What You Can Expect
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Six questions — and a promise
Bariatric surgery requires commitment on your part. How ready are you? To get a better idea, answer the questions below and read the promise.
- How overweight am I?
- What obesity-related medical complications do I experience? (Arthritis? Back problems? Diabetes? High blood pressure? Hiatal hernia? Gall bladder surgery? Fatigue?)
- Have I talked with my primary care doctor about obesity?
- At some time in the past year, have I participated in a medically supervised, documented weight-loss attempt?
- Do I have sufficient motivation toward weight loss to make the necessary changes in eating habits and exercise?
- Am I willing to make a formal commitment to the procedure and to myself?
At MeritCare, we ask that you as a patient promise to:
- Make a commitment to change.
- Keep your appointments with the dietitian for the first two years.
- Keep us informed of your change of address and phone numbers for your lifetime — keep in touch!
- Attend support group meetings
- Periodically perform blood tests to measure your serum iron and serum vitamin B-12 levels.
- Engage in vigorous aerobic exercise for 45 minutes three to four times a week — for life.
- Take recommend supplements every day — for life.
- Get psychological counseling if your doctor recommends it.
- Come and see us in the future if your weight maintenance becomes unsatisfactory.
- Notify us if you've been hospitalized for problems related to your surgery.