Step 3: Come in for a Consultation
The first step in determining if bariatric surgery is appropriate for you is to attend one of Dr. St. Laurent's live informational seminars or complete the online Emmi program for the procedure that your are interested in. Once this has been accomplished, a consultation with Dr. St. Laurent can be scheduled. Here he can answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding weight-loss surgery such as:
- Are you a candidate for bariatric surgery
How to calculate your BMI (Body Mass Index)
Is surgery an effective treatment for obesity
How the surgery is performed
What are associated risks and complications
What kind of weight loss to expect
Life after surgery
Please remember to bring the following to your appointment:
- Your patient forms and records, completely filled out.
Your insurance card. Please fax an enlarged copy of this card ahead of your appointment to 281-921-1897.
All prescriptions and over-the-counter medication you are currently taking.
A list of all questions and concerns you may have.
Qualifying Factors May Include:
- History of documented dietary weight loss attempts
- Lifelong commitment to dietary, exercise, and medical guidelines and follow-up care
- Psychological evaluation
Together, you and your bariatric surgeon take steps to determine:
- If surgery is the right treatment for you
- Which type of procedure is right for you
- If you are mentally and emotionally prepared to make lifelong lifestyle changes
- That you have, or will have, the necessary support system around you
Expect the pre-qualification process to include a series of tests. You also will meet with a nutritionist, psychologist, and other support staff members in sessions leading up to surgery. Each healthcare professional will help you prepare for the changes and challenges that lie ahead.
If you believe bariatric surgery would improve your health and well-being, contact our office to begin a conversation and start the pre-qualification process.
