Bariatric support program
We offer you free information sessions if you are thinking about having bariatric surgery. We also offer support groups, where post-surgical patients can receive mutual support and encouragement as they adjust to the changes in their bodies.
Our support groups
Participating in support groups enables you to stay highly motivated through sharing and supporting discussions. We host support groups that range in topics moderated by our bariatric surgeons, psychologists and dietitian. Sessions can focus on a specific topic each month and feature a Q&A session. Time is also allotted for you to share and support other attendees.
If you are considering bariatric surgery
Pre-bariatric preparatory program
Before undergoing bariatric surgery, you must try to lose weight through medical and nutritional techniques. If these therapies fail to achieve adequate results, we will evaluate if you are a good candidate for a surgical weight loss procedure. We offer several programs to help you meet preoperative weight control requirements established by their individual insurance provider:
- Three-to-six-month medically monitored preoperative weight loss program
- Three-to-six month nutrition counseling program
- Nutrition evaluation and postoperative diet education
- Psychological evaluation
- Exercise recommendations
Post-bariatric surgery program
After your surgery, your medical team will continue to work closely with you to monitor progress in several different areas:
- Corrected vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- Decreased triglycerides
- Improved body image
- Improved metabolism
- Improved quality of life
- Increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (good cholesterol)
- Increased mobility
- Lower blood pressure
- Lower body mass index (BMI)
- Reduced blood sugar levels
- Reduced elevated levels of total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
Follow up care
Our post-surgery program may include:
- Individualized counseling
- Nutrition
- Psychological evaluation
- Metabolic monitoring
- Medication management
- Monitoring of vitamin and mineral deficiencies
We also encourage you to follow up with a metabolic physician who may adjust medications, evaluate protein requirements, assess fluid losses and electrolyte changes, determine the need for vitamin and mineral supplementation, and monitor malabsorption and reduced capacity to hold food.
Did you know?
Studies show that bariatric surgery patients experience an average weight loss of 80-100 lbs. More than 40% of American adults are obese. Bariatric surgery can help to improve Type 2 diabetes by 85-95%.
Know your BMI
An interplay of diet, family history and amount of physical activity are all risk factors for obesity and weight gain. Your body mass index (BMI) can help determine into which weight category you fall.
BMI is a numerical measure of a person's body weight in relation to their height. It is calculated by dividing an individual's weight in pounds (or kilograms) by the square of their height in feet (or meters). This determines whether a person falls into the underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese categories.
Your BMI and weight are simple indicators of potential health risks associated with being underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese.
You may be a great candidate for metabolic weight loss or bariatric surgery if:
- You have a BMI of 40 or more
- Are more than 100 pounds overweight
- Have tried and failed to lose weight
- You suffer from obesity-related health problems
Stephanie A.'s story
"I can do anything now... go cliff jumping, zip lining, whitewater rafting, and even buy clothes in the regular size department.”"
Stephanie A., bariatric surgery patient
