Are you ready to take charge of your health and make a lasting commitment to losing weight? If so, Flowers Hospital’s comprehensive bariatric surgery weight loss program is the perfect place to start.
Our general surgeons partner with Flowers Hospital’s Center for Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery to offer proven solutions and compassionate support throughout your weight loss surgery process.
Many patients think that getting bariatric weight loss surgery can be quick fix by simply scheduling and doing the surgery. However this is not the case! The entire pre-surgical approval process takes about six months. And you will likely be required to make lifestyle changes that will impact the rest of your life, even after surgery.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the seven steps in the Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Program at Flowers Hospital.
Step One: Attend a free seminar
At the forefront of our comprehensive bariatric weight loss program at Flowers Hospital is Step One: attending a free seminar that educates you on every aspect of weight loss surgery.
Our goal is to help you understand that weight loss surgery is not a quick fix, but rather a step in a more extensive plan to help you achieve long-term weight loss and jumpstart a healthier lifestyle. During our seminar, we cover different topics like different surgical options available, potential results, and the essential lifestyle changes that help maintain your weight loss results.
Your Bariatric team will conduct an in-depth screening process following the seminar, which ensures you meet the basic requirements for surgery. We will collect general information about your medical history and set up your appointment to meet with a surgeon.
Call us today to request a meeting or register online to be notified about upcoming seminar times.
Step Two: Call your insurance company
Call your insurance company to see if weight loss surgery is covered by your plan. Criteria for coverage can vary among insurance companies, but the Bariatric Center staff can help you through this process.
For those interested in private-pay for self-pay options, patients at Flowers Hospital can save on bariatric surgery through MDSave. Visit www.MDSave.com for more information.
If you are concerned about affordability, our team will assist in developing a plan that’s right for you. We are here to help you explore your financial options, including third-party options for affordable financing.
Step Three: Meet with one of our surgeons
Dr. Steven Fendley, Dr. Brad Marker and Dr. Emily Cannon are the only bariatric surgeons in the area at this time. Together they partner with Flowers Hospital to provide patients with low risk, safe and effective weight loss surgery with the gastric sleeve procedure utilizing the da Vinci robot.
Our surgeons will meet with you personally to discuss weight-loss surgery and how it will affect your lifestyle and weight-loss goals. You will have the same surgeon with you throughout the process from your first appointment, to surgery, and then through your post-surgery and weight loss maintenance journey afterwards.
Step Four: Follow a pre-surgical plan
When it comes to preparing for bariatric weight loss surgery, following a pre-surgical plan is crucial and most of the time required for insurance. Our team of healthcare professionals with the Bariatric Center will work with you and your insurance to create a personalized plan that is tailored to your specific needs.
Depending on your insurance coverage, the pre-surgical plan may take several months to complete. We will provide guidance and support throughout this process, helping you to gather all the necessary information and documentation to verify completion of each step.
Some of the steps you may be required to complete as part of your pre-surgical plan include:
- Dietary changes: Before surgery, you will need to make significant changes to your diet to help prepare your body for the procedure and maximize your weight loss outcomes.
- Exercise: Regular exercise can help improve your overall health and aid in weight loss. We will work with you to develop an exercise plan that meets your needs and abilities.
- Smoking cessation: Smoking can increase the risk of complications during surgery and slow down the healing process. We strongly encourage patients to quit smoking before undergoing bariatric weight loss surgery.
- Medical clearance: Before surgery, you will need to undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure that you are healthy enough to undergo the procedure.
Step Five: Enroll in pre-operative classes
Our pre-operative classes are designed to educate you on the various aspects of the surgery and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. These classes cover everything from dietary guidelines to exercise routines, as well as the psychological and emotional aspects of weight loss.
We understand that each patient is unique and has different needs and goals. Our program is tailored to meet these needs, and our pre-operative classes are no exception.Our educational program is aimed at providing you with the necessary tools and knowledge to achieve long-term weight loss success. By enrolling in our classes, you’ll also have the opportunity to meet and interact with other patients who are going through the same journey. This provides an invaluable support system that can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals.
The educational classes will provide you with the knowledge and resources you need to make informed decisions about your health, and help you achieve your long-term weight loss goals.
Step Six: Surgery
Once you’ve completed the pre-operative plan and classes, it’s time for your surgery at Flowers Hospital. Our team of experienced surgeons at Wiregrass Surgical Associates will be there to guide you through the process and make sure you’re comfortable before, during, and after surgery.
The surgery itself typically takes about two hours, but may take longer depending on the specific procedure. After surgery, most patients can expect to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days before being released. Recovery times may vary, and your surgeon will determine when it’s safe for you to return to work or resume other activities.
Step Seven: Follow up care and maintenance for life
During the early days after surgery, our team will work closely with you and your primary care physician to help keep your physical recovery on track. In addition, you’ll have frequent visits with your bariatric team to help you safely manage your weight loss. The Flowers Hospital Center for Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery provides services including medical assessments and monitoring, nutritional guidance and meal planning, behavior modification counseling and more.
At Wiregrass Surgical Associates, we believe that bariatric surgery is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to long-term weight loss and maintenance. That’s why we offer comprehensive follow-up care and support to all of our patients. From dietary and lifestyle changes to ongoing medical monitoring, we’ll be with you every step of the way to help you achieve your goals and maintain your health.
Check out our Patient Testimonial Video to learn more about just how life changing this surgery can be!