The TLC Difference

As a Centers of Excellence Bariatric program, we believe in providing our patients with a comprehensive weight loss plan and a long-term partner in health. A few things that set TLC apart:

• A welcoming office where the focus is on the patient.
• Personalized treatment plans that take into account your individual health, lifestyle, and goals.
• Experienced surgeons who work together, along with a team of Cardiologists, Pulmonologists, and Critical Care Specialists to make each patient’s surgery and postoperative course as safe as possible.
• A supportive community and access to the tools you need to maintain successful weight loss.

Steps Toward Weight Loss Surgery

• • STEP 2: CONSULTATION APPOINTMENT
    Your consultation appointment is your opportunity to ask any questions you have about our weight loss program or bariatric surgery. A consultation appointment with one of our experienced weight loss doctors will help you learn about your weight loss options and decide which procedure may be right for you. The doctor will evaluate your health and discuss your medical history and your weight loss goals to determine if you are a candidate for the surgery or non-surgical procedure that you are interested in. If you decide that the TLC program is right for you, we’ll discuss your personalized treatment plan. 
  • STEP 3: PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION AND NUTRITION CLASSES FOR WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY
    The psychological evaluation is your chance to identify and discuss emotional eating habits or underlying challenges that could keep you from following a healthier diet and exercise guidelines. Patients are sometimes surprised by the requirement for a pre-surgical psychological evaluation, but this step plays an important part in the success of your weight loss program. Bariatric surgery is a tool, but patients need to commit to healthy lifestyle changes in order to meet their goals. Our goal is for each patient to clearly understand the work involved in changing their lifestyle and have realistic expectations of life after weight loss surgery. A patient who has an understanding of themselves and this process will be better equipped to handle any challenge they encounter on their journey and have a greater chance of a successful outcome. We also set patients up for long-term success by providing an exclusive nutrition class. This program, created by our Registered Dietitian, will tell you everything you need to know about choosing foods and creating meal plans after bariatric surgery.
  • STEP 4: PRE-SURGICAL MEDICAL APPOINTMENT
    Your doctor will evaluate your health and give you important pre-surgical instructions and information about your upcoming surgery. Every bariatric patient at TLC will have at least one pre-surgical medical appointment scheduled no less than 2 weeks prior to surgery. You may require additional appointments or weight management classes depending on your age, health and medical history. Things that may be performed prior to surgery include an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), labs, and cardiac testing.
  • STEP 5: PRE-SURGICAL DIET
    In general, bariatric patients will be required to follow a liquid diet for two weeks prior to surgery. Your pre-surgical diet recommendations may vary based on your health and the type of surgery you are having. The required low-carbohydrate, high-protein liquid diet will reduce the size of your liver in preparation for surgery. The pre-surgical bariatric diet plays an important part in the safety of your surgery and recovery, and it is critical that you adhere to the guidelines set by your surgeon and dietitian.
  • STEP 6: SURGERY AND BEYOND
    Your surgical team will provide detailed post-operative instructions and your dietitian will outline meal plans and comprehensive diet guidelines. Once your surgery date is scheduled, our team will be available to answer any questions you have prior to your procedure. Bariatric surgery is typically an out-patient procedure and we specialize in single-incision laparoscopic surgery for quicker recovery times. The length of time your surgery takes and your recovery instructions will vary depending on the type of procedure you undergo. After surgery, we will share support resources and provide tools for you to succeed on your weight loss journey.