Preparing for Surgery

Preparing for weight-loss surgery is a journey that takes time, commitment, and support. At Olmsted Medical Center (OMC), we guide you every step of the way to help you feel informed, confident, and ready for success.

Our program is designed to prepare your body and mind for surgery—and to help you build lifelong healthy habits that support lasting results.

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Step 1: Attend a Free Informational Session

Before meeting with a surgeon, you’ll attend a free informational session.
This session helps you:

Understand your surgical options and what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
Learn about the lifestyle changes that support long-term success.
Get guidance on insurance coverage and financial planning.

📞 To learn about upcoming sessions, contact our bariatric surgery coordinator at 507.529.6733.

Step 2: Meet with the Surgeon

During your initial surgical consultation, the surgeon will:

Review your medical and weight history.
Measure your Body Mass Index (BMI).
Discuss your surgical options and answer your questions.
Encourage you to start focusing on nutrition and lifestyle changes now.

You’ll also receive a patient binder that outlines each step of the program and helps you stay organized throughout your journey.

Step 3: Begin Nutrition Visits

Nutrition plays a major role in your success—before and after surgery.
You’ll meet with a registered dietitian once a month for six consecutive months to:

Learn healthy eating habits and portion control.
Set goals to prepare for surgery and recovery.
Build a plan for lifelong nutrition success.

These visits give you the tools and confidence to create sustainable change.

Step 4: Complete a Psychological Evaluation

Emotional wellness is an important part of surgical success.
You’ll meet with a psychologist soon after entering the program for an initial evaluation. The psychologist will:

Identify any challenges to address before surgery.
Support your emotional health and motivation.
Meet with you again before and after surgery to help you adjust and thrive.

Our goal is to make sure you feel ready—physically and emotionally—for this important step.

Step 5: Medical and Specialist Consultations

You’ll also meet with other healthcare providers as needed to ensure you’re ready for surgery:

Bariatrician or Endocrinology Visit: Reviews your health records, medications, and lab results to make sure no medical issues could affect your surgery.
Cardiology or Sleep Medicine Consults: Ordered only if your surgeon recommends them. Our team helps coordinate all appointments for you.