Qualifications for Bariatric Surgery
Each patient is unique and only your bariatric surgeon and medical team can assess how surgical weight loss will improve or impact your individual health.
Physically, candidates for bariatric surgery at Piedmont Medical Center have recorded failed weight loss attempts through traditional behavioral and medical therapies and have a Body Mass Index (BMI) equal to or greater than 40 kg/m2 or
a BMI equal to or greater than 35 kg/m2 with existing or a high risk for health issues associated with obesity, such as Type II diabetes, heart disease, joint pain, sleep apnea, severe heartburn or fertility problems.
Candidates must also receive approval from a psychological professional and have a motivated outlook with realistic expectations of their potential surgical results.
Surgical weight loss is a lifelong commitment and a supportive environment for the journey is crucial to achieving your weight loss goals. Potential bariatric patients must not only understand their chosen surgical weight loss procedure including the
risks and considerations but be willing commit to the lifelong behavior changes, such as diet and physical activity, that are necessary for maintained weight loss success.
The Surgical Weight Loss Process
Surgical Weight Loss Seminar
Throughout each step of the surgical weight loss process, Piedmont is committed to helping you reach and maintain your weight loss goals. The journey begins with potential patients attending our surgical weight loss seminar where they meet board-certified
bariatric surgeons and our bariatric nurse coordinator and learn about qualifications for surgery, surgical options and what to expect throughout the surgical weight loss process.
Board-certified Bariatric Surgeons
After patients attend the seminar, they select and meet with a bariatric surgeon who will provide medical care and expertise throughout the patient’s journey. Kamran Borhanian, MD and Alex Espinal, MD with Piedmont General Surgery Associates are
dedicated to the healthy lifestyle and weight loss success of each surgical weight loss patient.
Support Before, During & After Surgery
Piedmont’s surgical weight loss program features leading-edge minimally invasive surgical options, one-on-one insurance provider guidance, exercise and nutrition education and psychological counseling.
After surgery, the key to reaching and maintaining your weight loss goals will lie in eating smaller portions of nutritious foods and increasing your amount of exercise. Support group meetings are also a vital part of experiencing long-term weight loss
success. These meetings provide patients with opportunities to learn from others who are on the same journey, experiencing the same changes, concerns and situations. Support group attendance is open to current patients, individuals interested in learning
more about the bariatric weight loss process and those who are on the road to weight loss success and a healthy lifestyle.
