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| FIRST STEPS : |
Step One: Identify the Decision
Define the decision you must make and the factors that affect it. Take the disease of morbid obesity and consider bariatric surgery as a treatment option.
- How serious is my current health condition?
- Have I tried all other obesity treatment options such as weight loss
- programs and exercise?
- Which bariatric surgery procedure is best for me?
Step Two: Do Some Research
Research and understanding are a key part of the decision-making process. - Hear what patients and healthcare professionals say about their experiences.
- Understand the bariatric procedures.
- Learn about the health benefits.
- Know the risks of bariatric surgery.
Step Three: Consider the Evidence
Review all the information you’ve gathered and speak with your family, friends, and a healthcare professional experienced in treating obesity as a disease.
- Envision what bariatric success looks like by reading Real Patients’ Stories and watching videos of actual patients speaking about their experience.
Step Four: Take Action
Pull together a list of bariatric surgeons in your area. Print out Questions For Your Surgeon for when you meet with a bariatric surgeon. And consider the following:
- Attend information seminar at a bariatric program.
- Visit the programs’ bariatric support groups.
- Select a surgeon who you feel confident can guide your care before, during, and after surgery.
Opting for Bariatric Surgery?
Begin the process today: - Pull together the documentation that you need such as your weight loss history and any treatment or program receipts or records you may have.
- Attend support groups and informational sessions to learn about the various bariatric procedures, the recovery period, and the reality of the follow-up care.
- Make your initial consultation appointment with your bariatric surgeon.
- Share your bariatric surgery decision with your primary care physician.
- Talk with previous patients about their experiences—bariatric rewards and the challenges.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The amount of time between your first consultation and the date of surgery depends on several factors.
These factors include:
- Health insurance approval or alternative financing
- Preoperative education
- Bariatric surgeon evaluation
- Reoperative testing and medical workup
The Bariatric Edge Resource Library has convenient, easy-to-print resources so you can take your next step with confidence .
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