As advancements have continued to be made in weight loss surgery, it continues to be a popular choice for those who have struggled with their weight to no avail, regardless of the diets, programs, and other things they have tried. Weighing the risk of disease and even death related to obesity against a surgical procedure, thousands of people have made the decision every year to finally opt for weight loss surgery. They have thoroughly vetted their chosen weight loss surgeon, gathered all the information about their particular surgery including the procedure itself and the recovery, and put together a picture of what to expect following surgery, with a true understanding that their participation in diet and exercise is a huge component of what they will achieve.

But how do people finally arrive at this place of decision? Because for many, while weight loss surgery may appear to be the most appropriate solution to preserve their health, taking those initial steps to seek out the information and make a consultation appointment, can seem enormously overwhelming. Where do you begin when it comes to starting on the road to weight loss surgery? Those first tenuous steps can seem unnerving but with a plan in place you can walk through the process one confident step at a time.

1. • Find a weight loss surgery team. This is the biggest part of your journey and, by far, among the most critical pieces. Not only do you want a certified weight loss surgeon with experience in performing a variety of weight loss surgeries, you want someone who is committed to patient care every step of the way – from preparing for surgery, to recovery and life after surgery. You want someone who is so committed to this process that they have surrounded themselves with an expert medical team – from nurses to office staff – that mirror this dedication. Talk to others who have already undergone surgery to get a feel for your prospects, read reviews, and interview potential candidates.
   • Make your consultation appointment. Your first appointment will tell you most of what you need to know about what to expect in the weeks to follow. Your doctor will perform a full exam to assess your overall health, introduce you to the surgery options, and begin to help you determine what could be most beneficial for your unique situation.
   • Gather information. You can’t be too prepared for weight loss surgery. Once you’ve decided what procedure you’re going to pursue, be sure to do your research so that you’re fully prepared for what to expect along the way and what you can do to maximize your chances for success.