FAQs
How do I make an appointment?
Simply call us at during our working hours or you can request an appointment online using this form.
Do I need a referral to make an appointment?
Most medical specialists will accept only referred patients. This is mainly to try to ensure that the specialist you are seeing is appropriate for you and your condition. Check with your insurance company to see if a referral is necessary.
What to bring for your initial consultation?
For your initial consultation, you will need to bring a referral letter from your physician if required.
Here is a check list for your initial consultation:
- Driver's License or a valid ID
- Insurance information
- Referral Letter (if required)
- Reports, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, etc. and any other relevant information
- List of medications (if any)
We encourage you to come to your initial consultation with a written list of questions to ensure you don't forget to ask them when you visit the doctor.
Are my medical records kept private and confidential?
Your medical file is handled with the utmost respect for your privacy. Our staff is bound by strict confidentiality requirements as a condition of employment regarding your medical records. We will not release the contents of your medical file without your consent.
How long do I need time off work after the surgery?
The post-operative recovery period varies based on the surgery. Generally, it is recommended patients take two weeks off work to recover from any surgery and to resume light duty following resumption of work. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions to follow for a successful recovery.
How long before I can resume driving?
You should wait at least one week before driving after surgery. The effects of anesthetic and surgery can affect judgment and reflexes during the first week following your surgery. Your surgeon will provide more specifics after considering your condition.
When can I resume exercise?
Your doctor will instruct you about post-treatment exercises - the type and the duration to be followed. You may be referred to a physical therapist to help with strengthening and range of motion exercises following surgery.
How do I contact after hours?
There will be a point of contact 24 hours a day for any concerns you may have. You will be provided with contact details following your treatment.
If I want to have bariatric surgery, how long do I have to wait?
It may take a few weeks to several months from the time you make the first phone call to the date of your surgery. Several factors determine the amount of time. They include your weight loss history and its documentation, insurance approval, fulfilling our program requirements (pre-operation education seminars, consultation with dietitian, psychologist, and other specialists), and completing the pre-operative tests. Our goal is to reduce the time and make the process as efficient as possible.
Why do I need to lose weight before surgery?
We will often require our patients to lose a small amount of weight prior to surgery. This is primarily done to decrease the size of the liver and increase your chances of undergoing a safe laparoscopic procedure.
How do I find the support I need?
Many successful bariatric surgery patients say that their support network helped them immensely in maintaining their new healthy lifestyle changes. From family and friends to bariatric program support groups, there is a wealth of options available for those interested in bariatric surgery.
The first step in getting support is talking to your family and friends about bariatric surgery and your interest in it. You might find that they are completely supportive. While this is always ideal, you might find that some family members and friends are against your decision. Often, this is because your loved ones are concerned about you or have preconceived notions about bariatric surgery. Explaining the advantages, benefits, and risks of bariatric surgery may open their minds to its importance.
If you find that they are unsupportive, it does not mean you are alone. Many people have bariatric surgery and have been very successful with the care they received from the healthcare professionals on their bariatric program team. Support group is a forum for celebrating success, such as the improvement or resolution of co-morbidities. The support group is devoted to people who have common experiences, share feelings in a safe environment, and develop relationships that can contribute to improved physical and emotional health.
Our bariatric program includes support groups for patients both before and after surgery. Paige Singletary, RN, the Bariatric Coordinator at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, Kay Carlile, RN, the Bariatric Coordinator at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, manage the support groups for our program. These support groups are completely free. Please ask our office for further information.
Support groups are a wonderful place to meet people and get perspective on bariatric surgery. You will hear about successes, frustrations, special moments, and have a chance to share your own experiences.
Why is exercise so important after surgery?
When you have bariatric surgery, you will lose weight as the amount of calories (food energy) become much less than your body needs. Your body will need to make up the difference by burning unused fat or muscle tissue. Your body tends to burn muscle before it begins to burn fat that it has saved up. Without daily exercise, your body will burn unused muscle, and you will lose muscle mass and strength. Daily aerobic exercise for 20 minutes will tell your body to use your muscle and force it to burn the fat.
How much exercise is needed after bariatric surgery?
Exercise begins on the day of your bariatric surgery. The patient will be out of bed and walking. The goal is to walk further each day after that, including the first few weeks at home. You may be encouraged to begin exercising, limited only by discomfort, about two weeks after surgery. The type of exercise depends on your overall condition. Some patients who have severe knee problems can't walk well but may be able to swim or bicycle. Many patients begin with low-stress forms of exercise and move on to more advanced activity when they are able.
What is Semaglutide and how does it work for weight loss?
Semaglutide is a medication approved by the FDA for weight management in individuals with obesity or overweight who have at least one weight-related condition. It works by mimicking the effects of a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which regulates appetite, controls blood sugar levels, and promotes weight loss.
Who is a candidate for Semaglutide for weight loss?
Semaglutide may be suitable for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m² or higher who have not achieved adequate weight loss through diet and exercise alone. It is typically recommended for individuals with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
How is Semaglutide administered?
Semaglutide is typically administered once weekly via injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection). Your healthcare provider will provide instructions on how to self-administer the injection and may adjust the dosage based on your individual needs and response to treatment.
What are the potential side effects of Semaglutide?
Common side effects of Semaglutide may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite. These side effects are usually mild to moderate in severity and tend to improve over time as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if you experience severe or persistent side effects, it's important to contact your healthcare provider.
How long does it take to see results with Semaglutide for weight loss?
Individual results may vary, but many people start to see weight loss within the first few weeks to months of starting Semaglutide treatment. The amount of weight lost and the rate of weight loss will depend on various factors, including adherence to the treatment plan, lifestyle modifications, and overall health status.
Can Semaglutide be used long-term for weight management?
Semaglutide is intended for long-term use as part of a comprehensive weight management program. Clinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy and safety for sustained weight loss over the long term. However, it's essential to continue monitoring your progress and working closely with your healthcare provider to ensure optimal results and safety.
