Fear Before Bariatric Surgery

Fear before a bariatric surgery procedure is a very natural and normal reaction to the unknown. After all, bariatric surgery is a major procedure with both benefits and risks that need to be evaluated carefully. Further, most patients have lived with their obesity problem and related diseases for years, decades, or even their entire lives – the prospect of an entirely new lifestyle can be very daunting. It is when fear becomes paralyzing, that it can cause serious trouble. This paralysis can come in the form of putting off a life-changing procedure like bariatric surgery or neglecting to make the difficult lifestyle decisions that are required of all of our patients after surgery.

The best and most effective way to harness fear before bariatric surgery is through knowledge. Patients should learn as much as possible about the various procedure options available as well as get to know us, the medical team that will be caring for them before, during and after surgery. We suggest that patients begin the learning process by spending time combing through the information on our website and then signing up for one of our free bariatric surgery seminars held monthly at one of two locations in Long Island/Queens, New York area. After attending a seminar patients will have the basic knowledge of what procedures may be the best for their particular situation. Patients can then attend their initial consultation with one of our three bariatric surgeons.

As mentioned above, fear is nothing to be ashamed of. However it must be controlled in order to allow for effective and safe surgical proceedings. We welcome you to contact our office with any questions you may have about the procedure or life after surgery. Our goal is to take the fear out of surgery and allow you to make the best decision for your future health and life.