Getting Started
Once an individual has decided to pursue bariatric
surgery at Pennsylvania Hospital, it is important
to become well educated about the procedure and
what life will be like following surgery. This
can be accomplished by reading books about bariatric
surgery, attending support group meetings, and
reading research articles.
The next step is to make an initial appointment
with the surgeon and the bariatric team. Prior
to the initial appointment, patients will attend
both a preoperative education class and a nutrition
class.
A letter will be generated to the insurance company
to obtain insurance approval for the operation.
This process can take a few weeks to months, depending
on the insurance company.
Once insurance approval is obtained, patients
will be scheduled for surgery. They will need
to attend the pre-operative visit (two weeks before
surgery), to have an updated physical exam and
undergo pre-operative testing including lab work,
an EKG, and a chest x-ray.
Following the pre-operative visit, patients should
purchase vitamins, minerals and nutrition supplements
that will be needed after surgery.
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