Your First Visit to Your Weight Loss Surgeon

Posted by Dr. Nick Nicholson on November 18th, 2014

You’ve made the decision to have weight loss surgery and you’ve done all the research to find the right doctor who is the best fit for your needs. Now it’s time for your first appointment and you’re understandably nervous. You don’t know what to expect and what will come out of this appointment. What questions will you be asked? What questions should you ask of your doctor?  What is standard protocol in situations such as this?

With no past experience with weight loss surgery, we all enter into this first appointment relatively blind. It can be nerve-wracking to make the decision to have surgery at all and without knowing what will happen step by step, we can feel anxious and vulnerable. Luckily, if you’ve chosen the right surgeon, you will have someone who is knowledgeable and professional to lead you through the journey with confidence. And if you’ve chosen right then you’ll always have someone there who is willing to answer any questions you have along the way. Finding the right weight loss surgeon is critical to this process for all of these reasons. You want to have a team of support around you and that starts with your surgeon. So choose wisely.

Here’s what you can expect during your first appointment with your weight loss surgeon. During your first appointment you will:

                        Have a medical history taken. Your surgeon will sit with you and talk about your medical history including weight history, any obesity-related conditions from which you may be suffering, family history, and more. it’s so important that your doctor has a full and very clear picture of your health so that he/she can help recommend the best procedure for you and facilitate your success.

                        Discuss your goals. Your doctor will want to know what’s important for you with regard to the surgery in terms of your weight loss goals and your mindset regarding the lifestyle changes that will need to be made following surgery.

                        Learn what to expect. Your surgeon will work with you to make sure you know what to expect in terms of the surgery, recovery, weight loss, lifestyle changes that are necessary, and more.

Get to ask questions. This is the time that you should talk with your doctor about any questions you have. You should feel comfortable asking anything you want and always feel like your questions are answered completely.

About Author

One of the most experienced weight loss surgeons in the country – Dr. Nick Nicholson – along with a full staff of surgeons, nurses and other experienced clinicians, help patients reverse obesity with LAP-BAND, Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy and Revisions.