attend monthly support group
meetings.
- You must demonstrate commitment to weight loss, dietary
and lifestyle change, health improvement and lifelong medical
follow-up.
REMEMBER! There are
no guarantees for any weight loss method, including surgery.
Success is possible only with maximum cooperation and commitment to
behavioral change and medical follow up. This
cooperation and commitment must be carried out for the rest of your
life.
Reduce Your Risks
In addition to the eligibility requirements listed above, there
are several other factors to consider before weight loss surgery,
factors that can reduce your risk of surgical complication. To
reduce your risks:
- Quit Smoking
This will be required three
months before your surgery can take place.
- Exercise
The stronger the heart and lungs, the better your body
will tolerate surgery.
- Develop Good Eating Habits
Start practicing good eating habits that will be
necessary after surgery, including chewing well, eating slowly,
sipping plenty of fluids, taking vitamins, reading food labels, and
preparing weekly menus of healthy low sugar, low fat foods.
- Move Around
Get up and walk as soon as possible after surgery. The
more you walk the better! Walking reduces the risk of blood clots
and improves lung function.
- Find a Support Group
A minimum of three support groups is required. Some
insurance companies require more preoperatively.
Screening Process
As a patient interested in weight loss surgery, you will have to
complete an in-depth screening process which includes:
- An education seminar
- A nutritional assessment with a nutritionist
- A physical exam and medical histrory with either the surgeon or
the physician assistant.
- A follow-up visit with a nutritionist
- A meeting with a psychologist and a primary care
provider.
People with certain medical conditions may be required to see
additional medical providers to confirm their appropriateness for
weight loss surgery.
- A sleep apnea evaluation. The evaluation will determine whether
or not you need a sleep study and possible treatment.
Once all of this is completed, you will meet with the surgeon to
get final approval for scheduling your surgery. You are required to
attend a minimum of three support group meetings during the
preoperative phase.
Failure to meeting eligibility requirements and all phases of
the screening process will prevent you from being scheduled for a
surgery.
Additionally, if you are scheduled to receive a surgey and do
not follow all plan guidelines as provided by your surgeon, your
surgery will be cancelled.
For more information or to schedule an
appointment with our Bariatric Nurse Navigator, please call us at
607-798-5485.
