Our program maintains continued emphasis on the overall well-being of our patients. We offer education on the different aspects of bariatric surgery, including the history of weight loss surgery, statistical data, good nutrition and exercise.

We hold monthly group meetings for pre- and post-operative patients as well as for their supporting person(s). We follow our patients on a long-term basis, sometimes beginning months prior to their surgery for morbid obesity. Our recommended post-operative office follow-ups are as follows: 10 days, 12 weeks, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months and annually thereafter.

During these follow-up visits, we discuss proper nutrition and daily vitamin/mineral supplementation. Evaluations of body-fat analysis are done at every visit to assess the value of weight loss. Post-operative symptoms are monitored and discussed thoroughly. Weight management and body image issues are addressed when appropriate.

Our program offers full-time RN and Physician Assistant telephone availability 24 hours a
day, seven days a week. Our staff is trained and educated to handle acute peri-operative care as well as chronic medical issues. Our post-operative management extends throughout the lifetime of our patients.

Patients receive a handbook to assist them during the post-operative period, quarterly newsletters with current events calendars, and are invited to participate in the DS_PacificLaparoscopy Yahoo! Group, an online community specifically for our practice. Our research program is ongoing and is recognized by the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons (ASBS). Our non-profit organization, Pacific Institute Explorers, helps educate about obesity and promote awareness of the surgical treatment of obesity.