The decision to have bariatric surgery is a big one indeed and it is not made lightly. There are many factors to consider, including risk factors and how the risk of surgery compares to the risks of remaining obese including the many medical complications that can arise from that. Once a person decides to move forward with surgery, they must consider which particular type of bariatric surgery is best for them and what surgical team is most aligned with their overall needs as the patient.

Certainly, the internet has changed the way that we connect with each other around the world and that includes the way that we gather information as it relates to our medical needs. No longer are we resigned to working with only those doctors and hospitals there are in our geographical region. If we need a particular surgery or procedure, we are able to get online and find the doctors that are most experienced in that surgery and procedure; we have the best of the best available at our fingertips.

When it comes to bariatric surgery, there is a lot of information to be gathered online and you may decide that you want to receive care from a particular medical team that is nowhere within the vicinity where you live. Perhaps the level of care that you require to have a successful surgery isn’t available in your area. Luckily, these days, traveling for surgery is possible; there are many resources available to us for planning a surgery far from home. Some things to consider include:

• Plan to travel for an initial consultation. Much communication and paperwork can be completed online but, ultimately, your doctor will want to meet with you and examine you prior to surgery.

• Plan your stay for surgery. Work with your doctor to determine when you will need to arrive for surgery. You will need to arrive early for pre-op procedures including lab work, paperwork, and other pre-admissions procedures.

• Plan your family’s stay. Your support team – whether family or friends – will want to be with you during your surgery and after. Plan early to reserve hotel rooms or explore other rental options. Your surgery center should have recommendations.

• Plan for recovery. Following surgery, you will have a period of recovery and – for that – your doctor will likely want you to stay close by the medical facility. There will be follow-ups with your doctor and a variety of post-surgical procedures that will require you to stay in the area so plan accordingly.

• Plan to go home. When you are released to go home, you will do so with many instructions. Be sure that your home and family are prepared to work within your doctor’s guidelines to help you get started in your new, healthy life.

Contact us at the Nicholson Clinic for information on traveling for surgery including our list of hotels for out-of-town patients.