Follow–Up Appointments

One of the most important parts of a successful bariatric practice is proper follow-up care. These scheduled post-operative visits assure that you are following the pre-operative guidelines, appropriate weight loss is attained, vitamin supplementation is being followed, and the need for medical assessment by your PCP. We evaluate both mental and physical health during your post-operative follow-ups.We want to assure that your diet and exercise routine are yielding ideal and safe weight loss results.

The first year after surgery is the most critical to ensuring your success and health over the longer term. Patients will receive a follow-up appointment at the following intervals:

1 week: post-op check, remove staples and drains
1 month: routine check-up, dietary reassessment, check medications
3 months: check-up, bariatric labs for gastric bypass
6 months: check-up, bariatric labs
12 months: check-up, bariatric labs
Annually: check-up, bariatric labs

During these appointments, we will draw blood and screen you for various vitamin and mineral deficiencies, most commonly calcium, vitamin B12, iron, folic acid and more. Any deficiencies that are found will be corrected quickly. This will also be a good time to measure your progress and discuss any hurdles you may be experiencing in your weight loss efforts.

Gastric banding patients will need additional follow-up as they will have their band adjusted on a regular basis for ideal restriction. Band patients typically come back on a monthly basis until they are eating small portions without nausea or vomiting. It is important to remember that patients who do not comply with their prescribed follow-up schedule expose themselves to the potential for serious and chronic deficiencies that can be very serious. Be sure to take advantage of all the benefits your surgery has to offer by attending all post-surgical visits and following your post-operative plan closely.