Personal Consultation

Once you have attended the seminar, you will set an appointment for a personal consultation with one of the surgeons. During this meeting, your personal medical history, as well as your family medical history will be reviewed. This is where the decision is made as to whether weight loss surgery is the right choice for you. The surgeons work with each individual to determine the best course of action for the patient, even if the surgery is not the answer. Family members and friends are asked to come to the personal consultation, so that they can offer their support, and have their questions answered.

Following the appointment, we will ask that you meet with a psychologist to assist you in making your final decision. We recognize that weight loss surgery is a major undertaking and include this step to ensure that candidates proceed with full commitment and realistic expectations.

Questions to ask your surgeon if you are considering weight loss (Bariatric) surgery.

1. Which procedures are offered by the surgeon(s)
2. How many of these procedures has the surgeon performed?
3. What are that surgeon's results in terms of:
   
   1. Weight loss at 3 and 5 years.
   2. Complications
   3. Deaths
4. Is the surgeon's practice designated as a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Bariatric Surgeons?
5. Does the surgeon perform the procedures at a facility designated as a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Bariatric Surgeons?
6. Is the surgeon's practice acknowledged as a Center of Excellence by your insurance provider?
7. How many surgeons in the practice perform Bariatric procedures?
8. How many Bariatric surgeons are present during each operation?
9. Is there a Bariatric surgeon on call at all times?