Getting Started
Are you thinking of having weight loss surgery?
We offer a comprehensive and multidisciplinary program with a complete array of weight loss options including:
- nutritional assessment, counseling and education
- physicial activity counseling and education
- behavioral assessment and lifestyle modification
- availability of various surgical options. Click here to learn about types of weight loss surgery.
We offer seminars to educate you on the various types of surgeries available and the lifestyle changes needed for your success. You may have already decided on which procedure is right for you, so the next step is to schedule a consultation.
We also have support groups available so you can meet individuals who are in the process of preparing for surgery or who have had weight loss surgery along with members of our bariatric team.
Our goal at the St. John Providence Weight Loss is to help ensure your success throughout your weight loss journey.
Come In For A Consultation
When you come to consultation you will spend approximately 2 – 3 hours with the interdisciplinary team which includes the Surgeon, Registered Nurse, Registered Dietitian, and Bariatric Advocate. During this time your health history will be reviewed, and the surgeon will explain the surgical procedures and help you determine which one is right for you. You will also discuss the nutrition and lifestyle changes needed, and you will have the opportunity to interact with the Bariatric Advocate who will share her personal story of success as well as review the steps needed to pursue surgery.
Completing the necessary paperwork prior to your arrival will help us optimize your consultation experience.
Necessary Paperwork
For your convenience, the following patient forms have been made available online. You can download the forms and print them so you can answer them in the comfort of your own home. Be sure to answer them completely and submit them to us when you come for your first appointment.
Protected Health Information Release
What You Need To Do To Prepare For Surgery
Once you have decided that weight loss surgery is the option for you, there are a few things you need to do in preparation for surgery. You will be assigned to an insurance coordinator who will help you through the process. Information that is needed from every surgery candidate includes:
1. A psychological evaluation completed within the last 12 months. We can assist you in finding one to work with.
2. A medical evaluation from your primary care physician.
3. Records indicating you have participated in dieting within the last 2 – 5 years. The amount of documentation needed will vary based on your insurance company.
Additional tests and clearances may be needed also based upon your medical history.
We also encourage patients to begin making lifestyle changes and to attend support groups to help prepare for the changes to come after surgery.
Once a surgery date has been established, a preoperative surgical evaluation and education will be scheduled. At this time you will meet with the RN & RD who will provide you with education on your hospital stay, diet and vitamin needs, and postoperative care. You will also meet with a hospitalist and anesthiesologist. Labwork and some testing will be done at this time.
You are on your journey to a better life. Please contact our bariatric team at any time throughout the process.
What To Expect After Surgery
After surgery, a lot of changes will take place. The bariatric team will help you through these lifestyle changes with you being the center of the team.
Nursing
You will be provided with nursing discharge instructions prior to leaving the hospital to provide guidance with medications, wound care, and recovery. Our RN is also available to answer your questions as they arise.
Nutrition
You will be provided with a complete nutrition packet prior to surgery, outlining the diet progression after surgery and providing you with guidance. Our dietitians are also always available during your follow-ups to assist you with your diet progression. The average diet progression is as follows:
Day 1 -4: Clear Liquids
Day 4 – 14: Full Liquids
Day 14 – 21: Pureed Diet
Day 21- 28: Soft Diet
Day 28 & after: General progression to regular foods.
Specific foods may not be tolerated after surgery and your diet progression may differ slightly. It is recommended to avoid high fat, high sugar foods and to avoid caffeine, carbonated beverages, and alcohol from you diet. You also must eat slowly, chew your food thoroughly and do not drink with your meals.
Exercise
Exercise will help you start to feel better after surgery as well as help you in acheiving your goal weight. The easiest form of exercise right after surgery is walking. You will be up walking hours after your surgery. We encourage you to walk several times a day and this should continue as part of your routine. After you have healed from your surgery, you can begin enjoying other exercise and activities. Your surgeon will let you know when it’s okay to resume activities.
Lifestyle Changes
Many patients do experience other changes after surgery including changes in relationships, employment, etc. Support is needed to help you through these experiences. We offer monthly support groups which give you a chance to share your experiences with other weight loss surgery patients. Our Bariatric Advocate is also available at office visits to share her experiences and support with you.
Please see our Calendar of Events for Support Group meetings and other upcoming activities at St. John Providence Weight Loss.