Following the patient screening, the team meets to discuss the findings of the screening. The team decides if the patient is an appropriate candidate for surgery. These decisions are based on what is best for the patient physically, and emotionally.

The team may determine that certain patients may need additional medical testing, psychological counseling or undergo physical therapy prior to establishing a date for surgery. This criterion is set to ensure that patients will have the best possible chance of recovering from the surgical procedure itself and succeed at long-term weight loss. The team provides the best support possible to help the patients meet criteria and move towards surgery and recovery.

It is important to remember that there are no ironclad guarantees in any kind of medicine or surgery. However, weight loss surgery will only succeed when the patient makes a lifelong commitment. Some of the challenges facing a person after weight loss surgery can be unexpected. To help patients achieve their goals and deal with the changes surgery and weight loss can bring, the bariatric surgery program at Monmouth Medical Center provides a five-year follow-up plan that includes support groups, dieticians and other forms of continuing education.

This surgery is only a tool. Your ultimate success depends on strict adherence to the recommended dietary, exercise and lifestyle changes.