Bariatric Surgery Preparation
Once you have decided to pursue bariatric surgery, you may want to speed up the process. But there’s a benefit to taking a more thoughtful approach. San Ramon Regional Medical Center has dedicated resources to prepare you both physically and emotionally for your journey. As part of that process, you’ll undergo tests to determine whether you’re a good candidate for weight loss surgery.
Our trained staff will help navigate you through your journey. After your initial medical tests, your overall health will be evaluated. This involves some blood work and tests to monitor your heart, lungs and chest. Our comprehensive bariatric program also includes a meeting with a psychiatrist to determine your emotional readiness and help you to understand any barriers to your long-term success.
Your doctor will discuss recommended bariatric procedures with you to help determine the best option and review the benefits, risks and expectations of surgery. Before bariatric surgery, you may also need to:
- Lose some weight to help prevent problems during and after surgery
- Stop smoking
- Work with our staff to treat existing medical or emotional problems
Six consecutive monthly visits including: one visit with a regular dietician, one visit with a psychologist and certain medical tests. Each visit will review a different topic, such as:
- General health issues
- Nutritional food guidelines
- Weight loss, diet and exercise
- Cardiac clearance
- Pulmonary clearance
- Sleep study (if needed)
A goal for each visit will be to show weight loss. This is a necessary requirement for insurance plans.
Surgery will be scheduled within two to four weeks after you meet the criteria for the procedure.
Weight loss surgery is recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 35, regardless of presence, absence, or severity of co-morbidities. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding with the Lap Band® is also FDA-approved for weight loss surgery in people with a BMI of 30 to 35 who have at least one obesity-related condition. Weight loss surgery is considered safe, but like many types of surgery, it does have risks. Consult with your physician about the risks and benefits of weight loss surgery. These testimonials reflect results achieved by these patients. As each case must be independently evaluated and managed, actual weight loss will vary.