Preparing for Surgery

Getting Started

You've thought long and hard about it and you've decided weight-loss surgery offers your best hope in the battle against severe obesity. What's your next step in this life-changing journey? Learn more about weight-loss surgery and how to get started. If you are interested in attending a free informational seminar, please click this link to learn more about the upcoming dates and times.

Your Weight-Loss Team

Your journey will include several key passages: an initial consultation, months of education and preparation, surgery and recovery, and finally a new, healthy way of life. At every step of the way, you'll meet specifically trained professionals who will work with you. All share a common goal: your lifelong success. View your weight-loss team members.

Healthy Living Consultations

Weight-loss surgery by itself is not the answer. You also need exercise, nutrition and mental health – three factors that make a powerful difference in your lifelong success. Consultations with our experts will give you a realistic view of what to expect and the important role you play.

Nutrition
A consultation with the nutrition therapy team will help you to understand the nutritional aspects before, during, and after surgery. They will talk about several nutrition programs available to you, and help you to decide which program is right for you. They will also answer any questions you may have.

Weight-loss surgery will require you to make permanent changes in your eating habits to lose weight and keep it off. To prevent any problems with poor nutrition after surgery, it is important to eat food of high nutritional quality. You will also need to take the vitamin and mineral supplements recommended by your health care team everyday for the rest of your life.

Exercise
After your surgery, exercise should become a routine part of your life. An exercise consultation will give you all the information you need to incorporate exercise into your life and give you the opportunity to ask any questions that you may have. Exercise programs are available at your request to give you additional exercise beyond the everyday activities you do at work or home.

You'll need to start exercising right away after surgery, with a plan that starts slowly and becomes more difficult. This will be essential to your recovery and rehabilitation.

Psychological Evaluation
In addition to being medically appropriate for weight-loss surgery, you need to be emotionally and mentally ready, too. At this appointment, you'll meet with a psychologist who will complete a psychosocial assessment. This includes a review of your eating behaviors, mood, stressors, and coping skills. Your commitment and motivation to change lifestyle behaviors and follow pre- and post-surgical recommendations will also be discussed.

Helpful Resources

Use these trusted links and frequently asked questions for more help.