What to Expect from Pre-Op Class at New Life
All bariatric surgery patients of New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery in Knoxville are required to attend our Pre-Op Educational Class 3-4 weeks before their scheduled surgery.
For Nurse Sarah, who facilitates the seminar, education is the number one key to success after surgery. If the patient knows about something, the less scared and fearful they are, the more successful they are after surgery.
What topics are covered in the Pre Surgery Education Class?
This educational seminar covers a lot of important things that bariatric patients should know, including:
• Bariatric surgery as a tool
One of the most important things they will learn is that bariatric surgery is NOT an easy way out; it is a tool that, when used properly can help you succeed. Following your weight loss surgery plan and sticking to your new diet and exercise routine is very important.
• Complications
Although complications are rare, they’re also discussed during the session. Nurse Sarah will explain possible problems, the major risk factors, signs and symptoms to look for, and what to do if these complications happen.
• Weight Regain
Weight regain can happen to some patients and if that occurs, Nurse Sarah assures patients that they’re always welcome in our New LIfe office. Our experienced staff is happy to see them and answer questions and address issues with weight gain if needed.
• Post-surgical care
Medications, how one can take good care of herself/himself post-surgery, and diet after the procedure will also be covered. Krystal, New Life’s Dietitian, will provide guidance about the post-surgical diet and what patients need to take (e.g. what kind of vitamin supplements to prevent deficiencies).
Parkwest Medical Center’s Bariatric Coordinator, Stella, will also talk to patients about the importance of attending support groups. It’s highly recommended that patients join and participate in Bariatric support groups. Patients can ask questions and get tips from staff and other patients during support groups. Bariatric Support groups are available in person each month at Parkwest Medical Center. New Life also has a private Facebook support group for Dr.Robert Williams’ patients.
What to expect after the Pre-Opt Class?
To gauge the patients’ understanding of the material, there will be a comprehensive quiz for each section and topic covered. There’s also an open note test, where patients can seek answers from the information packet they’re provided.
What else do bariatric patients need to know before surgery?
The team highly encourages patients to bring in their support person during the Pre-Opt class. It’s important to have a second set of ears and get the same education, especially that they’re the people these patients will be relying on post-surgery.
Nurse Sarah assures patients that if they have questions or doubts, our office and communication lines are open. We want to make sure that on the day of the surgery, the patients are comfortable and understand what to expect.
When asked what else she wants patients to know, Nurse Sarah emphasizes ‘trusting the process.’
If you have questions about the step-by-step process leading up to your weight loss procedure with New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery, you may call us at (865) 694-9676.
New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery is part of Premier Surgical Bariatrics in Knoxville, Tennessee. New Life is affiliated with the Parkwest Center for Bariatric Surgery, part of Covenant Health Bariatric Services.