Also Ask About the Quality of the Program...

In addition to checking out the surgeon to see if he or she is the right one for you like I described in the last posting, spend time evaluating the quality of the program. This can make all the difference in the world in your long term result. For instance our patients lose nearly 20% extra weight after surgery and I am convinced it is because our patients are truly ready for surgery and they receive all the tools necessary for them to get their best result and keep their weight off long term. This is the program that has been built around the operation to meet our patient's needs. Therefore you should ask about program details.

I am convinced that the better the quality of the program the better the results. Ask whether they have the following:

Do they have their own "in house" dietitians doing dietary consultations? How many and by whom. I believe there should be at least 3 before surgery and 3 after surgery by a Registered Dietitian)
Do they have their own “in house” psychologist? Does the program take seriously the psychological readiness of the patient to have surgery and do they have their own psychologist that specializes in bariatric surgery patients?
Do they have their own dedicated internal medicine specialist? A thorough and comprehensive medical evaluation is important to assess your risks and make changes to decrease your risks during surgery.
Do they incorporate a postoperative exercise therapy program after surgery with a exercise therapist to help you return to tour best activity level.
Do they help you with obtaining approval from your insurance company and take the hassle of getting approval as quickly as possible.
Do they expect to continue to follow you medically for the rest of your life to make sure you do not develop vitamin or mineral deficiencies and to help you obtain your very best long term result?
Do they have professionally directed support groups? The groups should be facilitated by a dietitian, Psychologist, or nurse to keep the comments positive and helpful for the entire group.

If the program you select is doing all of this I believe that will translate into a better result for you and you are much more likely to have all of the tools you need to keep your weight off long term and live a healthier and hopefully longer life.

Remember, this is your one time to have bariatric surgery. You want all the help ypou can get to do the best you can. Do not go "cheap". Find the best surgeon and the best program you can find. It"s your life. You deserve the best so investigate both the surgeon and the program thoroughly.