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What Questions Should I Ask When Trying to Find a Qualified Bariatric Surgeon?

American College of SurgeonsIf you are considering weight loss surgery, you are likely quite savvy in your research and know what you are looking for.  In fact most people research weight loss surgery for at least one year prior to deciding to have surgery and choosing which qualified bariatric surgeon will perform their procedure.  This is actually refreshing to me and my professional  team at the Center for Weight Loss Success. I welcome any and all questions and actually worry a bit if there are no questions. I will answer your questions with sincerity and honesty.  This is very important because your relationship with your surgeon is for life and ongoing support is critical to long-term success.

Below is a basic list of questions you should ask any bariatric surgeon under consideration.  Although most are a standard part of your initial meeting and individualized consultation, they are important to know.  You will likely have others so be sure to add them to the list prior to your individual consultation appointment.

  • How many years have you been a bariatric surgeon?
  • How many and what types of weight loss procedures have you performed and do you perform each year?
  • Are you a board-certified surgeon?
  • Are you a member of ASMBS (American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery)?
  • Based on my personal health and weight, what surgery do you recommend for me?
  • What are the advantages/disadvantages/risks of this procedure?
  • Do you perform the surgery laparoscopically or open?
  • Will you perform the procedure, or an assistant?
  • Where will the surgery be performed?
  • Is the hospital or clinic a Center of Excellence?
  • What pre-op testing will be done?
  • What post-op testing will be done?
  • Do you have a comprehensive pre-operative and post-operative program including nutritional coaching, fitness, ongoing support groups, ongoing education and availability of a psychologist?
  • What changes will I be expected to make with regards to diet and exercise?
  • Do you have an insurance and/or financial coordinator available to patients?
  • Do you have a dietician or nutritionist available to patients?
  • Do you have a psychologist available to patients?
  • Do you have a support group for patients?
  • How are questions during non-office hours handled?
  • What should my expected weight loss be?
  • Ask for specific statistics regarding complications and outcomes with your particular type of surgery. They should be willing to provide the information and not try to hide any negative results.
  • Do you have patients who are willing to share their experiences with me?

If you can find a bariatric surgeon who is also experienced and/or board certified in bariatric medicine, that is an added bonus since they will also be equipped to assist you in losing weight prior to surgery.  They also understand medical weight loss methodology that helps the further out you are from surgery.  There are only a select few bariatric surgeons who are also board certified in bariatric medicine.  I have chosen this route because it is my passion and I feel it provides me with the added knowledge to assist patients with or without surgery and also enhance their long-term success.

Your individualized consultation with your prospective surgeon should be thorough and informative.  In addition to your surgeon, you will want to feel comfortable with the office staff and overall customer service experience.  You are becoming a new member of their weight loss surgery family when you choose to have surgery.  Your surgeon and his/her staff are your extended support system.  They should also provide you with the opportunity to include your significant other each step of the way so they can also understand what to expect before, during and after surgery.

CFWLS-Rhonda-09-

Rhonda’s Opinion:  This is different for everyone.  I looked at the experience and program offerings of the physician.  With Dr. Clark it seemed like a no-brainer.

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Tina Dawson, Assistant Retail Manager

With over 30 years of experience in IT, Finance, and Healthcare fields, Tina has served the healthcare industry in such roles as Project Manager, Practice Manager, Physician Recruitment and assisted with electronic medical record (EMR) conversions. She attended the University of Maryland in both Asia and Europe majoring in Computer Science and is fascinated with learning new technologies. Tina enjoys educating our clients on our products and programs and “celebrating their successes and milestones…one pound at a time!”. Don’t be surprised if she gives you a hug! For fitness and fun, she likes to “slog” (slow jog) races and enjoys competing in half marathons. “Come out and join me for the next one. Believe in yourself and you CAN do it!” For more information on weight loss in Virginia, please contact (phone or text) us at (757) 873-1880 today!

Jessica Kirby, Medical Receptionist

Jessica croppedJessica is the newest addition to the team here at CFWLS.

Dani Colley, Medical Assistant

Dani has over 35 years of experience in the medical field and has been working as Dr. Clark’s Medical Assistant for over 15 years. Her area of expertise is with the surgical patients. She works closely with Dr. Clark and is always just a phone call away to answer your questions or just lend an encouraging word!

Dani spends her spare time volunteering at an equine rescue or riding rescue horses.

Dawn Olson, LWMC, CPT, Education & Fitness Coordinator

Although her initial career was in Finance, Dawn’s passion for health & fitness motivated her to re-direct her energy toward helping others reach their goal toward a strong & healthy life. Counseling patients and teaching My Weight Loss Academy™ classes in lifestyle modification and nutrition keeps her smiling. “This is far more than a job, it’s an opportunity to help people learn and make positive changes in their health. Each day brings a new reward!”

Dawn is a certified personal trainer and worked in various fitness facilities before joining us in 2009. She also holds certifications in Exercise & the Older Adult, Aquatic Exercise, Chronic Diseases and Disabilities, Facilitated Stretching, Fitness Therapy and Lifestyle & Weight Management.

Cat Williamson, Office Manager

Cat Williamson was born and raised in Hampton Roads. She feels blessed that she lives close to the Ocean as well as the Mountains since she enjoys taking weekend trips with her Hubby. Cat has worked in a medical setting for more than 35 years and started working for Dr. Clark as his Surgical Coordinator over fifteen years ago. Due to her longevity here at CFWLS, she has “well rounded” knowledge in each program (medical or surgical) that Dr. Clark’s Center for Weight Loss Success offers. Cat, as the Office Manager ensures that daily structure is handled with a balance of professionalism and excitement for each of our Patient’s weight loss journey. She feels rewarded each time a Patient or Client peeks into her office to share yet another milestone toward their new life!

Cat Keller, Retail Sales Manager

CatCat Keller has a wealth of experience in marketing, e-marketing, advertising and customer service and manages our Weight Loss Nutritional Store. She is always planning something fun and exciting. special events, discounts, giveaways – it’s never a dull moment. She is happy to help you with questions you may have regarding our products or services. Cat is a graduate of William & Mary, where she studied Government/Pre-Law and minored in Marketing.

“My ultimate goal here at Center for Weight Loss Success is to help our clients be successful in their weight loss. We all know how wonderful it is to win a long fought battle. The battle against weight gain, and the poor health it eventually brings is, I believe, one of the most important to win because it brings with it the biggest pay off of all…a longer, healthier life. That is what motivates me to come to work everyday, it’s the opportunity to help a client achieve a renewed zest for life.”