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Bariatric Surgery Program
The Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin Bariatric Surgery Program works hand in hand with patients through every aspect of the weight loss journey, including an extensive pre-surgery evaluation process, the surgical procedure, and managing treatment after surgery to address immediate and long-term needs.
Orientation ClassPatients seriously considering bariatric surgery are required to attend our special orientation class. The three-hour class provides a complete overview of weight loss (gastric bypass) surgery and the impact it can have on patients’ lives. The instructor discusses risks of surgery, including how it will affect people with obesity-related medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea. Benefits of the surgery are also discussed, including the degree of weight loss that can be expected. However, the main focus of the class is a discussion of patient preparedness and compliance, including dietary habits and lifestyle changes the patient must adopt before and after surgery. Additionally, a Medical College of Wisconsin bariatric surgeon talks about suitable candidates for weight loss (gastric bypass) surgery and details about the procedures.
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Surgical Consult and Pre-Operation Lifestyle ChangeUnlike candidates for other surgeries, bariatric patients begin preparing for surgery three to six months before the operation. Patients are supported through a pre-operation weight loss program and assisted in altering their diets before surgery. Patients receive extensive behavioral modification counseling to help them adopt healthier eating habits and modify other lifestyle behaviors, such as quitting smoking and beginning an exercise program.
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Group and One-on-one ConsultationsBefore patients undergo bariatric surgery at Froedtert & The Medical College, they attend group sessions led by a specially trained dietitian who thoroughly explains eating habits and nutritional needs required before and after surgery. Additionally, separate one-on-one meetings are scheduled with a psychologist and a surgeon for patients to ask questions and exchange information. The psychologist evaluates patients’ understanding of the procedure and their feelings about the changes to come. Patients obtain valuable information about behavioral adjustments during this meeting. The surgeon describes the surgery and discusses the patient’s physical condition.
During these initial meetings, history, symptoms and related health problems are examined to determine if patients have pre-existing health concerns that need to be controlled before undergoing surgery. If necessary, they may be referred to a medical specialist for assessment and care, enter physical therapy, have medications adjusted, or undergo a sleep study to determine if they are at risk for sleep apnea.
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Insurance ApprovalOur trained staff will work with you and your medical insurance provider to determine if weight loss surgery is an available benefit. We will help you complete required paperwork and submit any needed documentation or records your insurance provider requests to authorize the surgery.
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Package Pricing to Help You SucceedBecause we know your needs are as individual as you are, we offer package pricing options to help you make the most of your successful weight loss. Ask your bariatric surgery team for information on a package price that will work best for you.
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Pre-Operation ClassIn the final stage before surgery is performed, a nurse practitioner makes certain patients understand the steps they are about to take. Medical histories are updated, questions are answered, and patients receive a complete outline of what to expect during their hospital stay and first days at home. Additionally, patients undergo a high-risk medical consultation with an anesthesiologist.
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Specially Designed Inpatient FacilitiesEvery aspect of our inpatient program, from transfer units to gowns and surgical equipment, has been carefully planned and designed to provide the highest level of patient care with sensitivity and dignity. Patient rooms with baths outfitted with step-less showers are specifically configured to accommodate patients’ needs. And our state-of-the-science minimally invasive surgical suites — called endosuites — were expressly designed and constructed for bariatric surgical procedures.
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Long-term Follow-up Ensures Your Long-term SuccessAt the Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin Bariatric Surgery Program, we keep our staff busy with a database of more than 1,000 bariatric patients. By updating medical records and keeping in contact with our patients after the operation, we can continue to watch for warning signs and guard against dangerous habits like stress or emotional eating, depression or eating disorders. Our Follow-Up Clinic is ready and able to intervene to support our patients at the first sign of psychological or physical stress. The Bariatric Surgery Program follows patients out of the operating room and into their daily lives, making every necessary resource available for as long as needed. We have doctors, nurses, dietitians, psychologists and physical therapists on hand to help patients through the lifestyle changes that follow bariatric surgery.
A continuous process of evaluation and quality improvement ensures the best possible outcomes for our patients.
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Community EducationEvery month, a surgeon and nurse practitioner from the Froedtert & The Medical College Weight Loss/Bariatric Surgery Program hold community education classes on a rotation basis in Milwaukee, Fond du Lac and Racine. Potential patients learn about health risks posed by severe obesity and available treatment options. After attending a community education class, patients are invited to contact the program for our comprehensive patient information packet. To learn when our next class will be held, please call 414-805-3666 or 800-272-3666 or visit our calendar.
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Date: Nov. 29, 2011 Online Editor(s): Richard Petre |
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