Pre-Surgery Planning

Planning for your bariatric surgery
The Center for Surgical Weight Management at Gwinnett Medical Center–Duluth is glad you’re considering bariatric surgery. To ensure you have the most successful surgery possible, there are several steps you need to complete. We do this to make sure you thoroughly understand how this surgery will impact your life, your health and your future.

Download the pathway to surgery form. This form should be used to assist you in the necessary steps in this life-changing journey.

Attending a weight loss surgery seminar
Because we want to see you live a longer, healthier life, we want to meet you, talk to you and answer any questions you might have about bariatric surgery. This is why we ask each potential patient to attend a weight loss surgery seminar.

Your first step in attending a seminar begins by registering online or calling us to schedule a seminar date. At the seminar, we will provide you with a patient information packet or you can download one here. You can either complete the packet documents and bring them with you to the seminar or return them to us at a later date when you are ready to begin this amazing, life-changing journey.

After we have received your completed packet, we will send you an email with a link to your free online educational class discussing the surgery of your choice. If you are undecided on the procedure that is right for you, you may choose as many of the operations as you like, and we will provide you with online education for all of them. Once we have processed your application and you have completed the online education, we will contact you to schedule an initial consultation appointment with the surgeon.

As with any surgery, contact your insurance provider beforehand using the form provided in the seminar packet. Every plan is different, so ask them about your deductible and make sure your plan covers this surgery. If they do not, we offer several self-payment options which we will be happy to discuss with you.

Evaluations
Having bariatric surgery means making a dedication to changing your life and your diet. Again, we want to get to know you so we can discuss realistic goals and walk you through every step of the process for the best possible outcome. You will meet with several individuals at the Center for Surgical Weight Management at Gwinnett Medical Center–Duluth and undergo several evaluations, including:

• A surgical consultation
• Psychological evaluation
• F.I.T. consultation (fitness evaluation)
• A nutrition education session
• At least one support group meeting

Medical clearances
As with any surgery, patient safety is our top priority. We may ask you to obtain medical clearances per your surgeon’s instructions. Clearances may include:

• Cardiac consultation
• Pulmonary consultation
• Sleep study
• Internal medicine consultation
• Gastroenterology consultation

Pre-surgical workshop
Finally, before your surgery, we require you to attend a pre-surgical workshop where we can answer any last-minute questions you might have. We will also discuss your recovery time, follow-ups and everything else you can expect post-surgery.

We will also start you on a two-week pre-surgical liquid diet and have you meet with either our financial counselor or office coordinator for an estimate of fees due prior to surgery.

For more information, please call 678-312-6200, or complete the online form and someone will contact you.