What to Expect Before Weight-Loss Surgery
We want you to feel comfortable with us and with your surgical options as you make your decision and prepare for your surgery. We would like for you to have at least two visits with us. These will include a health evaluation and a visit with our referral coordinators before we schedule your surgery.
Your first visit
During your first visit you will talk with a medical provider and other members of our medical team. You will need to bring your completed new patient paperwork to this appointment. If you are accepted as a candidate we will schedule the required evaluation tests. You will receive your Bariatric Guidebook at this visit.
Evaluation requirements
- Blood tests
- Chest x-ray
- EKG
- Endoscopy (your surgeon will take a flexible scope with a camera and look at your upper digestive tract)
- Psychology Evaluation
- Nutrition Evaluation
- Anesthesia Consult
- Additional consults and testing may be required for some patients, for example a patient may need a cardiology consult if they have a history of heart disease
Decision visit before surgery
We will schedule a physical examination with the surgeon before your surgery. Bring your support person to this office appointment who can be responsible for your welfare during the days after your operation. We will go over your test results and review the procedure and its benefits and risks. If you are accepted as a candidate, we will contact your insurance company for authorization. There are many costs associated with weight loss surgery. Some costs must be paid at the time of service and some must be paid in advance. You will meet with a financial counselor to discuss your financial obligations based on the type of surgery that will be submitted to insurance.
Throughout your experience we will continue to offer counseling with our psychology team.
Our office is at 517 Moye Boulevard. You can reach us at 252-744-2018 or by email at weightlosssurgery@ecu.edu.