Next Steps

If you feel you are a potential candidate for bariatric surgery, you should carefully consider the benefits and risks of this life-altering procedure and determine if you are able to make the commitment necessary for a successful outcome.

What Are the Steps Involved in Pursuing Bariatric Surgery?

1. Attend the Bariatric Informational Seminar.

  • It is required for all patients to attend our free Bariatric Information Seminar. Here, you will meet our surgeon and one or two team members such as the bariatric coordinator and the nutritionist who will be able to explain the program and process.
  • At this seminar, you will obtain a Bariatric Questionnaire regarding your past medical and diet history, and an Insurance Questionnaire.
  • Choose a date from the Bariatric Seminar schedule and call the office to reserve a seat at the seminar you choose.

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 you will have the opportunity for a private face-to-face discussion of you weight loss options with the bariatric surgeon.
  • Based on your BMI and past/current medical conditions, you will need to arrange additional consultations with one or more of the following:
    • Primary Care Physician (required)
    • Mental Health Counselor or Psychiatrist (required)
    • Nutritionist (required)
    • Pulmonologist
    • Gastroenterologist
    • Cardiologist
    • Endocrinologist
    • Hematologist
    (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 Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center:
    • Upper Endoscopy
    • H. Pylori (blood test)
    • Upper GI
    • Ultrasound of the gallbladder
    • Thyroid screen (blood test)
    • Pap test
    • Pelvic ultrasound
    • Mammogram for women greater than 35 years old
    • Colonoscopy for patients greater than 50 years old
    • 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.
  • Stop smoking at least a month prior to surgery
  • Stop aspirin, medication for arthritis and blood thinners at least 7 days prior to surgery
  • Commit to following the nutrition, activity, and other care instructions given to you by your surgeon before and after surgery.
  • Attend a support group pre-operatively, and commit to attending them post-operatively.
  • You can also obtain information by visiting the American Society for Bariatric Surgery web site at www.asbs.org.

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

For a physician referral or for more information on the Bariatric Center at Saint Francis, please call toll-free 1-800-642-9230 or (860-714-7128) or email
BariatricCenter@stfranciscare.org