Considering Weight Loss surgery? Here’s A Checklist To Get Started. Congratulations on beginning the process of looking for options to do something serious about your weight. This is a very important first step towards improving your overall health. There’s a lot to consider when thinking about making the decision to choose weight loss surgery.

1. Why? Why Now? Why Surgery? For years, my doctors, family and friends were so concerned about my weight and health. My doctors recommended many weight loss options including surgery, yet I wasn’t ready to say YES! What was it that finally got me to even CONSIDER surgery as an option? This is my WHY – I was tired of watching my health slowly decline, trying every weight loss diet and plan that didn’t seem to work for me, of feeling trapped in a body that was difficult to live in, realizing if I kept on that way, I wouldn’t live very much longer. It is my firm belief it’s CRUCIAL to know your WHY! Write it down somewhere you can always access it such as your cell phone. This will help you stay focused and not give up on your goal as you explore the various weight loss options available. So, What’s your WHY? Please share it with me, I’d really like to know!
2. Research – Even with the advice of your doctors, friends and family, you will still need information for yourself. Since having weight loss surgery requires life-long follow up and care, it’s imperative that you research surgeons, medical teams, and surgical centers. By getting as much information as you can now, you’ll be armed with sound information to help you make the best decision possible. One of the best resources I highly recommend, is the American Society Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons website patient learning center.   The website is a wealth of information regarding types of bariatric surgeries as well as other important patient information. Be sure your surgeon is board certified and ideally specializes in Bariatric Surgery. You should also research the surgical program and look for the designation by MSBAQIP as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence. The surgery centers who receive this designation are dedicated to Bariatric Surgery, and must perform at least 125 bariatric surgeries per year collectively and the surgeon must have performed at least 125 bariatric surgeries him/herself and perform at least 50 per year. In addition to the surgeons criteria, the program must also offer a multi-disciplinary and comprehensive team of surgeons, nurses, dietitians, psychologists, medical consultants, and exercise physiologists.
3. Attend the Free Weight Loss Surgery Information Seminars Offered – I went to the free information seminars offered by three different Bariatric Programs in my area. At first, even though I planned to go deeper into the process of checking out the whole Bariatric Surgery route, I was still very nervous about the entire idea. I hadn’t had any surgeries prior to my weight loss surgery, so just the overall idea of ANY TYPE of surgery was very scary to me. I took comfort in going to all of these information seminars and used it as an opportunity to compare each of the programs against one another.
4. Check Out Insurance and Payment Options – When you decide to attend the free seminars, you’ll need to contact the surgeon’s office to register. Upon doing that, you will be asked your insurance information. You will then learn if your insurance is accepted by that program, or what other payment options are available. One of the more positive things about how our society and medical community views obesity these days is there’s more options in treatment,  financing, and payment for surgery. This offers hope to so many people who are suffering and don’t see a solution.
5. Set Up Initial Consultations and Begin To Select Your Surgeon –  Once you’ve done your research and have narrowed down your list of possible choices, it’s time to consult with those doctors on your list.  I set up appointments with three different bariatric surgeons. Besides selecting a qualified and experienced surgical team, you also want to work with a team that feels right to you. The only way you can do this is in person. This is the team that will provide you with life-long care and follow up of your bariatric surgery. This is something only you can do and only you will know. While getting recommendations from your primary care doctor, or your other doctors who care for you, as well as friends and family who’ve had bariatric surgery is advised, you are the one who must to feel comfortable with the team you choose.