Bariatric Weight-Loss Surgery

How Quickly Can You Get Bariatric Surgery? Timeline Explained

Dr. Jason F. Moy
Dr. Brian T. Chin
Daniel Roman
October 19, 2023
How Quickly Can You Get Bariatric Surgery? Timeline Explained

The goal of bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, is to help people lose weight and improve their health. However, it is a major decision that requires careful consideration and planning.

From the initial consultation to the follow-up care, there are many steps involved in the journey to bariatric surgery. In this post, we will explore the different stages of the bariatric surgery timeline and discuss what to expect at each stage.

Timeline for Bariatric Surgery

If you have decided you need bariatric surgery, you must go through the pre-surgery requirements, schedule the surgery, and plan the pre-operative preparations.

Here is a detailed overview of all the important steps:

Pre-surgery requirements

Before bariatric surgery, your doctor will make you undergo a series of tests to ensure that the surgery will be safe and effective for you. For that, you will need to meet the following requirements:

  • Initial consultation: You will need to schedule a consultation with a bariatric surgeon who will evaluate your overall health, medical history, and weight loss goals to determine if you are a good candidate for the surgery.
  • Insurance requirements: Many insurance providers have specific criteria that must be met before they will approve bariatric surgery. This may include a minimum BMI, documentation of past weight loss attempts, and/or proof of certain medical conditions related to obesity. Read this post to know if weight loss surgery is covered by insurance.
  • Psychological evaluation: Obesity can often lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, so a psychological evaluation is usually required to ensure that you are mentally prepared for the challenges of the surgery and the lifestyle changes that follow.
  • Medical clearance: You will need to undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation to ensure that you are healthy enough to undergo surgery. This may include blood tests, an EKG, a sleep study, and other diagnostic tests.

It's important to keep in mind that meeting these requirements does not guarantee that you will be approved for bariatric surgery. You will be carefully evaluated by your surgeon in order to determine if the risks and benefits of this surgery are appropriate for you. The surgeon may need to perform additional tests and evaluations to determine your eligibility.

Scheduling the surgery

After meeting the pre-surgery requirements, the next step is to schedule your bariatric surgery. The timeline for scheduling the surgery can vary depending on a number of factors, including the availability of the surgeon, the type of surgery you will be undergoing, and any necessary pre-operative preparation.

Once you have been cleared for surgery, your surgeon's office will work with you to schedule the procedure at a time that is convenient for you. However, there may be a waiting period before the surgery can be scheduled due to the surgeon's availability or other factors.

In addition to scheduling the surgery, you will also need to complete any necessary pre-operative preparation. This may include losing a certain amount of weight, increasing your physical activity, and attending educational and support group sessions.

Overall, the scheduling process for bariatric surgery can take several weeks to several months, depending on the individual circumstances. It's important to work closely with your surgeon's office and follow all instructions to ensure that the surgery is scheduled in a timely manner and that you are fully prepared for the procedure.

Pre-operative Preparation

The goal of pre-operative preparation is to help you achieve the best possible outcomes from the surgery and minimize the risks associated with the procedure. Some common pre-operative preparations include:

  • Losing weight: Depending on your weight at the time of surgery, you may be required to lose a certain amount of weight before the procedure. This can help reduce the risk of complications during and after surgery. You may also be advised to increase overall physical activity as well.
  • Changing eating habits: You may be required to follow a specific diet before surgery. This can help make the surgery easier and safer to perform.
  • Attending educational and support group sessions: Such groups can help you better understand the procedure, prepare for the lifestyle changes that will be required after surgery, and provide you with the emotional support you need to succeed.

Overall, pre-operative preparation is an important step in the bariatric surgery process. You should follow all instructions carefully and work closely with your surgeon and healthcare team to ensure that they are fully prepared for the procedure.

If you're considering bariatric surgery, it's important to understand the timeline and steps involved in the process. At Bass Bariatric Center, we're here to guide you every step of the way and help you achieve your weight loss goals. Contact us today to learn more about our bariatric surgery options and to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced bariatric surgeons. We'll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs and goals, and help you achieve long-lasting weight loss success.

About The Author

Daniel Roman, Content Writer

Daniel Roman is a Digital Content Writer at BASS Medical Group. He received his Masters in Journalism from UC Berkeley in 2021. Daniel has published multiple newspaper articles covering public health issues. His latest was a magazine cover story on pandemics and diseases that he co-wrote with Dr. Elena Conis, a historian of medicine, public health, and the environment.

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