After patients undergo gastric bypass (roux en Y), laparoscopic adjustable band (LapBand®, Realize® band) surgery or laparascopic sleeve gastrectomy, our nurses keep in close contact with them by phone and through office visits so our medical specialists can offer services at the first sign of difficulty. In fact, we see our patients at least once a month for the first six months after the operation, and continue to provide care for as long as it is needed.
Our dietitians have expert knowledge of the eating and drinking habits that change after surgery, and our psychologists are trained to help patients adjust to lifestyle changes. We offer two different support groups, individual psychological and nutritional counseling, and exercise and physical therapy programs tailored to each patient’s needs. Additionally, patients are encouraged to take advantage of education and general health courses, such as stress management.
Learn more by viewing timelines of our follow-up care for gastric bypass (roux en Y) and laparscopic sleeve gastrectomy or laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery (LapBand®, Realize® band).
Telephone Triage
When patients leave the hospital, nurses continue to monitor their physical and psychological health by telephone. The constant connection with a bariatric specialist eases our patients through initial recovery and alerts our staff to potential problems they may face. Nurses are constantly available to answer questions and offer advice. Through telephone triage, we can make sure the right resources make it to patients during recovery.
Support Groups
We know the needs of our patients change dramatically as they work their way through the process of full recovery and long-term weight control. That’s why the Follow Up Clinic offers a support group for recovering bariatric surgery patients.
Psychological Counseling
Since bariatric patients have very specific psychological needs, the Follow Up Clinic has two psychologists with specialized bariatric knowledge available for appointments with our recovering patients. Psychologists are trained to help people work through physical and emotional reactions to previous weight-loss efforts, current diet and eating behavior, and stress related to weight loss surgery.
Nutritional Counseling
Our registered dietitian is an expert in helping patients change their diets to avoid pain, promote safe weight loss and achieve long-term weight control. Patients in the Follow Up Clinic should know what foods are high in essential protein and nutrients and low in calories. Our patients can meet with nutritionists and dieticians throughout their recovery to ensure good food choices, balanced nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.
Exercise Programs
The Follow Up Clinic offers many options for exercise programs through Small Stones and the Wisconsin Athletic Club.