Your Weight Loss Journey
Step 1.
Your journey starts by completing a consultation request form (provided on this page) and scheduling a comfortable and private consultation with Dr. Elias Darido. Before the visit, you will be asked to fill out several forms about your health. These forms include questions about your medical history, diet history, previous surgeries, medications you take and allergies. You will be weighed and measured to calculate your BMI. You will then meet Dr. Darido to discuss your medical condition, talk about obesity and its causes, discuss lifestyle changes and determine the best weight loss solution for you. Dr. Darido will answer all your questions about bariatric surgery. He will go in detail over the different procedures. He will talk with you about the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure, and how much weight loss to expect. Dr. Darido will also discuss the risks of the surgery and the tests needed prior to surgery. Your consultation will last about one hour. Before you leave, you will be able to sit down with our insurance specialist to determine your insurance requirements.
Step 2.
Upper endoscopy, EKG, and basic blood tests are ordered in preparation for surgery. The purpose of upper endoscopy is to visualize the lining of your stomach and make sure there are no inflammation or lesions that need to be addressed prior to surgery. Upper endoscopy is especially helpful in patients who report acid reflux symptoms to check for a hiatal hernia. If present, Dr. Darido will fix the hernia during your bariatric procedure.
Step 3.
Houston Weight Loss Surgery Center nutritionist offers a comprehensive dietary evaluation. You will learn about diet changes you can expect after surgery and how to maintain a healthy and successful weight loss. In addition, our dietician will plan a high protein low calorie liquid diet for 2 to 3 weeks prior to surgery to shrink your liver, which will make your surgery safer.
Step 4.
Medical clearance is requested to make sure you are able to tolerate general anesthesia and surgery. You may need a sleep study to check for sleep apnea or a cardiac evaluation. You will also have a gallbladder ultrasound to check for gallstones.
Step 5.
A second visit with Dr. Darido will be scheduled when the bariatric coordinator has received all the results of all the tests and consultations requested. If everything is in order, you will be scheduled for surgery. You will sign consent for surgery, and you will receive your pre and post-operative care instructions.