Navigating the Process
Flowers Hospital's Center for Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery offers proven solutions and compassionate support throughout the weight loss surgery process. The program includes a specially trained team of professionals who will work closely with you every step of the way to help you enjoy your own life-changing success.
Step One: Attend a Free Seminar
To help you understand what to expect at every point in the weight loss surgery process, we offer free seminars where you can learn more about procedure options, typical results and the lifestyle changes that will help ensure lasting weight loss. At our seminars, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions and receive immediate feedback from members of the team. You will also hear from the surgeons who've helped so many take the first step. Following the seminar, the team will conduct a screening to ensure you meet the basic requirements for surgery, collect some general information about your medical history and set up an appointment to meet with a surgeon.
Call us to request a meeting, or register online now and we will follow up with you about upcoming seminar times.
Register for a Seminar
Call (334) 944-7095.
Step Two: Call Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance company to see if weight loss surgery is covered by your plan. Criteria for coverage will vary among insurance companies.
For those interested in private-pay for self-pay options, patients at Flowers Hospital can save on bariatric surgery through MDSave. Visit www.MDSave.com for more information.
If you are concerned about affordability, we can assist in developing a plan that's right for you. We are here to help you explore your financial options, including third-party options for affordable financing.
Step Three: Meet with the Surgeon
After attending the seminar and deciding you would like to pursue weight loss surgery, the next step in the process is a consultation with a surgeon. This is where you and your doctor will evaluate your condition, identify options and set next steps.
Step Four: Follow a Pre-Surgical Plan
If surgery is indicated, a pre-surgical plan will be developed especially for you. Implementing the pre-surgical plan may take several months, especially if you're using an insurance coverage option that requires the completion of certain steps prior to surgery. We can assist you with collecting information needed to verify completion of each step in this process.
Step Five: Education
Education is an important part of preparing for weight loss surgery. The educational program provides classes on nutrition and exercise, recommendations for preparing for surgery and post-operative resources for continued support. We are committed to providing you with the tools and information you need to make and maintain profound changes for lifelong health.
Step Six: Surgery
Surgery usually takes about two hours for the average patient, but some procedures may take longer. For most people, the average post-surgical hospital stay is 1-2 days. Most patients can go back to work within two weeks of surgery, but your specific recovery time length will be determined by your surgeon. In some cases, additional restrictions may apply.
Step Seven: Follow-Up Care
In the early days after surgery, the team will work closely with you and your primary care physician to help keep your physical recovery on track. In addition, you'll have frequent visits with our team to help you safely manage your weight loss. The center provides services including medical assessments and monitoring, nutritional guidance and meal planning, behavior modification counseling and more. The support group offers ongoing encouragement and education from other bariatric surgery patients as well as professional staff. It is important to be committed to following a new and improved post-operative lifestyle, including being proactive in dealing with potential obstacles in your weight loss journey.