Pathway to Surgery
The decision to undergo surgery to control obesity should be considered very carefully and should only be chosen after all other options for weight control are exhausted. These procedures involve major surgery and you must consider the risks and complications as well as the benefits. Your goal should be to lose 100% of your excess weight and keep that weight off for life-and to live a healthier and longer life.

Success after surgery depends on you, the patient. Your participation is required to optimize weight control and maintain nutritional health. Your cooperation in our evaluation process will also make it easier for us to schedule your surgery as soon as possible. Your commitment to a new, healthier lifestyle is the key that will enable you to lose your excess weight and keep it off for life!

Getting Started - Submitting Your New Patient Packet
The pathway to surgery at Medical Center Bariatric Center is easy. If you’ve determined you may be a good candidate for weight loss surgery, call our office at (432) 640-3550 to request a copy by mail, or simply click here for our new patient packet. The new patient packet contains detailed instructions on how to proceed, including a checklist with everything you need to know to get started.

• Follow the new patient checklist to find out how to confirm your insurance coverage and submit your new patient packet and support documentation. After we receive your packet and documentation, we will contact you by phone or email to set up your consultation. If you provide your email address in the packet, you are giving us permission to contact you via this method.

During the consultation you will meet with Dr. Donald Davenport to discuss your surgery options. During your first visit, we will cover all aspects of our surgical program, patient follow-up and support programs. This will include a detailed explanation of the Gastric Bypass procedure and/or the LAP-Band® system.

New patient consultations usually range from 45 minutes to one hour long and you need to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. All appointments will be at Dr. Donald Davenport's office in the Wheatley Stewart Medical Pavilion.

Click here for Map to the Wheatley Stewart Medical Pavilion

At your initial consultation, we will review your health and history form with you, and perform a complete physical examination.

You’ll also learn what you can expect from us as the medical staff and what we expect from you as a patient. Patients are encouraged to bring a family member or friend, and to ask questions. Children usually do not enjoy doctor’s office visits and for these lengthy appointments it would best to make other arrangements.

We appreciate your patience during the pre-surgical evaluation process. At Medical Center Hospital Bariatric Clinic, your health and safety is our primary concern. By being dedicated to completing the process, you can help us schedule the surgery at your earliest convenience.

Preparation for Surgery
Weight loss surgery is a major procedure and it is perfectly normal to be nervous before your procedure. The best preparation is to understand everything you can about the surgery—including potential benefits and potential risks. At the Medical Center Hospital Bariatric Clinic, we are committed to helping you achieve your weight loss goals and educating you about the path to success.

Now is the time to get motivated for your life-changing experience. You must be committed to change - both physically and emotionally. But you don’t have to do it alone. At Medical Center Hospital Bariatric Clinic, we are committed to supporting you in your new life. The following are some successful strategies to help prepare you for surgery:

• Find Strength and Support From Others
  Talk to people who have had the procedure. We can put you in contact with patients who have had surgery at Medical Center Hospital and other hospitals across the country. You will also be required to attend our monthly support meeting at Medical Center Hospital Bariatric Clinic before your surgery. You are welcome to watch and listen or may ask any question that may come to mind. We will give you written instructions on how to join this group during your initial consultation.
   

• Write Down Your Thoughts and Feelings
  Some patients find it helpful to start a journal about their experience. Record how you feel before and after surgery and any obstacles you encounter. Identify your goals in terms of weight loss, new hobbies, activities, and social goals.
   

• Reach Out To Family and Friends
  Patients often have a hard time deciding whether to tell their friends and family about their decision to have surgery. Sometimes they may feel - and rightly so - that your family and friends won’t be supportive. Even when friends or family have negative things to say about your decision, we believe you have the best chance of enlisting their full support by sharing your decision with them, by educating them about the surgery and what it can accomplish.
   

• Establish a Healthy Lifestyle Before Surgery
  In the weeks before surgery, try to increase your exercise and improve your diet as much as possible. This can greatly improve your ability to achieve successful long-term weight loss.

Once your surgery date is set, we will schedule dates 2-3 weeks prior to surgery for your pre-operative patient education seminar. Your day long training session will include the following seminars:

• General lecture about Life after Weight Loss Surgery

• Dietary consult

• Exercise consult with customized program designed for you

• Various hospital staff you will encounter during your stay, such as respiratory technician, operating room staff, nursing staff, and spiritual support