Pathway to Surgery
The decision to undergo surgery to control obesity should be considered very carefully and should only be chosen after all other options for weight control are exhausted. These procedures involve major surgery and you must consider the risks and complications as well as the benefits. Your goal should be to lose 100% of your excess weight and keep that weight off for life–and to live a healthier and longer life.
Success after surgery depends on you, the patient. Your participation is required to optimize weight control and maintain nutritional health. Your cooperation in the process will also make it easier for us to schedule your surgery as soon as possible. Your commitment to a new, healthier lifestyle is the key that will enable you to lose your excess weight and keep it off for life!
Getting Started
If you or your personal physician has determined that you may be a good candidate for weight loss surgery, simply enter your contact information in the fields in the ‘free bariatric seminar’ tab of this page. You will see a listing of current seminars offered both in person and online. After you complete the seminar and turn in your insurance information, a new patient packet will arrive by email. When our patient liaison receives your new patient packet, she will contact you to schedule your initial appointment and review your insurance benefits.During your initial consultation you will meet with our clinicians to discuss your surgery options, review your health history and set goals. We will also cover all aspects of our surgical program, patient follow-up and support programs. This will include a detailed explanation of the Laparascopic Gastric Bypass, Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, Laparoscopic Duodenal Switch and Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band procedures.
New patient consultations usually span approximately four hours, as you will meet with several of our providers. At your initial consultation, we will review your health and history forms with you, and perform a complete physical examination.
You'll also learn what you can expect from us as the medical staff and what we expect from you as a patient. Patients are encouraged to bring a family member or friend, and to ask questions. At the conclusion of your consultation, we will review the pre-operative tests and medical records necessary to complete your chart. Studies to evaluate you for co-morbidities – diseases caused by obesity – will be requested by Scottsdale Healthcare Bariatric Center for you through your primary care physician. You will need to contact your provider to schedule these tests and make sure the results are returned to our office. All required tests must be completed at least two weeks prior to surgery.
We appreciate your patience during the pre-surgical evaluation process. At Scottsdale Healthcare Bariatric Center, your health and safety are our primary concerns.
Free Bariatric Surgery Seminar