We’re glad that you have decided to learn more information about bariatric surgery at Piedmont Hospital. As with any medical procedure, bariatric surgery is not right for every candidate. We want to give you as much information as possible to help make your decision.

Many steps are required before your procedure is performed. Read the steps below and talk with your physician about whether bariatric surgery is the right choice for you.

STEP 1: New patient information seminar

Learn more about bariatric surgery during a free informational seminar at Piedmont Hospital. We will share information about the types of bariatric surgeries, the benefits, risks and requirements for surgery. You’ll receive an information packet about what you need to do before surgery. Now is the time when you can ask the surgeons questions to decide if bariatric surgery is the right option for you.

STEP 2: Complete a new patient profile

You’ll complete information about your health and medical history, including previous attempts to lose weight. We will initiate verification of benefits and eligbility from your insurance company or discuss self-pay fees.

STEP 3: Initial consultation with surgeon

Meet with the bariatric surgeons at Piedmont Hospital, Dr. Suraj Menachery and Dr. Kevin McGill. They will ask you pertinent questions about your health and lifestyle to determine if you will be a successful bariatric surgery candidate.

STEP 4: Psychological consultation

Losing weight with bariatric surgery requires significant lifestyle changes. The psychologists affiliated with Piedmont Bariatrics can talk to you about behavioral strategies that will help you lose weight.

STEP 5: Nutritional consultation

Losing weight with bariatric surgery requires significant dietary strategies. Our nutritionists at Piedmont Hospital will go over the requirements of the bariatric regimen. They will also promote proper eating styles and meal planning to get the best start to your post-surgery weight loss success.

STEP 6: Pulmonary consultation

Obese patients have unique medical conditions, including sleep apnea. Patients with a BMI more than 45 -50 are at higher risk for underdiagnosed or undiagnosed sleep before elective bariatric surgery. The pulmonologists affiliated with Piedmont Bariatrics can counsel candidates about the risks of sleep apnea and how a sleep study can change the way you feel before surgery.

STEP 7: Bariatric team approves surgery

Once insurance requirements are met and pre-certification is granted, the bariatric physicians can schedule surgery or decide if additional clearances are needed based upon your medical conditions (e.g., cardiology, nephrology, endocrine or hematology).

STEP 8: Pre-Operative registration visit

Approximately one week before surgery, you will sign your surgical and bariatric practice consent forms and complete the required pre-op testing and lab work.
All self-pay fees are due at this visit.

STEP 9: Surgery

You’re almost there! Your surgery is completed. You will be discharged in either one or two days depending on your surgery and your ability to easily tolerate clear liquids.

STEP 10: Follow-up appointments

You will return for your first follow-up appointment in one to two weeks. More follow-up visits will be scheduled to review your eating habits, nutrition and exercise regimen. You should continue to see your primary doctor during this period as previously scheduled.

Register to attend one of our weight-loss seminars for more information about bariatric surgery.