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We’re there for you every step of your journey

  "A new look on life came about because of the loss of weight and I became a whole different person.  I am celebrating my 30th year and enjoying life to the fullest! How wonderful that feels!"

Read more about Janelle's story

Here are the major steps you’ll go through as we help you achieve your goals for weight loss.

1. Attend our free information session

This meeting will help you determine if weight loss surgery is right for you, and it is required for anyone interested in pursuing surgery. Classes are held weekly at Unity Hospital, Find an open class time here.

2. Complete a health history form

You can schedule an appointment to complete a health history form when you are at your information session.

3. Meet with a bariatric nurse for a consultation

Your bariatric nurse will walk you through each step in the surgical process and review your healthy history form and insurance criteria. You’ll also receive information about our other resources, such as psychologists and dietary consultations.

4. Prepare for surgery

Before your surgery is scheduled, you will need to lose 10% of your excess body weight. This helps reduce the risk of surgical complications and will speed up your recovery time. Smokers need to be smoke-free for at least 8 weeks prior to surgery.

5. Complete a psychological assessment

This assessment will determine whether you are in the best possible mental health to proceed with surgery at this time. Your psychologist will also help you prepare for surgery and the changes you will face after your surgery.

6. Meet with your bariatric nurse for an in-depth education session

Any questions that you still have will be answered at this meeting.

7. Meet with your surgeon

At this session, your surgeon will review surgery options and prepare you for the day of your surgery.

8. The week before your surgery

You’ll need to see your family physician for a pre-operation physical exam within seven days before your surgery date.

9. Surgery

Your surgery will take only a few hours, and you’ll be able to return home in 1-2 days. Before you leave the hospital, you’ll receive information on what to expect during your recovery, as well as your surgeon’s pager number. You can contact your surgeon at any time if you have a question or concern.

10. One-week follow up visit

Your surgeon will meet with you one week after surgery to check your incision and give you further instructions. Roux-en-YGastric Bypass patients will schedule an appointment one month later for your five week post-op follow up with your bariatric nurse.

11. On-going support

We’ll be there in the months and years after your surgery with continuing support you as you embrace a new, healthier lifestyle. You'll come back to Unity once per year for a follow up appointment, and support groups are available to you at anytime.

Unity Hospital Bariatric Center
500 Osborne Road NE, Suite 200
Fridley, MN 55432
763-236-2045
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