The journey to weight-loss surgery may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. At The Bariatric Weight Loss Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC), we’re here to guide you along the way. Below is an outline of the five common steps to weight-loss surgery:
Step 1: Get a referral
Contact our team directly or have your primary care provider refer you to a bariatric surgeon for an appointment. Are you unsure if you’re a candidate for weight-loss surgery? Read our blog article that outlines the typical qualifications for a bariatric patient.
Step 2: Schedule an appointment
NGMC has three bariatric surgeons in our program who will meet with you and discuss weight-loss options tailored to your individual circumstances and existing health conditions. Before your appointment, watch our Bariatrics 101 online seminar to learn about our procedures and program offerings so you can be prepared with questions for your surgeon.
Step 3: Begin making lifestyle changes
Practicing healthy habits will maximize your weight loss before and after surgery. Making healthy food choices, chewing your food well, slowing down at mealtime, eliminating sugary beverages, not eating while distracted and not snacking between meals are all habits that you should begin pre-surgery to set yourself up for success. Some insurance companies require patients to work with a dietitian on a supervised diet for 3-6 months prior to surgery to work on these lifestyle changes.
Step 4: Prepare for surgery
While waiting for your surgery date, start being more active. Don’t look for the closest parking spot, take the stairs, walk the dog and take small steps towards implementing more activity in your daily life. Moving your body will be critical to your success after surgery. We encourage you to begin attending our support groups so that you can be around other patients who are preparing for surgery or even those several years out. These people can be a tremendous value to you for support and motivation.
Step 5: Undergo surgery
Bariatric surgery is typically an inpatient procedure that requires an overnight hospital stay. However, some of our patients may be eligible for same-day discharge at the discretion of their surgeon. While you’re recovering in the hospital, one of our bariatric certified nurses will meet with you and discuss next steps for your successful recovery at home.
About life post-surgery
Making smart choices and maintaining a healthy weight after weight-loss surgery is a lifelong commitment. Our program provides the tools you need to be successful. Read more about our Aftercare Program and the resources available to you as a patient at NGMC.
Next step:
Take your first step to better health today by filling out a form or giving us a call. We look forward to hearing from you soon!