Evaluation and Preparation: Keys to Successful Weight Loss Surgery

Your willingness to make lifestyle changes and prepare for your weight loss surgery procedure, will drastically affect your outcome after surgery.

Therefore, your weight loss journey will begin with thorough evaluation. Our bariatric team will develop an unique treatment plan to help you lose weight and prepare for a successful surgical outcome. The treatment plan includes:

• Education, support and monitoring
• A comprehensive Medical Weight Loss Program, if needed
• Recommendations on vitamin and mineral supplements
• A customized exercise program
• An individualized eating plan developed by our bariatric registered dietitian
• Bariatric Nurse Coordinator who guides patients through the entire process

The overall evaluation and preparation process at Georgia Regents Center for Obesity & Metabolism includes:

Step One: Patient Education Seminars

Attend a free weight loss surgery seminar to learn more about surgical weight loss options and find out if you are a candidate for weight loss surgery.

Step Two: Initial Screening and Evaluation

You will have an initial clinic appointment where we will discuss your medical history, provide a physical exam, discuss surgical options and talk with our dietician and clinical psychologist. These are requirements of the program. In addition, we will schedule lab work and any necessary tests. Our team may also coordinate any studies or consultations you may need to prepare you for surgery. These consultations may include:

• Cardiology
• Pulmonology
• Gastroenterology
• Respiratory Therapy

Once this initial screening process is complete, our multidisciplinary team will meet to discuss findings and determine if you can safely proceed to surgery. Next, our team will help you understand the insurance requirements and how to manage through the process of pre-approval. We can also discuss self-pay options and can schedule treatment once your testing and medical clearance is completed. 

Step Three: Evaluation by a Bariatric Surgeon and Anesthesiologist

Following pre-approval, we will then schedule a pre-operative visit. Remember, our Bariatric Nurse Coordinator will help you manage each step of the process and our team is available to answer all of your questions as you go through the program. Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will meet with you to:

• Schedule your surgery
• Discuss surgical options and risks
• Review your medical history and answer any last-minute questions
• Reinforce your understanding of the risks and benefits of anesthesia and surgery
• Repeat your physical examination to rule out changes in your health status

Step Four: Final Insurance Approval or Payment

Your operation will proceed as planned if approved by your insurance carrier. If you are using the self-pay option, the fee must be paid in full prior to surgery. You will most likely only spend 1 to 3 days in the hospital and after surgery will be on a liquid diet for the first few weeks. Follow up clinical visits will be scheduled:

• 1-3 weeks
• 4 weeks
• 3 months
• 6 months
• 9 months
• 12 months
• Then yearly