1. Attend the Bariatric Informational Seminar
2. Schedule an Appointment with the Bariatric Surgeon
3. Play a Critical Role in the Long-Term Success of Surgery

1. Attend the Bariatric Informational Seminar.

• It is required for all patients to attend our free Bariatric Information Seminar prior to being seen in the surgeon's office. Here, you will meet one or two of our surgeons and one or two team members such as the bariatric coordinator, physicians assistant, care line nurse, office assistant or the nutritionist who will be able to explain the program and process. Post-operative patients also regularly attend the seminar, so you will be able to get many questions answered by someone who has “been there and done that”.
• At this seminar, you will obtain an extensive Bariatric Questionnaire regarding your past medical and diet history, and an Insurance Questionnaire. You will also have the opportunity to have your weight and BMI (Body Mass Index) calculated to see if you qualify for weight-loss surgery. If there are special circumstances that prevent you from attending a seminar, please contact the Care Line nurse. (See number at right.)
• Choose a date from the New Patient Bariatric Seminar Schedule or call the Care Line nurse to reserve a seat at the seminar you choose. The Care Line nurse can also send you more information.

2. Schedule an Appointment with the Bariatric Surgeon.

• It is MANDATORY that you bring both completed Questionnaires you obtained at the seminar to your first consultation. This is necessary for a thorough evaluation and to obtain approval from your insurance company for surgery.
• Make sure to bring your Insurance Identification card(s) and Driver's License to the initial consultation.
• During your initial consultation the surgeon will review the Bariatric Questionnaire and discuss weight loss options. You can also obtain information by visiting the American Society for Bariatric Surgery web site at www.asbs.org.
• Based on the surgical procedure you have chosen, as well as your BMI (Body Mass Index) and past/current medical conditions, additional consultations will be arranged with one or more of the following:
  • Primary Care Physician (required)
  • Mental Health Counselor or Psychiatrist (required)
  • Nutritionist (required)
  • Pulmonologist
  • Gastroenterologist
  • Cardiologist
  • Endocrinologist
    (If you are already under treatment by a cardiologist, endocrinologist, mental health counselor, etc., an additional consultation may be necessary.)
• In addition to the above consultations, the surgeon may order one or more of the following blood tests and/or radiological examinations, all of which can be done at St. Vincent's Medical Center:
  • Sleep Study
  • Pulmonary Function Test
  • Upper Endoscopy
  • H. Pylori (blood test)
  • Upper GI
  • Ultrasound of the gallbladder
  • Thyroid screen (blood test)
  • Any additional tests needed or recommended by the other medical specialists

3. Play a Critical Role in the Long-Term Success of Surgery.

You will need to:

• Commit to improving your health.
• Discuss your health history with your surgeon.
• Discuss any questions or concerns you have.
• Learn all you can about each procedure before making a decision.
• Follow all instructions on preparing for surgery.
• Commit to following the nutrition, activity, and other care instructions given to you by your surgeon before and after surgery.
• Attend a pre-operative support group, and commit to attending the post-operative support services available.

Both the bariatric team and you must commit to honesty, responsibility and cooperation.