 Hello, I'm Angela Monroe and I am one of the bariatric coordinators with MidMichigan Health's surgical weight management program. At MidMichigan Health we take a team approach to offer the most comprehensive care possible. Our surgeons are trained in advanced laparoscopic bariatric surgery and have completed more than 3,000 bariatric surgeries since 2003. So at our treatment center we have a team approach, myself and my partners in our group that are trained in advanced laparoscopic and bariatric surgery. We have various experience office staff, skilled nurses, dietitians at the hospital as well as other hospital staff. We have various support groups as well. We have behavioral specialists, insurance specialists, medical specialists as well. Various medical specialists including cardiologists, pulmonologists, psychiatrists that have special training as far as treating patients with obesity. If you have not discussed bariatric surgery with your primary care physician, it is important that you do so. Your doctor must support your decision and be willing to work with you both before and after surgery. You will also be asked to obtain a letter of recommendation from your doctor. Once you and your primary care physician have decided bariatric surgery is the right option for you, it is time to take the next step to regaining your life. By viewing the online seminar and submitting the required information you have initiated the pathway to surgery. Once we receive your information we will call you to obtain any additional required information and determine if you qualify for surgery. At this time we will send you a packet of paperwork to complete and return to our office and we will forward you to one of our scheduling coordinators to schedule a consult with your surgeon. At your initial visit you will receive one-on-one consultation with one of our bariatric surgeons as well as a meeting with one of our bariatric coordinators. At this time you will be scheduled for your required clearances including a psychiatric evaluation and an endoscopy. Depending on your medical history you may need a cardiology or a pulmonary consult. The next steps in the process include attending a support group meeting and pre-op education class. We hold support group meetings once a week rotating through four convenient locations. It is required you attend one of these meetings before surgery and we highly recommend that you continue to attend these meetings as often as possible. The pre-op education class is scheduled two to four weeks before surgery and includes education from a registered dietitian about the pre and post-op diet requirements. The class also includes both a nursing and exercise component. This class is free of charge and is required again approximately four to six weeks after surgery and again at six months post-op. Once you have completed your required clearances and met your insurance requirements you will be ready to schedule a surgery date. Our surgeons currently perform surgery at two locations, MidMichigan Medical Center Grashet and MidMichigan Medical Center Midland. Both locations are accredited by the metabolic and bariatric surgery accreditation and quality improvement program. Some insurance companies may require their members have surgery at such a facility. If you're ready to take the next step with bariatric surgery please fill out the online patient information form and a member of our team will contact you within the next 24 to 48 hours. If you have additional questions please don't hesitate to contact your office at 989-463-6699. Remember we are here for you every step of the way.