Serving La Jolla, North County, and San Diego– Comprehensive Obesity Surgery Post-operative Care
At Surgical Associates of La Jollat, safety and sustained results are paramount. We help all of our bariatric candidates understand that weight loss surgery is not a one-time event; rather, it is a decision to change one’s lifestyle radically. Not only do we strive to provide our North County and San Diego-area patients with the safest and most effective obesity surgery procedures available, but we are committed to helping patients maximize and maintain their weight loss. Accordingly, we have established a comprehensive pre and post-operative care program to provide ongoing support throughout the weight loss and maintenance process. Please contact Weight Management Division today to learn more about the obesity surgery support program.
The Importance of a Post-operative Care Plan
Patient care after obesity surgery is one of the top determinants in a patient's weight loss success. After a major obesity surgery like gastric bypass or the LAP-BAND® System procedure, it is essential that the patient follows up with the doctor frequently – once a month for at least the first three months, after which we individualize the follow up schedule based on the type of surgery and other health issues. Many patients choose to see us monthly for a year then annually thereafter.
Comprehensive Analyses
We pride ourselves on an exceptional, aggressive follow-up program that helps to ensure optimal results. The program consists of a comprehensive assessment, which includes analysis of the patient’s body composition status, their food and exercise habits, and, for our LAP-BAND® System patients, the possible need for band adjustments. Our dietitian, clinical psychologist, internists, and support staff help us tailor the follow up to the needs of the individual patient.
Bariatric Support Groups
Lifestyle changes after obesity surgery are, without a doubt, drastic and sometimes difficult to maintain. Monthly bariatric support groups run through our practice play a crucial role, helping our La Jolla, North County, and San Diego-area patients achieve post-obesity surgery success. Those who participate in the support groups are assured that they are not alone in their journey toward significant, permanent, and healthy weight loss. By meeting together regularly and forging a common bond, bariatric patients are able to share their struggles, triumphs, worries, and joys.
Open Access
In addition to clinical follow-up appointments and support groups, we maintain an “open access” policy for all our patients, should they need to see one of our physicians at any time.
For Gastric Bypass Patients
We recommend that our obesity surgery patients who have undergone the gastric bypass procedure plan to follow up with a physician at one month, three months, six months, and one year after surgery. After the first year of post-operative follow-up appointments, patients should meet with a physician annually thereafter.
For LAP-BAND® System Patients
Patients who have undergone the LAP-BAND® System procedure are urged to meet with one of our bariatric surgeons each month until their lap band is optimally adjusted Most patients reach this point within three months of the operation. Many LAP-BAND® System patients need to have their bands adjusted on a regular basis to reduce or increase food intake, a procedure that only a trained bariatric specialist can perform. We encourage our patients to visit with us monthly until they no longer need adjustments or counselling from one of our multiple staff members.
Learn More about Post-operative Care
The bariatric physicians at Surgical Associates are more than surgeons; they are partners with their patients on the road to safe, healthy, and permanent weight loss. The many patients from La Jolla, North County, and throughout San Diego who have undergone obesity surgery at our practice have experienced the comprehensive post-operative care we offer, and their sustained weight loss serves as evidence that our program truly works. Contact our practice today to learn more about our in-depth follow-up program.
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Contact our practice, serving La Jolla, North County, and all San Diego, to learn more about our comprehensive program after obesity surgery.
Surgical Associates of La Jolla
Dr. Paul Hyde
Dr. Mark Sherman
Dr. Cheryl Olson
9850 Genesee Ave., Suite 660
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 452-5054
Fax: (858) 452-5097
Helpful Forms for Bariatric Patients
