When taking those first few steps on your weight loss journey, it’s important to understand what lies ahead. From your initial consultation to recovery, we do everything we can to help ensure you're prepared physically, mentally, and medically. This overview will help you understand the process, including insurance requirements, pre-surgery preparation, and what to expect during recovery and beyond.

What to Expect Before Surgery

Watch Our Free Informational Video

You are required to view our weight loss surgery video seminar before becoming a patient. This will help you determine if surgery is the right option for you and provide insight into how we prepare you for the procedure. After the seminar, you can reach out to our bariatric coordinators to confirm your insurance coverage and schedule your initial appointment.

Watch our on-demand weight loss informational video to get started on your weight loss journey

Check Insurance Requirements

Coverage can vary, so it’s important to check with your insurance provider to fully understand your benefits and any specific requirements before moving forward.

Also keep in mind that insurance providers require certain tests before approving you for weight loss surgery, including blood work, x-rays, sleep apnea studies, and more.

Enroll in Our Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program (MSWLP)

Most insurance providers also require you to participate in a medically supervised weight loss program. You’ll work with a dietitian to prepare for the changes ahead, help you lose weight before surgery, and ensure this decision is right for you. Program length varies depending on your insurance provider.

After you are given clearance from the insurance company and the clinical team, we will schedule the surgery. The process can vary depending on your insurance provider’s policies and your own clinical condition(s).

Watch this video to learn more about pre-surgery requirements.

What to Expect After Surgery

Recovery

Recovery times vary depending on the procedure, but most patients return to normal activities within 2-6 weeks. For specific details, talk to your provider about recovery following your surgery.

Losing Weight and Relieving Conditions

Outcomes can vary by procedure and individual, but you may lose 20-35% of your total body weight. It’s possible to start seeing weight loss soon after a successful surgery, with more dramatic weight loss occurring with diet and lifestyle changes.

Following surgery, you may also experience improvement or potential resolution of weight-related health conditions, such as:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Sleep apnea

Remember, outcomes vary from person to person and we cannot promise any specific results. However, we will do our best to help you reach the best possible outcome and support you every step of the way.

Lifestyle Changes

Weight loss surgery can change the way your body absorbs nutrients, requiring lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation to prevent deficiencies. You'll also need to change the way you eat and commit to regular exercise. Eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding high-calorie and high-sugar foods, staying hydrated, and creating an exercise routine are common choices that might help. Your doctor will guide you through modifications that work best for you.

Follow-Up Care

Regular follow-up visits with your healthcare team are essential to monitor your progress and nutritional status. Remember, surgery is only a tool to get you started — success depends on strictly following the recommended dietary, exercise, and lifestyle changes.