A Step-by-Step Guide to Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is a giant step towards overcoming obesity and living a healthier and more fulfilling life. At Texas Laparoscopic Consultants, we have helped thousands of patients along their weight loss journey. We realize that weight loss surgery can be daunting to consider, but we also know that the benefits of bariatric surgery make this process well worthwhile. We invite you to learn more about what you can expect from the bariatric surgery process. If you still have questions after reading this page or would like to schedule your personal bariatric surgery consultation, please contact us.
Step 1: Get Educated
The first step in any patient’s bariatric surgery journey is to gather information in order to make an educated decision about whether surgery may be right for you. We provide our current and prospective patients with detailed information about obesity as well as the many weight loss options we offer here at Texas Laparoscopic Consultants. As always, please feel free to call us with any questions you may have—we’re here to help in any way we can!
Step 2: Review Payment Options
For many of our patients, bariatric surgery is considered a medical necessity and is covered by health insurance. For patients whose surgery is not covered by insurance or who do not have insurance, we offer a variety of payment and financing options to bring this life-changing opportunity within reach.
Step 3: Meet With Your Surgeon
During your private consultation, you will meet with one of our experienced weight loss surgeons in Houston. During this meeting, your surgeon will review your medical condition and conduct a brief physical examination. You will have the opportunity to candidly discuss both your struggles and your goals, and you and your surgeon will go over your weight loss surgery options and whether you are a good candidate for bariatric surgery.
Step 4: Psychological Evaluation and Nutrition Classes for Weight Loss Surgery
During your psychological evaluation, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss the emotions behind your eating habits and any underlying challenges that may make it difficult for you to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Every patient attends a psychological evaluation, and this step is integral to patients’ success in our weight loss program. Weight loss surgery is an effective tool, but it only works when patients commit to a healthy diet and exercise routine. It is our goal for each patient to have a clear understanding of the work that needs to be done to make the lifestyle changes necessary to reaching their goals as well as realistic expectations about the bariatric surgery process. When a patient understands him or herself and the process, he or she is better prepared to handle challenges that may arise during their journey.
Another way we set our patients up for long-term success is provide them with an exclusive nutrition class. Our Registered Dietitian has created this program, which helps our patients understand how to make wise food choices and create healthy meal plans.
Step 5: Pre-Surgical Medical Appointment
No less than 2 weeks before bariatric surgery, your doctor will conduct pre-surgical testing, evaluate your health, and give you detailed information on your upcoming surgery. Each patient must attend at least one pre-surgical medical appointment before weight loss surgery. Some patients may require additional medical appointments or weight management classes as part of the preparation process.
Step 6: Pre-Surgical Diet
Most of our patients are required to follow a liquid diet for 2 weeks before bariatric surgery. We will customize your pre-surgical diet recommendations according to your health and the procedure you have planned. This low-carbohydrate, high-protein liquid diet will help reduce the size of your liver in preparation for bariatric surgery. This diet is essential to a safe surgical procedure and recovery, and it is very important that each patient closely follows the guidelines set by his or her surgeon and dietitian.
Step 7: Surgery and Beyond
Before you undergo bariatric surgery, your team will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions. Your dietitian will also give you comprehensive diet guidelines and outline meal plans for you. When your surgery date has been scheduled, we will be here to answer any questions you may have: we want to make sure you feel well-prepared, comfortable, and confident. We will also let you know how long your procedure and recovery will take. Following your surgery, we’ll give you support resources and make sure you have the tools you need to succeed on your weight loss journey.
Ready to Learn More?
Bariatric surgery saves lives, and we have helped thousands of patients through their journeys to a happier, healthier self. If you would like to learn more about weight loss surgery and other weight loss options, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a private consultation with a weight loss specialist.
The TLC Surgery Doctors have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.