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The
purpose of the patient's initial visit
is to discuss the goals of surgery, together
with its risks, limitations and long-term
benefits. Though many prospective patients
present to the doctor already in possession
of a large amount of information, a detailed
discussion is nonetheless pursued in order
to banish any possible misconceptions
about surgery as well as to determine
if the patient is an appropriate candidate.
Patients are encouraged to bring friends
or relatives to this important first interview. |
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Often before returning for their second
visit with the surgeon, patients will
arrange for their required nutritional
and psychological evaluations. Since
proper nutritional practices will be
so critical to the maintenance of weight
loss and of general health post-operatively,
it is important that each patient come
to know our nutrition staff and learn
about the life-long behavioral changes
that will be mandated by surgery.
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Similarly, a visit to the psychiatrist
or psychiatric social worker will help
confirm the patient's overall fitness
for surgery and will help patients to
discover what support mechanisms will
best assist them going forward.
Other evaluations will or may include:
- A required general medical assessment
- A possible sleep apnea evaluation
for those with
excessive snoring or daytime drowsiness
- Visits to other specialists if diabetes,
heart or
lung disease are an issue
- A gallbladder ultrasound for those
with symptoms
suggesting gallstones
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