About the Surgical Weight Loss Program

The Surgical Weight Loss Program at Hickory Surgical Clinic is a surgical weight management program for the treatment of morbid obesity. This surgery is intended for the patient to lose a large percentage of excess weight to reduce the complications and health risks associated with morbid obesity and to enhance the quality of life.

Our program is based on the premise that once you have made the commitment to take this life changing step we want to offer you all the resources possible to assist you. We begin with an in-depth telephone interview to see what medical complications (if any) you have with your weight and offer you educational information. When you have filled in the extensive questionnaire we will review it and talk about any areas of concern. We then make an appointment for our two-hour educational orientation class. We encourage you to bring your spouse or other support person with you. In this class we discuss all the possible complications, dietary changes and many major lifestyle changes that are needed to make this surgery successful for you. The surgery alone is not the answer, but is a wonderful tool. When you have your pre-op appointment the Clinical Dietitian meets individually with you to go over the dietary plan and will assist you in making a shopping list of items to have on hand immediately after surgery. The dietician will also visit you during your hospital stay, as will the program coordinator. They will always be available to you for support. The surgical floor staff is well trained and dedicated to the care of the large patient.

Our program is implemented by a multidisciplinary medical team, consisting of surgeons, anesthesiologists, psychologist, dietitian, nursing staff, program coordinator and support staff. They work together to assess each patient’s needs on an individual basis to help them achieve a healthier lifestyle. Our patient support groups meet every month. Our post surgical patients see the doctor for follow up and possible blood work at regular intervals during the first year, and then annually thereafter for life. The coordinator of the Surgical Weight Loss Program and the Clinical Dietitian interviews the patient at each doctor visit and individually makes recommendations (the patient has access to these important support personnel as necessary).