ThinnerTimes

Our basic education program consists of two seminars and a pre-op support group. The first education seminar is a general program covering the topics listed below. The second seminar focuses on post operative dietary issues. The pre-op support group gives prospective patients deepened insight. It is led by previous gastric bypass and Lap-Band patients.

We cover both gastric bypass and Lap-Band in the same seminars. It is important for each patient to understand and compare the advantages and disadvantages of the gastric bypass and Lap Band procedures. Only then can she or he decide if weight loss surgery is appropriate and can work with the surgeon to choose the best procedure.

The basic education seminars are offered twice each month. The pre-op support group and dietary education seminar is offered once a month. All seminars take place at Pomerado Hospital in Meeting room C/D.

The general education seminars are taught by Dr. Callery and are held on the first and third Monday evenings from 5:30 to 8:30pm. Admission is by reservation only. Reservations may be obtained by filling out our online registration form.

The dietary education seminars and support program is offered on the second Thursday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. The diet education program is taught by Karen Merdinger, R. D. and Kelly Neil, F.N.P. The pre-op support group is held on the first Thursday of each month from 6:00 to 7:30 pm.The support group is run by Ann Nichols, L.C.S.W. and Dr. Callery Reservations are not required for the dietary education and pre-op support groups.

Patients must attend the general education session before attending the dietary education and the pre-op support. It is quite important that each patient bring her/his spouse or significant other to each of the seminars and the pre-op support group. The cost of the seminars and support group are covered by the consultation and surgical fees for HMO patients and by the program fee for PPO patients.

Basic Education Program Topics:

• General concepts of obesity and its treatment.
• The normal GI (digestive system) tract and its function.
• Operations for obesity.
• Details of gastric bypass and Lab-Band procedures.
• Physiologic consequences of gastric bypass and Lap-Band.
• Complications associated with gastric bypass and Lap-Band procedures.
• Office protocol for consultation, diagnostic testing, insurance authorization, etc.
  
  

Seminars are lecture style and questions from the audience are encouraged.

To attend a free educational seminar, call us at 858-675-0883.

Please note: We do not have child care facilities and children can not be admitted to the programs. Even the most well behaved children become impatient, so please leave children with a sitter.