How To Prepare For A Bariatric Surgery Consultation

When you decide to take steps toward weight loss surgery, you will undergo an initial consultation. You may not know what to expect from this visit or may want some things to think about before meeting the surgeon.

Understand Your Family’s Medical History

During your first consultation, your family’s medical history will play a role in the conversation. Therefore, it’s essential to know certain medical conditions that run in your family. For example, the surgeon may ask if there is a history of diabetes, obesity, thyroid disease, or blood clots on either side of your family. Knowing this medical history will allow the surgeon to note possible inherited conditions.

Note Your Previous Efforts Toward Weight Loss

Weight loss surgery is a big deal, and it’s not supposed to be the first effort toward weight loss. The surgeon will ask you about things you have done to lose weight in the past and present. Whether you tried monitored dieting programs, different exercise regimens, or making lifestyle changes, it’s important to note all your efforts. In addition, you can explain why you think bariatric surgery is the right step for you.

List Your Personal Goals

Although the overarching goal of bariatric surgery is weight loss, it’s essential to list your personal goals. What do you hope to achieve from weight loss surgery? Perhaps you want less pain and pressure on your joints. Maybe you want to have more energy. Before your consultation, write down your goals and come prepared to talk about them with the surgeon.

Come With Questions

You can think of the first consultation as an informational session. This is the time for the surgeon to get to know you and go over important information. This is also the perfect time to discuss any questions you have. Write down anything you want to know or discuss with the surgeon to create an open dialogue. Coming with questions will allow you to gain clarity on all aspects of bariatric surgery.

When you take steps toward weight loss surgery, you must complete an initial consultation. If you do not know what to expect from this meeting, we hope our guide on how to prepare for a bariatric surgery consultation will help you.

If you’re interested in weight loss surgery, you should contact ALGSN Bariatrics. We have a team of gastric sleeve doctors that can help you achieve your weight loss goals. If you have any questions, call us today!