Our Team
Boone Hospital Center’s weight loss surgery program has a team of
individuals that will help support you along your journey to a healthy lifestyle.
Each team member is committed to helping you succeed. We like to think of
ourselves as coaches and trainers that will help guide you to a thinner,
healthier self. Our goal is to provide excellent care and education. We
have put together a comprehensive team that will be involved with your care
both before and after surgery.
Coordinator of Bariatric Services (RN)
The registered nurse is responsible for assisting in educating each patient
about the weight loss surgeries available, risks and benefits of the procedures,
expected post-operative course as well as long-term outcomes. The nurse
assists in coordinating the patient’s care from the outpatient to
the inpatient setting. This includes the application phase, pre-op phase
and post-op phase.
Registered Dietitian
Each patient will visit individually with the dietitian both before and
after surgery. The dietitian has four main goals for all patients. They
are as follows:
- To promote safe and successful weight loss.
- To teach eating and lifestyle behaviors that will aid in achieving
and maintaining a healthy and desirable body weight.
- Prevent nutrition deficiencies from reduced intake and absorption of
foods.
- To prevent and alleviate discomfort or intolerance of food
With surgery only being a treatment tool for weight loss, it is very important
to follow the recommended diet closely.
Physical Therapist
Each patient will be evaluated by the physical therapist both before and
after surgery. The physical therapist will evaluate your current activity
and exercise routines. The therapist will then design a structured activity
and exercise plan for you. The therapist will provide encouragement and
support as you begin participating in daily activity and exercise. Educational
resources will also be provided to help you increase your overall knowledge
of the beneficial effects of activity and exercise. Exercise, along with
diet changes, is essential for a successful outcome. Exercise will help:
- Prepare you for surgery
- Begin building muscle mass that will help increase metabolism
- Increase endurance
- Help maintain weight loss long-term.
Psychologist
Each patient will visit with the psychologist prior to surgery for a clinical
interview and testing if indicated. Dr. Laura Brenner, PhD, is a psychologist
who works closely with the surgeons and our program. The psychological evaluation
is necessary to identify psychological issues that may hinder someone from
following the program guidelines after surgery. The evaluation is intended
to identify problem areas or psychological issues that may need to be dealt
with both prior to and after surgery. As weight loss occurs, you will experience
many changes in your lifestyle and relationships that you have formed with
others. It is important to have the psychologist involved with your care
so that she may help you work through the changes that will occur in your
life. You may find that speaking with the psychologist following surgery
may be quite helpful in your recovery.
Insurance Specialist
An insurance specialist will contact your insurance company and verify
that you have benefits for weight loss surgery.
Financial Counselor
A finance counselor is available to speak with you regarding financial
concerns associated with weight loss surgery.